EVENT CANCELED

Hosted by: Bill & Carol Peet  Date: Monday, June 30th  Cost: $35 for members and $45 for guests Location: Joy’s Wine Bistro, 1135 E. Front, St. Port Angeles

This event will be a rescheduling of an event, in December, cancelled due to snow. Jane & Ron Floyd originally planned this menu. Please note that this event is on Monday, which is a day that Joy’s Bistro is normally closed. This event will be limited to 35.

Small plates will be featured, paired with wines from five or six of the local wineries. We will have a winemaker or two on hand and a surprise new first release wine. This menu was originally meant to be hord’oeuvres, so portions will be small.    Return to the Event History listing 
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OPES  #59 - Wines of Subalpine Italy  Date: Sunday, February 10, 2008
Time: 5:30 PM  Location: Michael's Divine Dining 
The wines we are to savor this evening all are grown au (Bartolomiol) accompanying the Antipasto, a nice clean Soave (Inama) joins the creamy Risotto with Shrimp and Parmesan Cheese, the entrée Veal Scallopine in red sauce and vegetables is joined  By Aribaldo Dolcetto (Marchesa di Gresy), followed by a spring salad of greens, cucumbers and Misto with a gentile Rosato (Legeder) and ending with a pleasant Moscato (Saracco) and Spumoni.       In saluting the wines of subalpine Italy, we recall that the country and its capital Rome were savagely destroyed in 551 AD by the Visigoths, producing a great vacuum in the laws and civility in the populace. The next invasion by a Germanic tribe, the Lombards, in 568 AD, initially brought more chaos until the new dominators had conquered all the subalpine areas plus the complete control of both seacoasts as far South as the Papal States. Rather than repeating a plunder and then withdrawal, as did the Visigoths, the Huns, the Vandals and the Ostrogoths, the Lombards overcome their semiobarberism, settled into the country, developed their kingship, empire and coinage encouraged the towns to grow into cities and with increasing output from the fertile Po valley began new trade routes to the Mediterranean countries and as far north as London by the 8^th century. The place the Lombards played in the development of a mercantile Italy was recognized by naming the Province around Milan and their capital, Pavia, Lombardy.  There is limited attendance for this event. Cost is $50 for  members, $60 for guests. Return to the Event History listing 
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#57 Harbinger Winery – A Local Treasure

The OPES event originally scheduled for Dec 2 has been rescheduled for Dec 27th. Pat Nix and Arlene McClelland will host the December event on December 27 at 6 P.M. at Sunland Golf & Country Club in Sequim.The club is decorated for Christmas and we'll have the Sunland caterers prepare the food. We already have the wines that Jane selected from Harbinger.
Cost: $35 per person (members) and $45 (guests)
Location:   Sunland Golf & Country Club in Sequim.
Return to the Event History listing 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++OPES #56 WINES FROM THE OKANAGAN VALLEY -- BRITISH COLUMBIA 
This wine event, hosted by Anne Davidson, Kaleden, B.C., and Don and Marilyn Brenner, Port Townsend, at Gardiner Community Center on Sunday, October 21, 2007, was an unqualified success.

Featured were wines, cheeses, and fruit from the Okanagan as well as a dessert treat, Nanaimo Bars that were first created in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.

Anne described the history of vineyard and winery establishment in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia as well as its growth and current status as a vacation and wine tasting destination.

Guests were greeted with Gray Monk Odyssey 25^th Anniversary 2006 Pinot Gris. Gray Monk’s 2006 unwooded Chardonnay was paired with Poplar Grove Winery Camembert and Tiger Blue cheese and a 5-year aged cheddar from Balderson Cheese Co, Ontario. Smoked salmon, Okanagan Concord grapes, Honey Crisp apples, Okanagan Fiesta Pear salsa, Terra Breads (Vancouver); fruit & nut crisps, and baguette slices completed the appetizer table.

Volunteers prepared our ‘Committee” Salad--baby greens, candied almonds, mandarin oranges, avocado---which was served with Little Straw 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, a Gold Medal wine, and a Lang 2006 Gewürztraminer.

Dinner highlighted roasted sea salt-, garlic-, and rosemary-rubbed pork tenderloin with Okanagan fruit confiture, a barley and wild/brown rice casserole, and a medley of roasted fall vegetables. Four reds served with the entrée were: a 2003 Arrowleaf Zweigelt (an Austrian varietal); a Hester Creek 2002 Cabernet Franc; Church and State’s Churchmouse label 2004 Merlot and finally Church and State 2005 powerhouse Syrah. (While Church and State Winery is located in Brentwood Bay/Victoria area, the red grapes were from the Black Sage bench between Oliver and Osoyoos in the South Okanagan.) Bill Dyer (formerly of Burrowing Owl Winery where he was known for creating prize winning wines) is now winemaker at Church and State. Bill is a 27 year veteran Napa Valley winemaker whose credits include winemaking at Miramar Torres Estate (Russian River) and Frogs Leap in Napa. Our evening finished off with Mt. Boucherie’s 2002 Pinot Noir Icewine paired with Nanimo Bars and raspberry coulis.

All those who attended were complimentary of the food, the wines, and the pairings. We want especially to thank Vicki and Smitty Lebkeucher for decorations, setup, and guidance; Smitty, Roger Lyons and Don Brenner for wine pouring; Suzanne Rehder, Gardiner Community Center liaison; Roger and Kristen Lyons; our three volunteer salad makers; and all those who assisted with serving and clean up. Anne and Marilyn planned the event, developed the recipes and honed their cooking skills. Bill Loughridge assisted in food preparation, serving, and clean up. Anne, Don, and Marilyn tasted, selected, and transported all the wines from Canada (tough job but someone has to do it!). We wish to thank Terry and Cheryl at the VQA Arrowsmith Wine Shop in Parksville, Vancouver Island, for their assistance. And thank you, all who attended, for making the evening a great success!
Wine Prices in Canadian at the time of purchase:
Gray Monk 25^th Anniversary Pinot Gris 2006       $22.00
Gray Monk Chardonnay 2006                               $16.50
Little Straw Sauvignon Blanc 2006                       $16.00
Lang Gewürztraminer 2006                                   $17.00
Arrowleaf Zweigelt 2003                                       $17.00
Churchmouse Merlot 2004                                     $18.00
Hester Creek Cabernet Franc  2002                       $25.00
Church and State Syrah 2005                                 $26.00
Mt. Boucherie Pinot Noir Ice Wine 2002 (375ml) $45.00 
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OPES #55   SEPTEMBER TREAT EVENT  
What a treat. Our September event was in the home, or rather on the deck, of new board member Dale Wyngaert and  his wife Lori.  They served us several northwest favorites; many that they prepared themselves. They were assisted by friends Gayle Hosford and Vern Thomas.

