Dear Friends,
Even though I'm usually the first person to say that there's more to life than wine, this time of year it sure doesn't feel like it. We spent the month of February bottling most of our new wines and now we are busy boxing them up for submission to Wine Spectator and a myriad of other wine competitions being held around the country.
We're also working on the final blends for the new Tuscan Red and Starr Syrah, which we'll be bottling this summer. Our vineyard managers are calling to ask what we want for the 2008 harvest and while planning for the new harvest is always exciting, David and I are having a particularly hard time controlling ourselves this year. So many grapes, so little money...
Spring is also a very exciting time because it marks the official kick off of all the cool wine events going on throughout the year. Here's what else we're currently working on:
RELEASE PARTY
I've scheduled a release party for March 29, 30th 11-4 each day. We will be releasing four new wines:
- 2007 Viognier - same beautiful wine as always.maybe the best yet. 225 cases
- 2005 Rough House Red - Funky little blend that everyone loves, so as usual we expect it to sell out quickly. 155 cases
- 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon - yes, FINALLY! 150 cases
- 2006 Sangiovese - In my opinion the best we've made. I don't care if you buy a single bottle, I'd be happy to drink it all myself. Only 140 cases
We've got some really amazing pairings planned for you as well so mark your calendars for the party now.
WINE CLUB RELEASE MARCH 29,30TH
Many of you have asked when the next wine club shipment is going to come out and I've always given the same answer - "Beats me". Well now I know. We'll be releasing the Spring Wine Club Wines the weekend of our Release Party, March 29, 30th. Wine Club members may come to the party anytime throughout the weekend, but we'll have a special Wine Club Members Only pouring between the hours of 4-6pm on Saturday night. If you're a "ship it to me" club member and plan on coming to the party (highly recommended) just email Jessica at jessica@covingtoncellars.com to let her know you'd like to save the shipping cost by picking up your wines. We've got great pairings planned and as always we'll share our recipes. We look forward to seeing you.
PASSPORT TO WOODINVILLE, APRIL 12, 13TH 11-4PM
I hear there are only 200 tickets left so if this is an event that you enjoy attending, you'd better get your tickets. I've already met with the chef to plan the wine and food pairings and I'm so excited about them! Be sure to stop in to see what we've got in store for you! We'll be pouring most of our new wines and offering a barrel sample too. As usual, Wine Club members are admitted for free.
Volunteers Needed. Email me if you're interested.
TASTE WASHINGTON, APRIL 6TH
We are again participating in Taste Washington and for your added pleasure we've decided to have a Cellar Sauce booth! Those of you who are attending, please be sure to stop by to say Hi and to get your free meatball!
Volunteers Needed. Email me.
WASHINGTON WINE HIGHWAY
The Wine Highway is Memorial Day weekend at Chateau Ste. Michelle. This is a fun event with wineries from all over the state. Last year the heavens opened up for a full-blown gully washer, but it was still a great event. I guess it's true that a little wine can fix just about anything. If you'd like to volunteer to pour for this event, please email me.
WINE CRUISE - 2ND ANNUAL - AUGUST 17TH
Wine club members should mark their calendars for the 2nd Annual Covington Cellars Wine Cruise, which is scheduled for Aug 17, 2008. Space is limited so watch for the email later this summer requesting RSVP's.
Sorry, no volunteers needed as all the staff and their spouses are available on this day (I wonder why?)
WINERY EXPANSIONS
We are so excited to finally have all three spaces at the winery! We took possession of the middle space in Dec and while there is still much work to do, we are very happy to have the room! Those of you who haven't been in for awhile be sure to ask for a tour the next time you're in - we're always happy to take you around and share a barrel sample.
I guess that's about all I've got for now. The tasting room is open on Saturdays from 1-5pm. We look forward to seeing you!
Cheers,
Cindy
