Wine lovers will have the opportunity to support hyperlocal and boutique wineries May 11 as an association of wineries from Clark, Lewis and Cowlitz counties hosts its first all-inclusive wine and culinary event at Pearson Air Museum.
Savor Southwest Washington Wine, organized by the Southwest Washington Winery Association, will feature booths to sample the products of nearly 20 wineries, as well as small bites produced by local chefs. One ticket will cover all wine and food tastings; ticket sales are capped at 350.
Guests will be encouraged to roam and get to know the faces behind these boutique wineries, hear their stories, find out what they love about crafting wine in this up-and-coming region, and learn which grapes are growing well in the area.
There will be no vendors at the event, though association member Steve Bader of Bader Beer and Wine Supply will be demonstrating winemaking equipment for the home enthusiast and might bring a kit to walk through the major steps of the winemaking process.
If You Go
What: Savor Southwest Washington Wine.
When: 2 to 6 p.m. May 11.
Where: Pearson Air Museum, 1115 E. Fifth St., Vancouver.
Price: $75 in advance, $85 at the door.
Information:swwawine.com.
Clark County is home to more than 20 licensed wineries, with more opening every year. Area vintners are sourcing fruit from well-managed sites in Eastern Washington, but more fruit is being grown right in their backyard with every harvest, and vineyard plantings are being expanded.
Roger Rezabek, owner of Rezabek Vineyards, is the chair of the association’s American Viticultural Area task force, which lists 130 to 150 acres of wine grapes from 38 vineyard sites.
As the association pursues its own AVA designation — a process that can take several years — local winemakers are aging Clark County-grown varietals such as pinot noir from White Dog Farm, pinot meunier from Rezabek Vineyards, golubok from Stavalaura Vineyards, mar?chal foch from Olequa Cellars and sauvignon blanc from English Estate Winery.
More than 20 wine grape varieties are being grown in Clark County. With a broader reach into Lewis and Cowlitz counties, that number — and vineyard acreage — is expected to increase.
All this winery growth has been helped, in part, by the support of the local restaurant community. That will continue with the May 11 event, which will feature food prepared by La Bottega Cafe Deli Wine Shop, Tommy O’s Pacific Rim Bistro, Elements Restaurant, Farrar’s Bistro, Bleu Door Bakery, and Eatery at The Grant House.
Brink said the restaurants will work together to reduce menu redundancy and stress complementary pairings with the wines being highlighted.
“I think people will get a tremendous value for $75,” Brink said. “My hope is that people will get excited about local and will give local a shot if they haven’t before. Southwest Washington is a competitive alternative to Woodinville, Walla Walla and the Willamette Valley.”