We started with  "Pearl" sake--I take responsibility for this!  Just wanted to offer it--something that we would not buy just on a whim. Interestingly, though I think it does taste good--it is not the chosen drink to accompany sushi.

After a small sample of the sake, we got serious with freshwater eel and ahi tuna prepared by Dale with sushi rice and California Rolls.  Followed by fresh-made crab cakes and finger salad. All of this was accompanied by Charles Smith's Magnificent Wine Company's Kung Fu Girl Riesling and from Italy, a sparkling wine, Prosecco.

For the entrée we had Dale's cedar-planked Salmon and an orzo salad with shrimp. To pair with this we chose Sauvignon Blanc from Kim Crawford.  This Sauv is made from low-yield grapes grown in the Marlborough region of New Zealand.

Also served with the salmon was an Eyrie Pinot Noir.  This '01 reserve is from the original grapes planted by David Lett. His Oregon Vineyards consistently produce award- winning wines.

Dessert was simple but a rather unusual pairing: Key Lime Sherbet with Sutter Homes Moscato. 

We want to thank Dale and Lori for all their hard work in preparing the food and inviting us into their home!   Thanks also to Gayle and Vern for helping and joining us in a great OPES event. 
– Vicki Lebkeucher    Return to the Event History listing
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OPES #54   Walla Walla’s Rock Star of Syrah—Charles Smith of K Vintners  On Friday, August 17, 2007, 80 OPES members and guests sat down to break bread and share wine with Charles Smith, “my wines are suave, kinda sexy.  I want the wines to be feminine, but like a woman who knows what she wants.  Something with a lot of finesse and depth and elegance.  And I don't like oaky wines, blockbusters, or monster tannic wines; I like wines that are sophisticated.”  Charles was not only very informative about his and other Walla Walla wines, but also very entertaining.  Norbert and Michelle Juhasz of C’est Si Bon in Port Angeles did not let us down in the quality of the food we paired with Charles’ wines.

Admission was $58.00 for OPES members and $68.00 for sponsored guests and all attendees seemed to think they got their money’s worth.  The following represents the wine and food pairings:

Chilled vichyssoise served with delicious hors d’oeuvres trays buffet style served with 2005 Columbia Valley, The Magnificent Wine Company White “House Wine”.  

Mixed salad with cucumber and purple onion dressed in Michele’s home-made vinaigrette served with 2006 Columbia Valley, Charles Smith Wines “Holy Cow” Chardonnay.  This Chard is fresh, complex, silky, and an outstanding value at $12.

Lamb chops in rosemary sauce and a mixed seafood Creole in parchment with red pepper sauce accompanied by roasted vegetables, mushrooms and orzo with 2003 Walla Walla Valley, K Vintners “Roma” from Randy’s cellar.  This 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Syrah was rated 92 by Wine Enthusiast and 90 by the Wine Spectator.  A lovely, deep wine named for Charles’ Mother Roma Jean.  Also served beside the Roma was the 2005 Walla Walla Valley, K Vintners “Cougar Hills” Syrah.  100% Syrah from the Cougar Hills vineyard with flavors of black olive and anise.  This wine was last produced in 2003 receiving a 93 rating from Wine Spectator.  Although rather pricey at $45, it would be well worth putting a few in the cellar.

And lastly Death by Chocolate served with 2005 Walla Walla Valley, K Vintners “The Creator”.  60% Cabernet Sauvignon from En Cerise vineyard and 40% Syrah from the Morrison Lane vineyard.  The aromas and flavors of earth, spice, and minerals were excellent although no one was, “brought to their knees singing Sweet Baby Jesus. Hallelujah.” as Charles stated they might.
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OPES #53 “WILLAKENZIE ESTATES: THE MANY FACES OF PINOTS”     
Wine Educator Bob Bentley, our event chair, hosted Ronni Lacroute, owner of Willakenzie Estate winery, in a program that offered a range of this prestigious winery’s very highly rated wines, including Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Meunier, and three of their exceptional Pinot Noirs, one a prized “library” 1999 vintage. This was a wine dinner program with a wonderful French touch, featuring a rack of lamb entree and several delightful matching courses to the wines. 

After telling the history of how clonal evolution of the different Pinot grape varietals has evolved, Ronni described how “dirt matters”, an explanation of how Willakenzie’s many innovative organic and sustainable viticulture and winemaking practices emphasize the precise use of terroir and blending styles. Bob noted how this winery has received national and international recognition, being featured in the Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, and nearly all major wine publications. Every wine of the six types we sampled has scored at 90+ ratings, a truly outstanding feat.

These elegant food and wine pairings and Ronni’s exciting and energetic program truly made this a highly entertaining and educational evening.
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OPES 52 TERROIR!   A Sense of Place MAY 20 2007 GARDINER COMMUNITY CENTER 
We tried something different!  Our greeter wine was a Samson Estate Chardonnay from the Columbia Valley.  Guests were asked to try several combinations of foods with the wine.  There was turkey, Red Delicious apples, goat cheese and cheddar cheese--all with water crackers and bread.  Although all the foods went with the wines, some combos were very appealing--some were not; and of course everyone’s tastes are a little different.

Then we had a flight of three Rieslings.  An ‘06 Penfold Bin 51, from southern Australia: an ’06 Barnard Griffin from the Columbia Valley and an ’05 Selbach Zeltinger Himmelreich Kabinett from Germany.

