A Taste of Syrah is a Taste You'll Remember

Coming up next weekend is an event like no other. Yeah, it's located on the fabulous McMennamin's Edgefield property, which is always a plus, but weekend The Celebration of Syrah event, features so much more than just delicious Syrahs from Oregon and Washington and more than just the Grand Tasting on Saturday, April 12 from 4-7pm.

Kick-off the celebration weekend out with a bang at the Syrah Dinner and Rhone White Reception. The evening begins with a taste of delectably aromatic Viogniers at 6:30pm on Friday April 11th, and is followed by an elegant feast prepared by Black Rabbit Executive Chef Kenny Giambalvo paired with seven Northwest Syrahs (which happen to be hosted by the winemakers themselves). Look at the following lineup and tell me you don't want to go. $95 per person (tickets available on their website).

Particpating Wineries:

McCrea Cellars  – Seattle, Washington – 2008 Syrah Cuvee Orleans

Quady North – Jacksonville, Oregon – 2009 Steelhead Run Syrah

AniChe Cellars – Underwood, Washington – 2011 Atticus Syrah

Lady Hill Winery – St. Paul, Oregon – 2011 Ad Lucem Syrah

Tertulia Cellars – Walla Walla, Washington – 2008 Patina Vineyard Syrah

Andrew Rich – Carlton, Oregon – 2010 Prometheus Syrah

McMenamins Edgefield Winery – Troutdale, Oregon – 2007 Fireside Syrah (dessert wine) and 2011 Syrah Chukar Ridge Vineyard

On Saturday, April 12, at 11am, explore other varietals from the Rhone region at a lovely lunch under a canopy of trees in the Little Red Shed Fir Grove (weather permitting… fingers crossed). Enjoy a mouth-watering menu inspired by the dishes from the South of France, paired with wines from that region (think Viognier, Syrah, Roussanne, Marsanne, Grenache, etc). Just $45 per person and worth every penny (tickets available on their website).

Particpating Wineries:

McCrea Cellars  – Seattle, Washington

Quady North – Jacksonville, Oregon 

AniChe Cellars – Underwood, Washington 

Lady Hill Winery – St. Paul, Oregon

Domaine Poillon – Lyle, Washington

McMenamins Edgefield Winery – Troutdale, Oregon

These events all lead up to the grand event, the grande finale. Top off your Syrah celebration with a Grand Syrah Tasting on Saturday April 12th, from 4-7pm. You'll have the opportunity to tast over 70 Syrah and Rhone style wines. You'll not only see selections from Washington and Oregon, but West Coast, French and even Australian wineries will be making their presence known as well. The wines will be paired with hors d'oeuvres in classic McMenamins style. $45 per person (tickets available on their website).

Overnight stays are also available, always a good option after a party like this. Check out different lodging packages here and keep in mind that proceeds from the silent auction at the Grand Tasting go to Salud! to provide healthcare benefits to seasonal vineyard workers and their families. Bid away, it's a worthy cause to get behind.

Hope to see you there!