Margo Myers Communications

Archive for March, 2010

CRAVE Seattle Chat

Mar 29

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Updated info on 4.5.2010: I have to tell you — it’s so cool to meet all these women entreprenesses, and see all the innovative and creative things they are doing. Kelley Moore and Marianne Scholl not only had some great stories to share, but Kelley put out a ‘thank you’ to everyone who was there. http://kelleymoorecreativemedia.blogspot.com/2010/03/thank-you-entreprenesses.html.

And Melody Biringer and Jess Estrada of CRAVE Seattle are so thoughtful in putting these groups together. Thanks, gals! http://thecravecompany.com/seattle/2010/04/05/crave-chat-recap-emerald-city-entreprenesses/.

CRAVE Seattle Chat.  At the invitation of my clients, Ovaleye Web Solutions’ Kathy Nelson and Jenn Donogh, (who host my website), we attended a CRAVE Seattle chat today with about 20-25 like-minded women business owners. Seattle Woman Magazine’s publisher Marianne Scholl, and Lifestyle and Entertainment maven Kelley Moore shared their experiences as female entreprenesses, proving to be an inspiration to the rest of us. Melody Biringer and Jess Estrada of CRAVE Seattle brought everyone together.

Diverse businesses. It’s fascinating to hear the many different businesses and projects that women in Seattle are heading up — from vintage clothing, to new dresses, to designer cupcakes and handmade lotions. Several writers joined the group, from novelists to those who write screenplays and episodes for TV shows. Some are graphic designers, to those who host websites and work with graphic designers, to preserving recipes online, and online journaling.

Driven to succeed. Marianne and Kelley each described their days, and how they got to where they are. Marianne worked at Seattle Child magazine before deciding to branch out on her own. Kelley was a social worker who discovered a talent for design and events, and changed paths after 7 years to pursue ‘lifestyle’ design.  Both are driven by a passion to not only be their own bosses, but to have control of their own destinies. (I imagine most of the women in the group like to be in control of their own businesses. In fact, how to ‘give up’ control made for an interesting topic). Hours being your own boss may be flexible, but long. Many hours are spent at the computer — sometimes at the office, many other hours spent at the home office. Both have made financial sacrifices to get to this point. But at the end of the day, both Marianne and Kelley are doing what they love. That’s the key. In fact, Kelley told me, as we were chatting before the event began, that she is living her dream! (Maybe the next Rachael Ray, but of design?) How cool is that?

My Takeaway. As a relatively new business owner, I’m inspired by such stories, and at the same time, I realize it really IS all about making connections, and women helping each other to reach their dreams and goals. It reminded me of a quote I read today in an article about Seattle couture designer, Luly Yang. She said when she was debating whether to make the leap to go to designing full time, she opened a fortune that was a quote from Jonathan Winters. It read “I couldn’t wait for success, so I went ahead without it.”

May all the women at today’s CRAVE Seattle Chat find success as they move ahead.

Websites to check out: www.seattlewomanmagazine.com, www.kelleylmoore.net, http://thecravecompany.com/seattle/, www.ovaleye.com

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Glass Art in the Heart of Seattle Center

Mar 26

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Updated information: Instead of going ahead with the 44,000 square foot Dale Chihuly glass art exhibit, the city will now seek public bids to compete with the project. A bidding process, however, hasn’t yet been worked out.  A Seattle Center spokeswoman says there was too much criticism over the lack of public input. In Friday morning’s Seattle Times, Space Needle CEO Ron Sevart said, “We think that the point of view that this hasn’t been a public process is contrary to the way we’ve approached this.”

New idea for Seattle Center:  Having lived in Seattle now for 17 years, I know that getting new ideas and projects off the ground can be a long, drawn-out process. We often try to be inclusive of every group that wants a voice – especially if the idea involves an iconic part of Seattle, like the Seattle Center. The newest idea to replace the Fun Forest (kiddie rides)  next to the Space Needle is an exhibition of glass art by world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. The project should be well vetted before going ahead, and that being said, it appears that much thought and planning has gone into the plans to create a new ‘art experience’ at the Space Needle.

