It is getting to be that time for tours and passports!  Coming up April 12th through 14th is the Columbia Gorge Passport Weekend..... You will have 25+ wineries to choose from with exclusive offerings and discounts to passport holders only.

Passports are on-sale now for $15 through Local Wine Events and you will receive your passport by mail.  There is also a Passport Weekend Kick-off Event April 8th in Portland where you will be able to visit all participating wineries in one location.  It will be helpd at The Good Mod, 1313 West Burnside St, Portland OR 97209 from 4PM to 7PM.  (Trade Tasting will be 1PM to 4PM same day)  Tickets for this event are $25 and include a Passport for the upcoming weekend.

This event is the "premier wine & food" weekend for anyone who enjoys good wine and great food!  With more that 225 wineries from the region present, you have the ability to taste your favorites and experience some new ones.  For the food lover there will be more than 60 restaurants to tempt your palate with their culinary experience.

You will also be able to peruse exhibitors from the regions local business scene.  This is an event worth attending!

Tickets are on-sale now, be sure to click the Taste Washington 2-Day image to buy yours before they are sold out.  They offer a General Admission 1 or 2 day ticket as well as a LIMITED VIP Ticket for 1 or 2 days that includes early admission, access the Barrel Room and VIP Lounge, a VIP Swag bag and special giveaways for VIP's during the early admission time segment.  

I absolutely LOVE this program!  Washington Wine Country Taste and Tote - sponsored by Alaska Airlines and Enterprise Car Rental.  Alaska Airlines passengers flying out of the Pasco/Tri-Cities, Walla Walla, or Yakima airports will be able to check one case (with up to twelve standard 750 ml. bottles in one case) of Washington wine as baggage at no charge.Drop-off fees for vehicles rented from Enterprise Rent-A-Car will be waived (details below).


In addition, Alaska Airlines passengers can taste wine at participating wineries in Washington Wine Country at no charge when they present their Alaska Airlines in-bound boarding pass to one of the three cities.

Why couldn't everything be this simple, with a dedicated site for your wine trip planning offering benefits and perks!  Who could ask for anything more... so when you are considering your next wine country excursion, don't forget the northwest has plenty of great wines, vineyards, and wineries to experience.  Plan yours today!

In keeping with the sharing theme, I came across a nice list put together by SeattleMet.  This article showcases the "Best Washington Wines for 2012" and includes descriptions and prices....  

Take a look and see how many you have tried or what ones you would like to add to your wine cellar.  Just proof that Washington State has their fair share of great wines!
2012 Washingtons Best Wine List