With these wines we presented hand crafted Braunsweiger, D’Anjou pears, bleu cheese and black olives.  The favorites here were the bleu cheese and the pears!

Next we had a flight of Merlots: an ’02 Chateau des Anneroux from France: an ’05 Falesco IGT from Italy and an ’04 Frog’s Leap from the Napa Valley.  With these wines we presented beef, Gouda, dried cherries and cranberries, green olives and pecans!  Several combos here were mentioned as very good.

As we enjoyed testing these different tasting delights, Mary Earl from Grape Expectations in Silverdale, went to each table and told about the “Terroir” of the wines we were tasting.  

We want to thank the Cheesemonger’s Shop in Leavenworth, WA, for the delicious Braunsweiger and the Old Amsterdam Gouda.  It is a shame they are so far away!
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OPES#51 The Wines of Southern Oregon Hosted by Ron and Jane Floyd; wine procurement and expertise: Bob Bentley, CWE  This event featured wines from all three southern Oregon AVAs: Rogue Valley, Umpqua Valley, and Applegate Valley. Besides some boutique wineries, Abacela, Henry Estates, Foris, and Spangler wineries were represented. The wines were paired with a buffet dinner of mild Creole food. It was all delicious. Participants now know, if they didn’t before, why southern Oregon wineries are gaining ever more serious attention in the world of wine.
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OPES#50 (Our 5th Anniversary) St. Patrick's Day and the Irish Wine Geese- celebrating the historic role of the Irish in wine. Program speaker: Patrick McGillicott of Oregon Wine Tasting Room
Date: Saturday March 17th, 2007
Time:7 PM, (doors will open at 6:30 PM)
Cost:$45 for members of OPES and affiliated NW wine societies- $50 for sponsored guests.
Location: Gardiner Community Center, Hwy 101, Gardiner, WA.
Come, wear your green, as we celebrate the Fifth Anniversary of OPES founding and learn about the Irish heritage in worldwide winemaking.

Forget the "green beer" image of the irish; there is a old , old traditional role of the Irish in wine-which has resurrected in the old country. In addition, Irish winemakers and owners have made a huge impact throughout the worldwide wine industry-including right here in the Northwest!  We'll explore that in this exciting and informative program-and have a" fine auld " Gaelic celebration in the process!

This St. Patrick's Day Program will feature a program by Patrick McGillicott, Manager of the Oregon Wine Tasting Room in McMinnville, Oregon. Patrick also teaches in the Enology Program at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Ore. and is a frequent wine judge at events across the country. Patrick will pay tribute to the� Irish "Wild Geese" wine heritage and we'll feature wines of Sineann, an elegant Oregon winery with a cult following, Shea vineyards, and others founded by irishmen.  The program will be accompanied by an array of Irish traditional foods (O'Scanlan irish lamb stew, salmon salad, soda bread, and more.) prepared by a team of OPES volunteers. Return to the Event History listing
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OPES#49   ?????  February, 2007 was an Australian event hosted by Bill and Carol Peet.  This will be at the Four Seasons Ranch  ????? 
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OPES#48  ????? January, 2007 was a winemaker event hosted by Bob Bentley????? 
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OPES#47--- OPES CHRISTMAS GALA DECEMBER 10, 2006 GARDINER COMMUNITY CENTER
5:30 TO 8:30 PUT ON YOUR BEST AND BE READY TO GET A KICK START TO THE HOLIDAYS--------------
PLEASE JOIN US FOR A TREAT WITH SPARKLING WINES AND PORTS! BRING YOUR FAVORITE DISH TO SHARE -APPETIZERS, FINGER FOODS AND/ OR DESSERTS-- ORIGINALLY TITLED CHAMPAGNE AND PORTS, WE HAVE FOUND SUCH INTERESTING WINES IN THE "SPARKLING" CATEGORY, DONE IN THE "CHAMPAGNE METHOD" THAT WE ARE FEATURING 4 "SPARKLERS" . AFTER THE "SPARKLERS" HAVE BEEN ENJOYED, WE WILL FOLLOW WITH 3 PORTS.  THE FIRST PORT IS A LOCAL PRODUCT AND WILL BE A SURPRISE! PLEASE BRING A GLASS SUITABLE FOR PORT. CHAMPAGNE GLASSES WILL BE PROVIDED. PLEASE NOTE A REDUCTION IN COST---HAPPY HOLIDAYS DECEMBER 10, 2006 5:30-8:30 GARDINER COMMUNITY CENTER $25.00 PER PERSON & $30.00 FOR SPONSORED GUEST. FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CALL SMITTY LEBKEUCHER - 360-698-0070
OR CAROL PEET 360-457-4318  Return to the Event History listing
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OPES#46Walla Walla Vintners, Washington’s Bordeaux Style Masters 
Friday, November 17, 2006, 5:30 to 8:30 pm 
OPES is privileged to present a wine dinner program with Walla Walla Vintners.  Your host and past OPES President Randy Riggins has arranged a memorable evening with Gordy Venneri and Myles Anderson, owners and pioneer Walla Walla winemakers.  Gordy and Myles make only red wines, specializing in crafting world-class Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cuveé, Merlot, and Sangiovese.  Their quality wines are barreled in small lots featuring Walla Walla and Columbia Valley Appellation grapes.  These guys have been making wine in Walla Walla for over 21 years and I find their wines to be consistently excellent, with rich flavor and wonderful complexity.  Walla Walla Vintners wines are some of the best valued wines in the world and are among the very best reds Washington has to offer.  But don’t just take my word on it, Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast consistently rate their wines 90 and above with a good many in that magic 92-94 range.  See http://www.wallawallavintners.com 