Chihuly Presentation. I was one of a number of local PR and marketing professionals invited to a presentation at the Space Needle to further explain the project, and frankly, solicit our support. We heard from Ron Sevart, CEO of the Space Needle, Owen Richards, project architect, as well as Britt Cornette, Chihuly project manager. Sevart explained that the Fun Forest is going away. That part isn’t really negotiable, and the Fun Forest rides don’t actually look so fun anymore. As I understand it, this is all part of the Century 21 Master Plan for the Seattle Center. The Wright family, who owns the Space Needle, approached Chihuly Studio to come up with an exhibition unlike any other. There are a number of conditions of the Master Plan that have to be met, and it appears this project does that. According to Jeff Wright, Chairman of the Space Needle LLC, the basic concepts for the project have been approved by the City’s Design Commission and technical drawings are going out for bid. Construction is expected to begin near the end of this year, with completion expected by mid 2011.

Let’s talk money. The Wrights and Chihuly Studio are putting up the money, so taxpayers aren’t on the hook. Rather, the Chihuly exhibit is expected to pay nearly double the lease amount that the Fun Forest has been paying, which would mean about $500,000 (or more) annually in lease money to the Seattle Center. In addition, a 5% admissions tax could bring in upwards of $300,000 to the City of Seattle, based on estimates of 400,000 visitors a year. It would mean new construction jobs, and then the jobs it would take to run the exhibit. Sevart didn’t announce an admissions price, but said there would be a number of discounts, and prices would be ‘in line’ with other exhibits. Tickets would be distributed for school kids and seniors, through programs that support art.

It’s green. The new exhibit will be environmentally friendly by removing 30,000 square feet of asphalt, and instead of replacing the current building next to the Fun Forest, it will be remodeled (not torn down) and ‘made green’ to further reduce any carbon footprint. There’s been some talk about the fence that would surround the exhibit, and the team has done it’s best to camoflauge it with greenery and landscaping. You certainly need a way to keep the sometimes rowdy Bumbershoot and Bite of Seattle crowds away from the glass.

Here’s what’s cool –  the lighting. Regardless of your take on Dale Chihuly and his glass artwork, he is very well-known around the world and regarded by many to be “one of the great living artists of our time.” And he lives here. He’s a hometown guy (even if he did grow up in Tacoma.)  The exhibit calls for a dramatic glass house, showcasing various pieces of art in a space that could also be used for weddings, or corporate events. But what Sevart described is how the exhibit and surrounding gardens will appear one way during the daytime hours, while at night, strategic lighting will completely change the look of the exhibits and the glass house will be lit to  ’glow’ next to the Needle. I asked Billy O’Neill, with Chihuly, if all the art would be new and custom designed for this project.  O’Neill said that’s still in discussion and part of the creative process, but some of the key pieces would be. There would be an area for interactive art, a cafe, indoor glass exhibit and of course, a gift shop.

Take a look. I encourage people to check out the project beyond what they’ve read in the paper, or seen on TV. In fact, the city will seek public comment about the proposed Dale Chihuly exhibit and other potential uses for the former Fun Forest site next Tuesday, March 30, at 6:30 p.m. at Center House at Seattle Center. I think this is an opportunity to create another big draw in the heart of the city, bringing in more tourists and money at a time when the city’s economy could use a boost.

 

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Living Life to the Fullest

Mar 23

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Boating friends.  We have a tight-knit group of boating friends with which we take trips, get together for dinner and maybe a wicked game of Wii, play golf, or just hang out at the dock. So when our friend Joe Weigelt, age 48, was killed on March 13th while snowmobiling near Lake Wenatchee, the shock and unexpectedness of it, took us all by surprise. (In photo, Greg Kruse and Joe Weigelt, golfing in Canada).  

Joe loved being outdoors. He loved skiing, hunting, fishing, motorcycles, ATVs, horses, boating, golfing and snowmobiling. 

Construction. He worked in the construction industry his entire adult life, as an operating engineer and project superintendent.  There wasn’t a piece of equipment Joe couldn’t run, and there are many roads and bridges we drive on around western Washington that Joe had a hand in building. 

Joe and his wife, Recia, would have celebrated 20 years of married life on March 24th. For the last six of those years, boating has been a big part of their lives. They loved being on their boat.  So many of the people the couple met through boating, became not just friends, but family. Joe loved being on the water, and hanging out on the dock with those so important to him. In fact, we just had a great weekend with them earlier this month watching the fireworks at Bell Harbor in Seattle.

