Tasting the Tri Cities

I recently had several people ask me what vineyards I would recommend in Washington's Tri Cities area. This area is as rich in vineyards as blue skies, making it a great destination for a wine filled few days. I will give you a summary of a few vineyards that are in the Richland area but let this be a spring board for the hundreds of other vineyards in Yakima, Walla Walla, Prosser, Benton City to name a few surrounding towns.

I don't recommend hitting more than three in a day and setting someone up in advance who will drive you around.

First I would say hit the three closest to my house, right after you pick me up... not just because they are close but because they are three fine and well established estates.

Tagaris

Tagaris has snuck into my schedule rather sleuth in nature. It has taken  me a while to warm up to the large open dining room that has a relatively small bar area but once I cracked a few of the bartenders I appreciated the space. The patio outside of the dining area is stunningly large and features live music starting mid Spring and lasting into the Summer months. The wine is very easy, pleasing a variety palates with the goal to “become the premiere authority for making wine using as little oak as possible so the vibrant fruit flavors of the wine are predominant”. The tasting experience is exceptional.

Via

Bernard Griffin

Established in 1983, Barnard Griffin has become the premier family-owned winery in Washington State. Barnard Griffin declared the best rosé in America. That is right,  Barnard Griffin Winery has won the award for best rosé at the largest and most influential wine competition in the United States. The judges at the San Francisco Wine Competition selected the Barnard Griffin 2010 Rosé of Sangiovese as the best in its category. This marks the sixth year in a row that this wine has won gold or better at the event.  Barnard Griffin owner and winemaker Rob Griffin said, “We’re very pleased by this recognition. It’s further proof of the world-class quality we achieve in the Washington State wine industry."

J Bookwalter Winery and Bistro

I was introduced to wine in this region by the fine employees and a few enthusiastic patrons of Bookwalter. I recommend hitting Bookwalter while the sun is out and shining, the patio and gardens are spectacular. What happens there after hours, well is the finest showing of the Tri Cities and well..... I am going to bite my lip.... and not go there. They offer extremely crafted wines that impress all interests.

J BOOKWALTER WINERY & BISTRO AWARDED SUNSET MAGAZINES 2010 WINERY TASTING ROOM OF THE YEAR!

Badger Mountain and Powers Vineyard

Venturing a bit further from the house, like 2 more miles, is the first organic vineyard in Washington and some of our favorite local wines. A must do if you are even passing through.

Terra Blanca

Amazing wines and even more spectacular atmosphere. Beautiful setting, wonderfully cheerful employees and a dog for good measure.

 If you go anywhere for a great experience - this is the place. Did I mention that it was beautiful!

Greened Corn

Change has been good for me. I must admit that it has also been just as challenging. In order to succeed at this new step, not drive my man nuts or throw the animals off the balcony I have decided make some goals and use what extra time I have to take care of projects that I have been longing to have time for.

Today is a simple goal: make sure we eat well.

I am saying good bye to meat raised on big farms, produce from far away countries, and "fast food." Since I do have the time and energy to explore providing healthy and intentional food - I best be following through! We do live in a very bountiful area and the harvest season is only now winding down.

I have found a great online resource for local information for the Tri Cities area including farm stands, local markets and general community. Today, I plan on hitting a couple farm stands, meeting new people, and gathering some late season items such as eggplant, peppers and a squash or two.

As you may know, J is not a picky eater and will eat almost anything that is laden with spinach. Here is my best attempt to take my love for creamed corn to the next level and have help eating it.
Greened corn.... enjoy!

Greened Corn

I served this along side some spicy enchiladas but next time I envision eating over toast or with a fried egg.

Ingredients

• 2 cups kenneled corn
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, combine the corn, cream, salt, sugar, pepper and butter.
2. Whisk together the milk and flour, and stir into the corn mixture.
3. Cook stirring over medium heat until the mixture is thickened, and corn is cooked through.
4. Add chopped spinach. Continue stirring until the spinach is just slightly wilted and warm.
5. Remove from heat, and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. Serve hot.

Pasco Market

I was increadibly skeptical to move to the Tri Cities. People referred to it as the arm pit of Washington and much to my dismay the "Dry Shitties." I hesitate to admit, I lost sleep over the idea of moving to a place that had such a reputation. I should have known better than to judge a place before I experienced it for myself. 

The first week has been a delight getting our new apartment all settled, exploring the town, trying new restaurants, a few wine tastings, learning a little more about Hanford and the clean-up project, and even a visit to the mid-week farmers market in Pasco.

Pasco's farmers market is the largest open air farmers market in the state and occurs on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9am to noon May through October. 

I am blessed with an abundance of time right now and I jumped on the opportunity to explore the smaller, mid-week market. I spent some time getting to know a few of the vendors. The shinning star of the morning was an organic orchard, who graciously knew my fondness for fruit and let me eat each one of the plumbs and apples before I bought them. Needless to say I left there with my totes full of fruity goodness. 

  With the weather in the mid 70's I decided to walk through some of the sunny streets of Pasco. 

 My senses were overwhelmed by bright colors, smells of roasting meat, and a refreshing bit of multiculturalism.

 Pasco is a little Mexico that reminds of some of the border towns of the Texas region. I was instantly transported to our many trips into Mexico and found it to be a very welcoming and familiar atmosphere. 

Of course I had to stop in on the the largest bakery in town I had walked by. The cases were filled with brightly colored pastries - covered in sugar, colored sugar... a perfect way to end the afternoon.

Here is to many more great adventures because as I see for myself, the Tri Cities are not that bad in my book.