As summertime gets under way, here are a few news items about the Walla Walla Valley wine scene.

 

The Valley Heat Wave Continues

Last week, I reported on the effects of the triple digit temperatures in the wine country. Since then, the high tempratures have continued, with temperatures around 100. June turned out to be the hottest on record, with a high of 113 on June 28. Rainfall was a scant .07 inches, way below the normat of 1.28 inches. Some abating of the high temperatures is ahead, with a much more normal 89 degrees predicted for Saturday.

 

G. Cuneo and Salida Join in the "Latin Corner"

One of the latest developments in the Downtown Walla Walla winery scene is the formation of Gino Cuneo Cellars' and Doug McCrea's Salida Wine's Latin Corner tasting room at the corner of 2nd Street and Rose Street. It now offers an elegant setting for sampling Washington wines produced from Italian and Spanish varieties such as Nebbiolo and Tempranillo. It is a shared facility, with both wineries sharing the costs. And it brings together the winemaking experience of Gino Cuneo a 25 year veteran of Italian-style winemaking, and Doug McCrea, a pioneer of Rhone and Spanish varieties, both using fruit from unique Washington vineyards.

The Latin Corner is a truly unique tasting room, unlike any other in town. Doug McCrea states, "We take pride in the fact that we've created for wine lovers an unprecedented 'one of a kind' experience. So essentially, that's the driving factor regarding the location and we want to be certain that the folks who visit Walla Walla know of our very special location and of our efforts to promote grape varietals outside of the plethora of wines primarily of French origins."

The Latin Corner is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday. The current releases from Salida are reviewed in the July issue of the Review of Washington Wines. The G. Cuneo wines will be in the August issue.

 

It's a Wrap for Trio Vintners

On Friday July 3rd, Karen LaBonte held an "It's a Wrap" party for Trio Vintners which will be closing in August. Karen and Darwin will be moving to the Oregon Coast, necessitated by the Walla Walla Valley environment which has agravated her hearing loss. It was a big event where much Trio Vintners wine was poured, and a live rock band - with Karen's beau, Darwin, playing the bass guitar - performed. It was held at the Main Street Studio and the place rocked. Our best to Karen and Darwin for their future!

 

Lagana Cellars to Open Tasting Room Downtown

Jason Fox plans to open a tasting room on East Rose Street, where Glencorrie was formerly located (that winery's tasting room has moved to Old Highway 12). The Lagana tasting room is expected to open late summer.

 

Tertulia Cellars now Features a Petanque Terrain

In May, the Walla Walla Petanque Club inaugurated a boules terrain behind Tertulia Cellars, and held its first tournament there on June 21st. On Sundays, many members congregate there to play and to sip Tertulia Cellars wine. Kudos to Tertulia's Ryan Raber and to the WWPC's Philippe Michel and Ted Cox for putting this together.