Our evening will feature Cabernet Franc and other Bordeaux varietals.  Six reds in all with a surprise Walla Walla winemaker Viognier blend as our greeter wine.  C’est Si Bon is the Peninsula’s premier French Restaurant with beautiful gardens, spacious European décor, and a warm ambiance on a par with any fine restaurant in the Northwest.  Owners Norbert and Michelle Juhasz classic French cuisine has been featured and highly rated in Sunset Magazine.  See www.cestsibon-frenchwuisine.com.  The amazing five course menu for this event includes:  hors d’oeuvres of Pate de Champagne along with figs and marcaponi in phillo dough, a salad of butter lettuce and andives with shredded duck breast, Veal Gremolata (large prawn with a veal wrap), Beef Medallions Sur Canapé, and Crepes with chestnut cream, raspberry couli and chocolate sauce—Wow. Admission is $59.00 for OPES members and $65.00 for sponsored guests.  We will seat 90.   Return to the Event History listing
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OPES#45   Silver Lake Winery; O.P.E.S. No: 36 Silver Lake Winery at the Naval Elks Lodge of Port Angeles Friday, September 30, 2005, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.  O.P.E.S. is pleased to present an evening of wine and prime rib at the newly refurbished Naval Elks Lodge in Port Angeles.  Yes, this fine old building survived the fire and is as stately as ever.  Sherri Riggs, the Elks manager/cook is preparing a prime rib dinner sure to please.    This evening's wine will feature the Silver Lake Winery and Nora Jean Bush their sales and marketing director.  Nora Jean has been with Silver Lake for 8 years and has spent her career in the wine industry. Silver Lake Winery crushed it's first vintage in the fall of 1989.  The winery began as the outgrowth of the passion for fine wines shared by three professors at the University of Washington.  In the past sixteen years the winery has grown from 2,000 cases to more than 25,000 cases of hand crafted wine. Silver Lake is the 7th largest winery in Washington State and is remarkable for the long list of excellent varietals produced.  Admission is $39 for members and $42 for sponsored guests (a great value).  Advanced reservations are required by September 23rd.  Make reservations by sending your check to: OPES, PO Box 4081, Sequim, WA  98382.  For information call Ralph Howard (360) 457-2012, Dave Ramey (360) 417-2800 or Carol Peet (360) 457-4318. 
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OPES#35: An Evening with Pepper Bridge Winery and C’est Si Bon French Cuisine 
DATE: Saturday, August 6, 2005 COST: $55 for OPES members / $62 for sponsored guests. LOCATION:       C'est Si Bon Restaurant in Port Angeles

 OPES was privileged to host a dinner program with  Jean-Francois Pettet, winemaker for Pepper Bridge 
Winery and Amavi Cellars of Walla Walla.  Jean-Francois,  born and raised in Switzerland, is a third generation wine  grower.  See www.pepperbridge.com 

The menu for this event will be generous, a six course  meal featuring the entire Pepper Bridge/Amavi line of fine  wines and a surprise champagne greeter wine.  

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OPES #34  “The Wide World of Oregon Wines"

  A fine dinner from Nemo's Restaurant accompanied the diverse 
selection of the many types of Oregon's fine wines from two unique 
wineries, Sineann and Abacela, that have acquired wide acclamation
and distinct nation-wide "cult" followings. Event Chair, Bob Bentley 
has brought in Dieter Klippstein, owner of Triage Distributors, who 
presented a range of wines that represent many of the most renowned
types produced in the Northwest

Date Sunday July 10th, 2005 Cost  $57.50 OPES members & affiliated NW wine societies  $65 for sponsored guests. (includes tax & gratuities)
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OPES#33 Eyrie wines with "Papa Pinot", David Lett

We will feature Eyrie Wines from Oregon.  Learn a little about
Papa Pinot!  That is what Oregon has tagged David Lett and featured 
him on the state of Oregon's homepage. (www.traveloregon.com).  David was
the first to plant and produce Pinot Gris in the states - he also
was the first to produce Pinot Noir as a stand alone wine and turned it into 
one of the most popular wines we have today..

Smitty and Vicki Lebkeucher event chair team
Date June 25, 2005 Cost  $35 for members and $38 for sponsored guests
held at the Gardiner Community Center

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OPES#32  OPES Annual meeting at St. Luke’s

The Olympic Peninsula Enological Society (OPES) annual meeting was a
celebration of three years of successful wine dinners in a variety of
locations around the Olympic Peninsula.  The evening started with 
introducing the officers who are serving the second year of their two year 
term as well as new OPES 2005 Board Members.  

 Bill Peet and Tom Colvin selected wonderful wines from Australia, 
California, Oregon and Idaho.   Entertainment provided by Jeremy Cays, 
a well known local talent.  Date  Sat. May 28, 2005
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OPES  #31 SOUTH AMERICA: “Sideways and Upside  Down”
           Program and wine selections by Bob Bentley,SWE

Saturday, April 16 , 2005  After returning from a month long trip to
South America, Bob Bentley,SWE will conduct a program on wines
from Argentina, Chile and Uruguay- the program will focus the 
discussion on the key vineyard labels and especially the more unusual
varietals:  torrontes, Carmenere, and Malbec that will be new to most
wine drinkers.  Appropriate light appetizers will be served with the
wines.  The following are the wines that will be featured.  
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OPES#30 Presents "Reds from Walla Walla Vintners" 

Sunday March 13th  OPES Presents "Reds from Walla Walla 
Vintners" at The Belmont, 925 Water Street, in Port Townsend.  
This will be a five course dinner with a selection of Walla Walla 
Vintners lavish Washington reds beginning at 6:30 pm. 
Gordy Venneri a co-owner of the winery will present his wines 
including some that are just being released.  The price of the 
event is $52 for members and $57 for sponsored guests.  
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OPES#29: An Evening of Spanish Wines at Port Ludlow

