Walla Walla Pays Tribute to Mark Anderson

On Saturday, November 23, many friends gathered at the Cordiner Hall Auditorium for a Celebration of Mark Anderson's life. The remembrance was introduced by Whitman College President Kathleen Murray who recounted Mark's many achievements, including his service as Overseer of Whitman. Tributes were delivered by Paul Anderson, brother and friend, Byron Peterson who worked at the Walla Walla Foundry, Dylan Farnum, President of Walla Walla Foundry, Squire Broel, artist and friend, Ted Cox, Walla Walla Piano Group member and friend, and Ian Boyden, artist and friend. His belief was that just about anything could be done he would be determined to get it done. An example was how he took out the back wall at the Foundry Vineyards tasting room and put in an art gallery in the space that was formerly the barrel room. There were countless other things that Mark got done, He will be remembered for that.

What We're Having for Thanksgiving

On Thursday, November 28, Lynn and I will be joining Ted and Joyce Cox, daughter Amy and Ted's sister, Mel and brother in law Tad from Fresno for Thanksgiving. We always have Walla Walla Valley wines for this distinctly American tradition. We have nothing against foreign wines, but firmly believe Thanksgiving should be celebrated with our own wines. Here's what we're having. 

Treveri Blanc de Blancs, Columbia Valley - We will have this sparkling 100% Chardonnay wine with the before dinner appetizers. It is a fun wine and the crispness makes it a counterpoint to the upcoming dinner.

2015 Reynvaan Family Vineyards "Queen's Road" White Wine, Walla Walla Valley - This aromatic Roussanne, Viognier combination will go nicely with the white meat, better than Chardonnay.

2015 Cayuse Vineyards "God only Knows" Grenache, Walla Walla Valley, Armada Vineyard - A medium bodied red with a lot of flavor is a fine fit with turkey. The GOK will fill the bill.

2014 Rôtie Cellars "Northern Blend" Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley - We believe Syrah pairs better with turkey and the aromatic accompaniments better than the more austere, tannic Cabernet Sauvignons. This Syrah, co-fermented with 5% Viognier will go well with the savory dinner fixings. 

2010 Reynvaan Family Vineyards "Stonessence" Estate Syrah, Walla Walla Valley - From the "Rocks," this will have just the right cobblestone and silt funkiness to go with the dinner. 

Treveri Brut Syrah, Columbia Valley - This sparkling red will make a rich, effervescent accompaniment to dessert. The dryness of a Brut counterpoints sweetness. 

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!