Guest blogger Heather Hitson is the wine consultant at our Lady Lake store.

DAY THREE

We got up early and headed out to an organic wine tasting at Snoqualmie Vineyards, in Prosser.  Winemaker Joy Anderson took us through the "Naked" series staring with the 2009 Chardonay, then the 2010 Gewurztraminer, the 2009 Riesling, the 2008 Merlot, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, and lastly a non-organic 2008 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.  Joy has been producing award-winning wines for over a decade, making Snoqualmie the leader in sustainable and organic wine-making in Washington. Unfortunately, we did not have time to tour the facility. as we had to book it down to Seattle, over three hours away. We were being treated by our host to one of Chateau St. Michelle's summer concert series, the bands Yes and Styxx, at 6 P.M. that evening, in nearby Woodinville, at their headquarters.

 During the concert we had a variety of wines to choose from in the VIP lounge, along with some very tasty finger foods.

  
 The next day we spent in Seattle, touring the city, seeing the sights, visiting Pike's Market, and ending with dinner at Cutter's Bay House.  I had a wonderful time, and would go back in a heartbeat.  The next time you hear someone say, "I don't drink Merlot," slip them one from Washington, and they will think it's one of the best California Cabernet Sauvignons they've ever tried.

Note: not all the wines I tasted in Washington are in stock--but if it's available in the state of Florida for retail sale, we can get it for you!