Sunday, February 20, 2005, 5:30 pm  Costs will be $35.00 for members
 and $40.00 for sponsored guests.  Wines of Spain are often
overlooked in favor of more familiar USA wine labels and vineyards. 
The robust reds of La Rioja are famous, but Castilla, Aragon, and
Galacia regions have a long history of producing magnificent
vintages.   OPES # 29 will explore five of the regions.  The variety of
wines is reflective of the range of growing areas such as the cool
coastal climate of the Atlantic area and in latitudes not unlike those in
California.   Tapas will be served to accompany each of the seven
wines. The fun of tapas is the exploration of the variety of foods that 
can be served with wine.  The Port Ludlow members are chairing an
evening that will feature Steve and Almundena Metzler from Classical
Wines in Seattle.  As a prelude, classical piano by Steve will welcome
you and a distinctive greeter wine will introduce the program. Steve 
and Almundena will describe the wine regions of Spain and provide
background on wine production, including those from their vineyard.
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OPES#28:  Bergevin Lane, Walla Walla Appellation with
an accomplished French Winemaker and our own C’est Si Bon
French Cuisine.  Saturday, January 22, 2005, 5:30 to 8:30 pm
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OPES#27:  Camaraderie Cellars For the Holidays, Along 
With the History and Elegance of the Manresa Castle, Port 
Townsend.  A Unique dinner Event.   
Saturday December 11th, 2004, 5:45 to 9:30 pm
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OPES#26:  A Visit With British Columbia’s Winemakers, With a
 Southwestern Flair at Port Angeles’ Kokopelli Grill—Dinner Event

Sunday, November 21st, 2004, Guest speaker, Wilf Krutzmann of 
Victoria, the most knowledgeable man we know on the subject of 
quality BC winemakers.  Took the group on a virtual road trip through 
some amazing wineries in the Okanogan Valley and you may be 
pleasantly surprised at the wide variety of wines produced there 
including some nice big reds.  

The Kokopelli Grill specializes in southwest flavors, but their secret is 
the use of fresh, wild northwestern seafood and local produce.  The 
event menu will include, Dungeness crab cake, savory steamer clams, 
wild sockeye salmon, southwest style BBQ ribs and melt in your mouth, 
Kaluha chocolate mousse.
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OPES#25:  Yalumba "Australia's Oldest Wine Making Family" 
Date : Friday October 8th
Food & Beverage Director Eric Toles and Executive Chef 
Jamison Brandt of Lake Crescent Lodge served an Australian 
Winemakers Dinner! featuring wines from South Australia's 
oldest wine making family.  Yalumba.  

Guest speaker, Darren Cosgrove, an Aussie himself, toured us 
through a wonderful family story whose success is realized through 
Samuel Smith, founder of the Yalumba Wine Company in 1849.  
WOW!!! What a dinner event!!  The best, by far, Winemakers 
Dinner ever!!
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OPES 24 July 24th HOODSPORT WINERY SHOWCASE

Peggy Patterson, Hoodsport Winery owner and OPES member, featured a selection of her wines at Sequim's newest fine restaurant, DANNY'S PLACE.  Chefs Danny and Gregg offered some 
new specialties and some old favorites, to complement the reds, whites
and fruit specialty wines from Hoodsport.  Cost for the dinner is $30 for
members and $35 for guests.  
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OPES # 23:  Brian Carter “Winemaker of the Year”-C’Est Si Bon” Dinner Event

OPES is privileged to host a dinner program with Brian Carter, winemaker and owner of Apex and Bridgman Wineries and recently named “Washington Winemaker of the Year” (his third such title in a sterling career).  Brian has been instrumental in founding, winemaking or consulting for a number of key Washington wineries, including Kestral, Hedges, Paul Thomas, Washington Hills, Silver Lake, McCrea, and others, not to mention our own Olympic area’s Cameraderie Cellars. 

Brian’s theme is “From Tried and True to The Very New”,  illustrating the major varietals he has made, which helped put Washington “on the map”, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Reisling and Chardonnay and now including some very “new” or less known varietals including Sangiovese, Viognier, and the latest Washington favorite, Syrah. Our greeter wine( to be tasted blind) is just another one of some rather uncommon varietal wines now being made in the US, but well known back in the old world.

Bob Bentley, Event Chair and Carol Peet 
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OPES#22 Annual Meeting: 
             Featuring The Wines of Summer by Eric Toles

May 22, 2004..  The musical group 101 Banjos played during the social hour.  Sommelier Eric Toles presented the program, ‘Wines of Summer”, including pairing wines with summer foods featuring crisp whites & low alcohol reds.  Eric Toles is the Food & Beverage Director with Forever Resorts at Lake Crescent lodge.  
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OPES #21   Festa da Primavera

Fifty-six members and twelve guests came to the Gardiner Community Center on Saturday, April 17, 2004 to enjoy a Festa da Primavera, a Spring Festival dinner of wonderful traditional Italian foods with fine Italian wines. Betsy Poulson and Suzanne Rehder prepared the foods and Joe Euro of Port Townsend’s “Wine Seller” provided five wines; two white and three reds.  Chris Rehder provided an overview of the Italian wine industry and noted that the group was to sample wines from five of the twenty Italian wine regions. Joe Euro discussed the specifics on the wines consumed.
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OPES #20 Thurston Wolfe Winemaker Dinner at Bella Italia

Restaurant in Port Angeles on March 29th. This was the second OPES event held at Bella Italia and another sellout.  Wade Wolfe and his wife Becky Yeaman presented their wines and Wade answered many questions about growing grapes and making wine in Washington State.  Wade has a doctorate in Enology from UC Davis. He is currently vice-president at Hogue Cellars and has been associated with the Washington Wine Industry for many years.
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OPES#19  “Willakenzie Estates Winemaker Dinner” at C’Est Si Bon 

 Date: Feb 28th.  The program featured Willakenzie owner, Ronni Lacroute presenting an array of Willakenzie’s highly regarded wines including Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and its premier Pinot Noirs. 

The event was held at the premier French Restaurant C’Est Si Bon in  Port Angeles 

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 OPES # 18 HOLIDAY PARTY!

Saturday December 27, at the Olympic Theater Arts building (old Boys and Girls Club) at 400 N. Sequim Avenue in Sequim.  The "MOST NOTABLES" , a trio, will play easy listening and danceable tunes.  We will have a small dance floor.  The greeter wine was a fine California champagne.  Served with the meal will be specially selected red and white wines.  Dessert and coffee will be accompanied by tawny Port. 

