Last weekend, September 30 - October 1, we went to some events celebrating fall harvest. Here's what we did.

On Friday morning, the 30th. we checked out Ashley Trout's new March Cellars / Vital tasting room on Lyday Lane, off Braden Road in the South Valley. It was the first day open, having gotten its liquor license sooner than expected. New releases are the 2015 Vital Red Blend and the 2014 March Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, both to be reviewed in the December issue of the Review of Washington Wines. See the October issue for the already released 2015 March Cellars Chardonnay.

On early Saturday afternoon, October 1, we went south to Windrow Vineyard near Milton-Freewater for Tero Estate's annual "Wine & Swine in the Vine" event. A roasted pig was served along with cole slaw and baked beans. Delicious! This event was the official release of the 2013 "DC3" Cab Franc-Merlot blend, the 2013 Windrow Vineyard Cabernet Franc and 2011 Old Block Cabernet Sauvignon. See the October issue for reviews of these. There also was a preview of the 2014 Petit Verdot/Petite Sirah blend to be released next spring. Thanks to Doug and Jan Roskelley for this fun event.

Later in the afternoon was àMaurice Cellars' Fall Harvest Celebration at the winery off Mill Creek road east of Walla Walla. Winemaker Anna Schafer and parents, Tom and Kathleen, and other family members were on hand to greet guests. Five new wines were poured, the 2015 Conner Lee Chardonnay, the 2014 Gamache Vineyard Malbec, the 2013 Artist Series McCool Red, the 2013 Amparo Malbec and the 2013 Night Owl Red. Tom Schafer gave guided tours of the Estate Vineyard, and a tasty pork cassoulet was served. And there was pumpkin carving for the kids. Again, more fun.

Coming soon, Fall Release Weekend, November 4-6. Watch for the November issue of the Review of Washington Wines on the 24th for a preview.