Since my blog of January 17, "Walla Walla Wine News," there have been more developments in the Valley. Among them are:

 

New Tasting Rooms at the Marcus Whitman

As reported on January, 17, new tasting rooms are opening at the Marcus Whitman Hotel. Tero Estates and Flying Trout are on the southeast corner. Next door, to the west, is Don Carlo, owned by Tim Kennedy (of Tim's Potato Chips fame), and to the north on Second Avenue is Locati Cellars. We visited all three rooms yesterday (Monday, February 8) and found then to be attractive, compact venues where fine wines will be the primary focus. All three will be having a Grand Opening Celebration on Friday, February 11. As for Locati's existing location in the Depot Building, the winery plans to open a combination wine bar/brew pub. While we were visiting Tero Estates, Doug Roskelley poured us a tasty 2008 "S.T." ("Super Tuscan) Red which will be in the March issue of my Review of Washington Wines.

 

Whitman Cellars Closing

Whitman Cellars closed its doors in January as an Oregon-based bank seized the winery's assets. The winery had accumulated 2.6 million dollars in debt, necessitating the foreclosure. Steve Lessard, the winemaker, is now working full time at Corvus Cellars in the Incubators at the Airport, which he co-owns with Randall Hopkins.

 

Rotie Cellars Moving to the Airport

On January 17, I reported that Sean Boyd was leaving Waters Winery to devote full time to his Rotie Cellars which specializes in Rhone-style wines. He will be sharing space with Don Redman's Mannina Cellars, near the Airport. There will be a report on Rotie Cellars' spring releases in the March issue of the Review of Washington Wines.

 

Trio Vintners Reopening

In my January 17 blog, I reported that Trio Vintners had been sold to Karen La Bonte, former co-owner of Patit Creek Cellars. The tasting room on Second, south of Main Street, is being remodeled. (I visited on Saturday and found Karen and her crew busy getting the place ready.) Watch for the 2007 Reserve Mourvedre to be reviewed in March. The tasting room will be reopened February 17 and the "Grand Opening" will be April 8 ("Cayuse Weekend").

 

Fjellene Cellars Opening on Braden Road

Matthew Erlandson has opened his new winery on Merlot Drive, off Braden Road, south of Walla Walla. His 2007, 2008 and 2009 vintages were made at Beresan Cellars, and the last harvest at his new facility, formerly occupied by Trust Cellars. There will be a report on Fjellene ("Fyel-lay-nuh") in March.

 

Sleight of Hand Moving to J.B. George Road

Trey Busch is moving his winemaking operation (formerly at Saviah) and tasting room to J.B. George Road, south of Walla Walla, between Saviah and Waters. The opening will be April 8, followed by a Grand Opening Spring Release Weekend (May 1-3). Some sensational reds are to be released which will be previewed in the March issue of my Review.