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OPES #17 
Blind Tasting of California vs. Washington Cabs: 
Saturday, November 22, 2003

We tasted 3 Cabernet Sauvignons from California and 4 from Washington.  Each taster got to try over $250 retail value of wine.  The wines were bagged and then numbered in a random way and poured blind.  The format of the evening was each taster got to taste and rate the wines and then a light meal including some wonderful chocolate was served buffet style to see how the food changed the ratings.  See below for a list and ranking of the wines tasted.  

At the conclusion of the tasting the group voted for the winners and the state vs state results were mixed.  California took the top spot, the 4th spot and the last place.  Washington took the 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th spots.  Based on these results the states are pretty much equal.  One very interesting result, however, is that our local Port Townsend winery Sorensen ranked 2nd with only 9 points less the top rated wine and 23 points ahead of the third place wine.  In addition to being a great wine it is an incredible bargain at half the price of the California winner.  The other point to make is these wines are all very young.  It is vary hard to do a tasting like this with 5 to 10 year old wines so the fact that the Pepper Bridge scored low at this point does not mean that it will not be an incredible wine in the future. 

OPES #17 California Vs Washington Cabernet Nov 22^nd 2003

 The points are calculated by summing 3 times the first place votes plus 2 times the second place votes plus the third places votes for each wine.   

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OPES #16  Halloween Celebration with Washington’s New Wines: Friday, October 24^th

Our second annual Halloween costume party will be held at the Olympic Theater Arts Building in Sequim.  We will use the occasion to celebrate some exciting new directions in Washington State winemaking.  After 30 years in the big time, Washington winemakers are still innovating and moving in new directions.  Grapes new to Washington, such as Sangiovese and Voignier, are achieving excellent results.  New, small batch wineries are capturing depths of flavor not found in volume wines.  Larger winemakers are perfecting blending to achieve deeper and more balanced wines.  Our samplings will include a delightful Sangiovese Rose’   greeter wine, new small batch wineries Novelty Hill (Sauvignon Blanc) and Rulo (Voigner), Hedges 2000 Three Vineyards Bordeaux style blend (89 points), the David Lake special select Sangiovese from Red Willow Vinyards, and a small winery Port from our local Fairwinds Winery.

We will complement the samplings with four food courses.  The opening course will feature seafood spread with special bread.  The cheese course will be freshly sliced tomatoes topped with Goat cheese.  The main course features barbequed lamb with couscous and a spinach salad with avocado slices and blue cheese dressing.  The desert course will be cheesecake with chocolate sauce, Port and coffee.

Cost:                        $20.00 members, $25.00 guests

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OPES#15 "ABC's of Chardonnay"

 The Olympic Peninsula Enological Society (OPES) has scheduled a special wine tasting event to be held at Landing’s Mall in Port Angeles the evening of September 26, 2003 at 6:30 pm. This will be a tasting seminar comparing the many different and new styles of Chardonnay as compared from several vastly distinct regions of the world, from the great White Burgundies of France, to California, Australia, New Zealand and our own Northwest.  These wines will be pared with some of the Landing’s fine cuisine Date: September 26th 2003 Cost: $25.00 members / $30.00 for sponsored guests Location: Landings Mall in Port Angeles 

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OPES#13 FIRST ANNUAL MEETING and WINE TASTING 

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OPES #12  Okanagan Valley, Eh?

Monday evening, April 28th, we will have a special treat at Bella Italia restaurant in Port Angeles. We will sample 8 wines from the Mission Hill Family Estate Winery.  James Cluer  will present a program to enlighten us on the Vineyard in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. 

We will be tasting the following wines which have won many awards in Canada and the United States.
                       2001  Pinot Blanc as a greeting wine-
                       2000 Reserve Pinot Gris
                       2000 Estate Chardonnay
                       1999 Reserve Pinot Noir
                       2000 Merlot
                       1999 Estate Syrah
                       1999 Reserve Cabernet and finish with a
                       1998 Vidal Reserve Ice Wine!

The food for the evening will be expertly matched to these wines by Bella Italia's chef, Dave Senters using the freshest Olympic Coast cuisine.  Bella Italia has been widely recognized with a restaurant award of excellence from Wine Spectator, and, more recently by the Washington Wine Commission and The Seattle Times Company honoring restaurants in the first annual Washington Restaurant Awards.  Owner Neil Conklin, an OPES member, is well respected for his knowledge and experience 

SPECIAL NOTICE!!!  This night only --- some of the wines served during this special evening will be available for purchase at special member prices.  

When:Monday Night April 28th 
Time:6:30 PM: Registration, 7:00 PM: Dinner and program.
Place:Bella Italia Restaurant 
     118 E. 1st. St., Port Angeles, Wa, PHONE (360) 457-5442
               See below for driving and parking instructions

Costs:$30 for members and $37.50 for guests.

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OPES # 11 Old Vine Zinfandels

     This was a  Zinful event.

We will taste the following wines:

 ·    100 year old Benziger Old Vine 1999 – Dry Creek, CA
  80 –100 year old Cline Ancient Vines 2000 – 71% Lodi, 29% Contra Costa, CA 
·      60– 80 year old Ravenswood Old Vine 2000 – Dry Creek, CA
·     100 year old Rosenblum Rockpile 2001 – Dry Creek, CA
·     130 year old Renwood Grandpere 2000Old Vine– Amador, CA
·      80 year old Sineann Old Vine 2001 – Columbia Valley, OR
·      80 year old Seghesio Old Vine 2000 – Alexander and Dry Creek, CA
·      80 year old Villa Mt Eden Fox Creek 2000 – Sierra Foothills, CA 

When: Saturday March 22^nd 2003
Where: Red Lion Hotel, Silverdale Silverdale, WA. 
Cost: $25 for OPES members and $30 for non-members

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OPES #10  -- 
        AMITY VINEYARDS

The scene was the Port Ludlow Bay Club…the star was Winemaker Myron Redford!  Education and festivity was the focus of the evening.  Over 80 members and guests greeted each other with Amity Ravenous Rose in the Great Room. When the doors of the banquet room opened at seven, members and guests seated themselves at colorfully decorated tables. During the evening, twelve wines were poured, then savored and from the onset, the program was friendly and amiable.

