For this week, I have a few Washington wine news items to report.

Two New Tasting Rooms in Downtown Walla Walla - A month ago, Trust Cellars (Steve Brooks) moved its tasting room from the Airport to Second Avenue South, next to Spring Valley Vineyards. A few weeks later, Maison Bleue (Jon Meuret) opened its tasting room two doors away.

Auction of Washington Wines Winemaker Dinners - This year's Auction of Washington Wines events are being held August 15-18. On Friday, the 15th, a number of winemaker dinners are being held. Lynn and I will be attending the one at JM Cellars (John and Peggy Bigelow) on "Bramble Bump" in Woodinville, in conjunction with Tero Estates (Doug and Jan Roskelley). For more information on this dinner and others being held that night, go to the Auction of Washington Wines website.

Watch for the August Seattle Magazine Wine Issue - The August issue will feature Washington Wines, including the winners of the Washington Wine Awards. I was on the wine judging panel in April for these Awards. I will be interesting to learn what the winners are.

The Yakima Valley AVA Celebrates its 30th Anniversary - In 1983, the Yakima Valley received recognition as an American Viticultural Area within the Columbia Valley. This AVA is distinguished by not only the Missoula Flood terroir of much of the area, but also by its many old-vine vineyards, some aged 30 to 50 years old. This is truly the "birthplace" of Washington wine, with its pioneers such as Dr. Walter Clore, Mike Sauer and Dick Boushey.