Yakima Valley Wineries Coming to Bellingham

I’ve always felt that one of the best ways to learn about and experience what Washington wineries have to offer is to visit them firsthand.

But organizing a trip centered on wineries – particularly those in Eastern Washington – can take a bit of time and effort for those of us living on the western side of the state.

It may require time off from work, or at the very least, blocking out several weekends. It’s also necessary to plan ahead by calling wineries to make sure they’ll be open and pouring the wines you enjoy. And as of late, the soaring price of gasoline has made the overall cost of traveling across the Cascades considerably more expensive.

If these sound like excuses you’ve been using to postpone your trip, I’d like to offer a solution. Let the wineries come to you.

On Monday, July 24, the Yakima Valley Showcase of Wines will be featured at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, located at 355 Harris Avenue. Nineteen wineries from the region will be serving wines, first at an afternoon tasting for trade and media representatives, and then for the general public from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Included at the event will be some of my personal favorites including Chinook Wines, Pontin del Roza, Hightower Cellars, Thurston Wolfe Winery and Kiona Vineyards.

This is a great way to sample Washington wines – without having to spend too much time or a small fortune – and enjoy the best of what the Yakima Valley currently has to offer.

Cost for the public tasting is $35 per person, which includes light appetizers. Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event at www.wineyakimavalley.org/events.