President Bob Bentley presented the "Five Steps to Tasting" with the Amity Pinot Blanc. Myron Redford and Vickie Watle described the wines, future releases, and the creation of the labels.

Redford led a comparison tasting of the following wines: 2001 & 2002 Pinot Blanc, 2000 & 2001 Gewürztraminer, 2000 & 2001 Oregon Dry Riesling, and four Pinot Noirs: 2000 Schouten Single Vineyard, 1999 Sunnyside Single Vineyard, 1999 Willamette Valley, and 1998 Winemakers Reserve -- four of these are gold medal winners.  The wines were paired with Almond Prawns & Lima Beans*, Smoked Salmon, Alaskan Crab Mousse*, Pan Roasted Duck Breast, and Mushrooms Italiano* (* recipe attached). For the conclusion, Peach Sorbet over Melons was served with Amity's 2002 Late Harvest Riesling Select Cluster TBA.

Over thirty-five members worked together to achieve this very special evening for the Society.  Chairman Pat Sekor wishes to thank you all -- starting with the Food Committee: Chris & Suzanne Rehder, Anne-Marie Davidson, Betsy Poulson, Charlie & Nedra Ball, David & Sandra Marsh, and Susan Fullerton.  Secretary Carole Wilhelm managed the reception desk beautifully. Thank you also to our Wine Steward, Bill Hansen; Larry Sukut for supervising the Table Captains; Phyllis Hansen for Room Décor; our very competent close down crew: Smitty and Vicki Lebkeucher; all the table captains and wine pourers, and especially the support of the OPES Board.  We appreciate the help from Amity Vineyards and The Wine Seller in Port Townsend. Pat Sekor, Event Chair
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OPES #9      Pure New Zealand

A Wine Travelogue: Saturday, August 16th 

  New Zealand has emerged in recent years as a leader in higher quality and innovative wine styles. Stretching north to south across two principal islands, about six hundred miles long, NZ has nine distinct wine regions that closely resemble the wine areas of our west coast from Canada down through California.  Their reputation for enological innovation is recognized throughout the entire wine world. The Cloudy Bay winery which put NZ “on the map” is just a tip of the iceberg.  NZ Pinot Noirs are snatching medals away from Burgundy itself.

This OPES event, rescheduled from January, will be held at Gardiner Community Center on Hwy 101, east of Sequim.   We hope for ”a sunny day” at Cloudy Bay (NZ’s most world- famous winery) when a number of outstanding Kiwi wines, including the incomparable Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, will be enjoyed.  The wines will be matched with some typically delicious New Zealand style foods.  The program will be somewhat a wine travelogue, based upon Bob and Dianne Bentley’s trip last year to over forty-five NZ wineries covering both North and South Islands.  Additional program support will be provided by Jennifer and Carl Sheath of NZ Pure Importers located in Seattle (Kiwis both) who will offer a variety of some leading wines from this small, but beautiful country.

Members and guests will learn about the principal NZ wine areas including Marlborough, Hawkes Bay, and Central Otago, and about how some of the gold medal, world acclaimed wineries and winemakers have made this small country into a world class leader in a wide  range of fine wines.  Tastings will cover principal varietals including: Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc’s Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and Bordeaux style reds  

Date: Saturday, August 16th 
Time:        Registration: 6:30 pm   Program: 7-9 pm
Cost:         $25.00 members $30 sponsored guests
Location:  Gardiner Community Center on Hwy 101, east of Sequim

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OPES # 8    OPES HOLIDAY GALA DECEMBER 27th

           FEATURED MUSIC, CHAMPAGNE AND  PORT 

The holiday event gave members and guests a chance to celebrate the season with music provided by a trio from the Port Angeles Symphony.  It was a social occasion rather than a formal educational program, with several styles of champagnes and ports and finger food delicacies provided by the attendees.  Coffee and hot spiced cider were also served.

WHEN: Friday, December 27th.  
WHERE: Guy Cole Convention Center at Carrie Blake Park, Sequim

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OPES # 7 Cata de Vinos de Espana"

     An evening of Spanish wines and tapas 

Location: Port Ludlow Beach Club
Date: Friday, November 15* , 2002, 6:30 PM 
Cost: $20 for members, $25 for guests

           * Note: the date has been moved forward due to 
                                   Thanksgiving activities.  

A full house of 77 persons, which included 9 guests, enjoyed a wonderful evening on November 14 featuring nine wines and a wide assortment of tapas.  The Bay Room at the Beach club was beautifully decorated in the reds and yellows of the Spanish flag.  Almundena Metzler commented on the nostalgia of coming to an event which honored her homeland.  Steve and Almundena Metzler provided an educational review of the wine regions of Spain and the representative wines being served.  The wines included a Lusco from the Metzler’s vineyard.  Everything from sherry to a fabulous Don PX dessert wine was top quality, but most comments were focused on the 1996 Domino de Conte Reserva from the Rioja region and the 1999 Pasanau La Morera de Monsanto.

The tapas were also representative of the country.  Traditional jamon Serrano (ham) and Manchego cheese  plus chicken with rice salad, peppers stuffed with artichoke salad, and garlic shrimp were some of the offerings.

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OPES # 6 German Wines and Cuisine

When:    SATURDAY October 26th, 6:30 pm
Where:   TROLLHAVEN in Gardiner
What:     German Wines and Cuisine
Cost:      $22 (members) $27 (guests)
Who:       Trolls, Dracula, princes, frogs, maidens in distress, fairies, 
                     witches  and other from European folklore

We dare you to come!!!  TROLLHAVEN is a unique setting, filled with whimsy 
and antiques.  German food and German wines, starting with hot Gluhwein, 
will be served.  Black forest cake and German brandy will top off the feast. 

Prizes will be given for the best costumes.

Reserve early, only 60 trolls and fairies can be seated.  Because of 
space limitations, only members can reserve until October 16th, after 
which, guests will be accommodated if space remains.   

