Vineyard Tours, Part One

This is a much overdue post, but better late than never!

In the beginning of June, Charlie took the entire tasting room staff out for two days of vineyard tours. We visited many of the top vineyards that Fidelitas sources grapes from, including Champoux, Gamache, Connor-Lee, Weinbau and Stillwater Creek. I learned so much about our growers and the vineyards, but am choosing to share a bunch of pictures, rather than rambling on. Part One will be from Day One - Champoux Vineyard. Stay tuned for Day Two.

The whole gang in front of the new Fidelitas rows in one of the oldest blocks of Champoux Vineyard. We snuck in for a photo before the vines got trimmed, which will allow maximum growing power to the barely budding clusters.

Paul, explaining the formation of these clusters. Champoux is a comparatively cooler vineyard, so their grape clusters were still just flowering. The cooler temps produce more herbal tones in the wine, along with that nice capsicum note that I find in so many Champoux reds.

The boys talking business... Look at the size of that root stock! These vines were planted in 1972 by the Mercer Family.

The Baby Poux Vineyard is the first vineyard that Paul and Judy planted once they bought the land in the early 90's. Fidelitas has a few rows in here. We determined that this was now "going off to college Poux".

After our hard work walking through vines, we were treated to a full lunch and Champoux vineyard wines by Paul and Judy. We had OS Riesling to begin, Sinnean Cabernet Sauvignon with lunch, and Powers Port with a tasty little chocolate tart (which Marilyn and I really enjoyed). Needless to say, we were a jolly bunch.

The courtyard at Chateau Champoux. Judy's vineyard, Lady Hawk, is not too far from here.

Washington Wines Festival

A couple of hot weekends ago, I got to attend the Washington Wines Festival at Camp Korey in Carnation. This is a truly worthwhile event that benefits the Washington Wine Education Foundation and Camp Korey. This is one of the Paul Newman Hole in the Wall Camps that services children who have life-threatening illnesses, providing a place where they feel safe and can just be kids, and their family know that they will be well taken care of during their stay. The "raise the paddle" portion of the auction alone raised more than $250,000 that will go directly to Camp Korey.

As a representative of Fidelitas, I poured wine during the winemaker lunch and got to chat with several wonderful people. I attended the auction, shared more Fidelitas Optu red and white (a lot of white since it was so hot), and then got to settle down for the real excitement of the evening - Carole King! Carole King is what I call my "wake up music". I listen to the Tapestry album on the Saturday mornings that I work at the wine shop, and shamelessly sing along while merchandising wine bottles. She came on stage and told the crowd of less than 200 people sprawled out on picnic blankets, "Welcome to my only stop of World Tour 2009". It was a great show.

Learn more about this worthwhile (and fun!) event: http://www.washingtonwinesfestival.com/

Sorry these are so gritty...

We were part of a "Magnum Lot" with Betz, Chateau Rollat, Chateau Ste Michelle, Dunham, Kestrel, L'Ecole, Leonetti Cellar, Northstar, Sparkman Cellars, Syncline, Va Piano, Waters and Woodhouse Family Cellars. All of the magnums were sand-carved and hand painted by the talented folks at Fresh NW Design. Some lucky bidder got the whole lot for $5000! I'm in the middle with Bob Betz, Ted Baseler, Chris Sparkman and Amy Figgins. Impressive group...

Sing it, Carole.

Optu Pairing Party

Did you know that one of the perks of being an Optu member means that you are able to host your very own pairing party, complete with the Fidelitas Wine Concierge? Members Kemper and Travis knew and invited me over for a great evening last Friday. They are part of a tasting group that meets once a month to learn about and try different wines. The whole group came to their house with a variety of great dishes that we paired with five different Fidelitas wines. Everyone had the chance to taste through our wines, learn a bit more about Fidelitas, and learn about the basic principles of pairing wine and food.
If you are an Optu member that lives in either the Seattle area or around the Tri-Cities, and you want to set up a party, let me know. If you are not an Optu member, or are in another area, I have the entire party in a box so you can host the event on your own. I've done it a few times myself and have had tons of fun.

Why is Red Mountain so great?

Let Harvey tell you:
http://www.winespectator.com/Wine/Free/Video/0,4258,353514866,00.html?bcpid=353514866&bclid=196271124&bctid=27251699001

One Year Celebration

I celebrated my one year anniversary of working with Fidelitas in May by opening a bottle of 2005 Optu red. This was keeping a tradition, since I celebrated my getting the job with a bottle of 2004 Optu red.
Coming this August, I am celebrating something that is almost more exciting for me: the one year anniversary of the Fidelitas Concierge Program. When I began my job with Fidelitas, I had the goal to create a wine club experience that was truly like no other that you would find. Since then, I've seen a few come close, but none are quite the same. In the past year, I have sent personalized gift packages around the country for friends of club members. I have arranged special tours for members as they are visiting Washington wine country, which can be Red Mountain, Walla Walla, even Woodinville where grapes are rarely seen. I have helped members plan special parties, have hosted food and wine parties, and frequently give out recipe suggestions for all of our wines.
I'm not saying this to pat myself on the back - just to simply reflect on the year as I gear up for the next. I truly love my job and all of the members that I get to work with. Please let me know how the Fidelitas Concierge Program can benefit you!
Here are some pictures of the new patio umbrellas at the tasting room. Now you can enjoy your picnic even on hot summer days!