A great time was had Saturday evening at the annual WRC Barrel Dinner. Many members couldn't make it but the ones that did were pure quality entertainment. We also hosted a fun wedding engagement party Saturday. The group rafted the White Salmon River followed by a private tasting in the cellar. If you feel like leaving the comfort of your cubical for a thrill ride down our beautiful river, check out our White Water & Wine page.
Word is starting to get out about Hooba's. I'm going to cherish these early days while I can still go in and get a seat. It's like having children. You should cherish the younger years when you can threaten to take them to Canada if they don't behave. Drop me an email if you and your group want to put together a wine event/dinner at Husum's hang out. You'll have a great time.
I've had a lot of great visitors this past week. I had firemen, soldiers, police officers, insurance agents, Human Resource specialists and an airline pilot. At one point it almost felt like the Village People were in the tasting room.
Hooba and I have been planning some fun events. In July we'll be hosting the first ever Husum .1k fun run. Yes, you read that correctly, .1k. We've been wanting to do a fun run but 10 kilometers seems to be too much work and 1 kilometer would be more of a sprint so we decided on a .1k. This should be quite popular with most of the people I hang out with. They will get a sense of accomplishment without really needing to train.
Also coming up is our second annual WRC golf tourney. This is one of my favorite events of the year and I haven't thrown or busted a club in quite a long time so if you want to golf with me there's a good chance that I won't get us kicked off the course because of my loud swearing.
You're right on par, Husum.
Joel
STOP THE PRESSES! After months of preperation, HOOBA'S is finally open. With a full house, Marc "Hooba" Fitzgerald served up fish tacos, pasta, and what I think is the best burger in the Gorge. Granted, Hooba is one of the most fun people you can be around, but his food, ample Washington State wine and nice selection of some beverage known as "beer", makes this place better than Disneyland.
We've had visitors from all over the country in the last 10 days. One couple from New Jersey were so nice that I gave them free shipping for a case! If you're nice I'll do the same for you. I don't want any suck ups though. Nobody likes an ass-kisser. I also enjoyed the group from Bend, the couple from Salem and once again, the fun group from the Trout Lake Forest Service Academy.
To add to what was already a great weekend, Joe, from El Mirador Winery, in Walla Walla came to stay for a few nights. If you're planning a trip to Walla Walla any time soon, I strongly suggest stopping by Joe's place. He's got some great reds and will be well worth the stop.
Barrel dinner is this weekend. This event is a private shindig for just our barrel members. They get to treat the winery as if they were raiding the liquor cabinet of their high school girlfriend's parents. Catering by Hooba.
You make every day like a WRC barrel dinner, Husum!
Joel
Thank you to all who emailed to make sure I'm okay. Last week I was very busy with bottling and this week I've been busy with spring break activities. Lots of people who visited the tasting room this week had the pleasure of meeting our newest employee, Ryan. I don't know what to think of Ryan as an employee. He showed up on time, hosted hundreds of people with a pleasant attitude, labeled several pallets of wine and cleaned the winery. I don't see a future around here for someone like that. If there was ever a time in that last ten years when I was close to giving up my "Employee of the Month" parking spot, it would have to be now. Ryan just barely missed recieving the award, so for the moment, my streak of 125 consecutive months continues. Better luck next month, Ryan.
We are only a week away from offering our new chardonnay, late harvest chenin blanc and '05 tempranillo. If you have already purchased futures on these wines stay tuned for the exact release date.
The annual Wind River Cellars Barrel Club Dinner is coming up in two weeks. This is where we host a private catered dinner for our barrel members and give them the opportunity to taste any barrel, tank or bottle they want. That's close to 200 wines. If you are interested in becoming a barrel member give us a call.
Check out the website for other upcoming events. Fungi with the Fun Guy (mushroom festival), Running with the bulls, and the WRC golf tourny are right around the corner.
You helped me get thru the winter, Husum.