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OPES five - France’s Cuisine of the Sun

Date:           Friday, September 27th
Location:  John Wayne Marina near Sequim 
Time:          Program beginning at 7:00
Cost:          $18/member and $25/guest 
                                           
The regions edging the Mediterranean Sea from the Spanish border to the ancient walls of the Rhone are some of the oldest vineyards in France. Join us as we transform Sequim Bay into the Mediterranean on Friday, September 27th. We will picnic on wines and cuisine right out of the pages of Provence the Beautiful,  Rousillon-Languedoc, Minervois, Banyuls,. Aix-en-Provence, St. Chinian, Corbieres or Blanquette di Limoux. 

  The white grapes from these regions are Muscat, Viognier, Rousanne, Marsanne, Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. Red grapes are dominated by Syrah and Grenache, but you will find Merlot, Cabernet, or Malbec.  Picnic on French cuisine such as sausages, olives, pates, taboule’ provencal, pan bagna, pistou, gratin d’oignons, gratin dauphinois, or tomates farcies. OPES Five is scheduled for the John Wayne Marina near Sequim.

Detailed Menu for the event
 Our greeter wine will be Duche de Langueville, a sparkling cider from Normandy.  We will follow this with a 2000 Dom. Lalande Sauvignon Blanc from Armagnac paired with a traditional French picnic spread, possibly fish based, on a fresh baguette slice.  The second round will be 2000 Domaine Gournier Chardonnay.  This wine is 40% aged in wood, with the remaining 60% kept in stainless with no malolactic fermentation. This gives the wine an unusual liveliness. It will be served with a Pâtè de Veau et Porc avec Foie (a country-style pate of veal, pork and liver).  The third round will be 2000 La Roque Pic St. Loup Blanc.  This is a blend of Coteaux de Langeudoc Viognier, Marsanne, and Grenache Blanc that delivers fresh peach nose and a creamy texture with hints of orange and pear.  It will be served with Melon et Jambon (canteloupe and proscuitto).

In the fourth round we will directly compare two rosè wines from opposite sides of the Rhone: Dom. Gros Nore Bandol Rosè, the original dry rosè made from Grenache and Mourvèdre from Provence, and a 2001 Dom. de Fontsaint Corieres Rosè from Corbieres, which is a blend of Grenache, Grenache Gries and Mourvèdre at half the price. They will be paired with Quiche aux Champignons (a mushroom quiche).  The fifth round will be a comparison of two French blended red wines. A 2000 Chateau Valcombe Cuvée Prestige, which is a blend of Syrah and Grenache from Costieres de Nimes, will be compared with a 2000 Dom. Forca Real 2000, which is the same blend but from Rousilon.  We will serve it with Poulet Sautè aux Herbes de Provence with Tomates Farcies Tabouleh (chicken with herbs, garlic and butter sauce, served with fresh tomatoes stuffed with tabouleh).   We will finish with Dom. Du Mas Blanc Banyuls Rimage Mise Tardive, France’s finest vin doux naturels from the south of the Rousillon. Thick, rich and high in alcohol, this ultimate wine for chocolate will be served with Tartelettes aux Abricot et Chocolat Glacé (apricot tart with chocolate).

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OPES #4 
California's Gold Country Goes for the Gold

The area known for the California Gold Rush of 1849 and Sutter's Mill is having a phenomenal growth with new wineries each year, many of which specialize in Rhone style wines, syrahs and zinfandels. Our August 23rd tasting will feature 6 wines from the new "Fairplay" wine region appellation and Amador County. We will have food "tastes" chosen especially for each one, including both whites and reds ranging from an aperitif to port.

Menu for the event: Oakstone Late Harvest Pinot Grigio with fresh fruit Oakstone Viognier with halibut and viognier cream sauce & grapefruit salad Montevina Terra D'Oro Syrah with mushroom almond pate Latcham Gold Rush Red with baby back ribs Sobon Estate Fiddletown Zinfandel with Roman meat cakes Granite Springs Petite Sirah Port with Grandma Latcham's brownies

The cost of event was $15/member and $20/guest 
Location : Gardiner Community Center. 

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OPES - #3
The Wines of John Bookwalter
with Crab and International Cheeses

 Sample Riesling, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay with succulent crab.  Then pair the Red, Merlot and Cab with an array of exceptional cheeses.  The nationally recognized wines of Washington's Bookwalter Winery are featured at this event.  Join the society in welcoming second generation winemaker John Bookwalter.  Hear about some of the oldest vineyards in the state.

FRIDAY, July 26th Gardiner Community Center Members $20     Guests $25

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   OPES # 2
Pinots of the Pacific Rim

Friday, June 28th,2002- 6:30-9 pm
Gardiner Community Center
$20 members $25 guests

An informal, educational program and dinner on various fine pinot wines( both Pinot Noirs and other red and white varietals) from several states and countries, paired with salmon and other selected, matching foods. We will feature several exquisite wines from the prominently-recognized Willakenzie Estate Winery in Oregon.     

Pinot Auxerrois 2001 from Gray Monk Winery was greeting wine.  

The second wine presented was the smooth, complex and lovely Pinot Blanc 2001 from the prestigious Willakenzie Estates in Oregon.

Oregon Pinot Gris 2001 from Bethel Heights followed next, a delicious, silky layered wine providing a delicious match to the salmon entrée.

A 1999 Pinot Meunier from Eyrie Winery and winemaker pioneer David Lake, began the red wines. 

First of the Pinot Noirs was a Bethel Heights 1999 Freedom Hill Vineyard, from Oregon, absolutely a velvety textured, well rounded wine with a stunning finish.  

Cloudy Bay 2000 Pinot Noir from New Zealand came next.  A rather delicate and fruit forward wine, very drinkable now, one could expect that this Pinot would continue to develop with a long maturity.  

St. Innocent Winery 2000 Shea Vineyard Pinot capped off these three  beautiful, yet very stylistically distinct wines.  .

Last, but certainly not least, a St. Innocent 1999 Pinot Gris Vendage Tardive was served with dessert. This Alsatian traditional pleaser is an off-dry, late harvest rendition of Pinot Gris.  

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OPES #1
June 2nd 2002 
Pt Townsend Yacht club

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