As of this writing, I have just returned from a trip from Walla Walla to Chelan and the Methow Valley, and then on to Seattle and back. Over this week, I will be wrapping up the October issue of the Review of Washington Wines, so I have time for just this short posting.

During my recent travels, I ran across a few wineries that are either promising, or which have made recent strides. Here's a rundown on them.

Cairdeas Winery - Cairdeas ("Car-dess") is an ancient Gaelic word meaning friendship and goodwill. The winery was started by Charlie and Lacey Lybecker in 2009 in West Seattle, then moved to Manson on Lake Chelan's North Shore in 2012. The three wines that will be reviewed in the October issue are impressive for such a young winery.

Hard Row to Hoe - The wines continue to be excellent, but I would like to mention that Don and Judy Phelps have turned out an excellent "Good in Bed" bubbly wine which will be in a special sparkling wine report in December. The other new releases will be in the October issue.

Lost River Winery - I have visited this winery in Winthrop in each of the past three years and found John Morgan's wines to be well-made. The 2010 "Cote Wall," a Syrah co-fermented with 8% Viognier is up a notch qualitatively over the 2009 and is almost a dead ringer for a savory, earthy Cote Rotie. Lost River also has a nice 2010 Nebbiolo. Both wines are to be reviewed in November.

Bartholomew Winery - I rediscovered this winery a few months ago when I had Esquin send me the 2012 Aligoté and 2009 Tempranillo which were reviewed in July (Aligoté in the July 3 Blog). I stopped by the tasting room located in the Old Rainier Brewery on Airport Way South. I was impressed by owner-winemaker Bart Fawbush's 2010 Cabernet Franc and 2010 Reciprocity Red, both to be reviewed in November.

College Cellars of Walla Walla - I also would like to mention the Walla Walla Community College's Enology and Viticulture Program. A few months ago, Sabrina Leuke previewed the upcoming releases which I found impressive. I will be revisiting them soon, and will report on them in November. Dr. Alan Busacca is now the Director, and is sure to take the College to the next level. Entwine, a benefit dinner and acution for the Program, to be held on October 12 is also very worth attending. We plan to go. For information go to www.entwine.wwcc.edu.