Hello subscribers, I'm back in Walla Walla for a few weeks, and below are some news items about the wine scene here.

 

Nicholas Cole Cellars Closing

In October, Mike Neuffer, owner of Nicholas Cole, announced that he was taking an indefinite hiatus from winemaking and moving to Seattle to be closer to his daughters who lost their mother to cancer. Mike has been a major presence in the Valley's winemaking scene and he will be missed. We wish him all the best. The tasting room on E Main street is closed for January, but will reopen in February to sell through existing inventory.

 

Sleight of Hand Cellars Moving

Trey Busch is moving his winery and tasting room to J.B. George Road, south of Walla Walla. The facility will be located between Waters and Saviah (where Trey has been making his wines). The Grand Opening will be on Spring Release Weekend, May 1 - 3. Watch for an awesome 2008 Illusionist Red to be released.

 

Rotie Cellars Moving

Sean Boyd is another winemaker on the move. This spring, Rotie Cellars will move to the airport, taking over the building formerly occupied by Mannina Cellars. Watch for a new "petit g" Grenache to be released.

 

Trio Vintners Sold

Trio Vintners became a duo as Steve Michener and Denise Slattery took control. Now, they have sold the winery to Karen LaBonte, former co-owner of Patit Creek Cellars. The tasting room on S Second is undergoing remodeling and will be reopened later.

 

More Tasting Room Musical Chairs

Tero Estates, Flying Trout, Locati Cellars and Don Carlo will be opening tasting facilities in the Marcus Whitman Hotel. As things develop, I'll keep you posted. Gramercy Cellars will be opening a new tasting room in Amavi Cellars' old digs on N 13th. It will be interesting to see what happens when Sleight of Hand moves south and Nicolas Cole Cellars closes down.