Valentines Day

Having moved many times, I tend to be drawn to things that remind me of family and friends that I don’t see as often as I’d like or places that I have lived or visited. Not too long after moving to Wyoming I discovered a wine offering by Snoqualmie (pronounced “snow-qwall-me”) Vineyards located in the Columbia Valley in Washington State. This area is in the southeastern part of the state which has weather conditions similar to ours with slightly more moderate temperatures because of the proximity to the Columbia River.
I was immediately struck by the name – the familiar – and for me the romantic. The named warmed my heart and I was flooded with memories of my home state and my honeymoon which my husband and I spent at Salish Lodge, a beautiful historic establishment that is perched amazingly close to the edge of the spectacular Snoqualmie Falls in the Cascade Mountains. A bottle of wine from Snoqualmie Vineyards was definitely going to get a try!
I was very pleasantly surprised. The first type I tried was a very nice cabernet-merlot blend, 2008 “Whistle Stop Red”. Cabernet grapes, which have thicker skins and are high in tannin, are combined with the more fruity Merlot grapes which are lower in tannin, to soften the stern flavor of the bolder Cabernet. Snoqualmie Vineyards has achieved a delicate balance in their combination of these two popular grapes with “Whistle Stop Red” resulting in an especially pleasant red blend at a very reasonable price. “Whistle Stop Red” is bold enough to pair with beef but contains just enough plum and cherry essence to be a great accompaniment with spicier fish or poultry entrees too.
So, on Valentine’s Day share a glass of wine with someone you love and spend some time reflecting on a wonderful memory - a place, a time, a special celebration, friends and family. I know it will warm your heart!