A “great guy.” Joe was known by his friends and family as ‘just a great guy.’  He had an infectious smile and laugh, and was always happy to lend a hand. He never had a bad thing to say about anyone, and we shared a good many laughs over the last several years that we’ve gotten to know Joe and Recia. Joe is an example to the rest of us to ‘live life to the fullest.’ He worked hard and played hard, but he always had time for his friends.  

Joe Weigelt, our good friend, will be greatly missed.

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Efestē Spring Wine Release

Mar 21

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Tis the Season. Local wineries are now releasing their 2007 vintages, and my husband and I are always happy to meet new people. So when we were invited to visit Efestē for their release day in Woodinville, we immediately put it on the calendar. Efestē (think F-S-T — the first initials of the last names of the owners, Daniel and Helen Ferelli,  Patrick  Smith, and Kevin and Angela Taylor) has a relatively new facility in an industrial area of Woodinville, where not only the wine is made, but the warehouse lends itself nicely to events and entertaining with a kitchen, bar and wide open area in the winery.

The Wines. One of our winery volunteer friends, Jeff, introduced us to Patrick Smith, who was kind enough to make sure we got a taste of the four wines being poured this day. I am in no way a ‘wine expert’ — merely an enthusiastic wine drinker who enjoys trying various well-made Washington wines. We started with the 2009 Feral Sauvignon Blanc — described as a ‘crisp white with a taste of citrus and minerals, and a lingering finish.’ It lived up to its description, but Sauv Blanc has never been my favorite. (Yeah, I admit, I like Chardonnay). Then we moved on to the 2009 Evergreen — a riesling that you could describe as ‘off-dry’ — certainly not sweet.  This had a nice touch to it, and once I learned winemaker Brennon Leighton had helped make the Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Eroica’ when he worked there, I could taste a similar style. (The grapes for the 2009 Evergreen came from the Evergreen Vineyard near George, Washington, and the 2007 Eroica also included grapes from the Evergreen vineyard). This riesling we decided, would pair nicely with Thai food.  Next up was the 2007 Final Final, a blend of  56% Cabernet, 42% Syrah, and with 2% Mourvedre to add a hint of spice. It’s smooth with tastes of black plum and clove, and is a mid-priced blend at $25 that’s very easy to drink. Lastly, we tried the 2007 Big Papa — a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon made with grapes from mature Red Mountain vines (including 31% from Kiona, 31% Weinbau, 25% Klipsun and 13% Sagemoor vineyards). Brennan is a big believer in not manipulating the wine, but using great grapes to give his wines big, bold, complex flavors. This one we’ll lay down in the cellar for a few years to allow it to age.  One woman tasting the ‘Big Papa’ next to me could only describe it as, “Yumm-oh.”

In the photo left, above: Tasters enjoy the four wines being poured. In the photo to the right:  Efestē owner Patrick Smith shows me around the tasting room. In the photo below: winemaker Brennan Leighton explains the complexities of the 2007 Big Papa.

 The People. Patrick was a great host, who introduced us to the other owners, Daniel and Helen Ferelli. Daniel and Helen shared some of the ‘back story’ of how the winery came into being, as well as how some of the wines are named. Daniel, who’s Italian, had been making wine in his garage, sharing his passion for wine with his son-in-law Kevin. Daniel and Patrick met through a business connection. When they all got together for dinner — it wasn’t long before a new project was born.  They talked with local winemakers, took a trip to Australia to talk to winemakers there, (in fact, the winery’s symbol is Aborigine for ‘kangaroo’) and they came back with a philosophy of ‘not taking yourself too seriously, enjoy your family, friends and anyone else that would like to join you in a glass of wine, breaking of bread and a good laugh.’  Patrick told me that’s what he likes best about the wine business — “people are happy. What’s not to like?” About this time, Daniel grabbed a bottle of their ‘Ceidleigh’ — a syrah made entirely from Red Mountain grapes. Ceidleigh (pronounced KAY-lee) was named after a gal in Australia who was their server at a dinner there. (Helen frankly wanted to know why a wine wasn’t named after her, and she’s getting a namesake soon). Back to the wine. The Ceidleigh turned out to be my favorite. The 2006 Ceidleigh was named #36 of the Top 100 wines by Wine Spectator last year, and garnered 93 points from the same magazine. (Helen told me it was HER favorite, even before it won the acclaim).

The Winemaker. We’d previously met Brennan Leighton at another wine tasting, and enjoyed talking with him. Now we had some time to not only find out his philosophy about winemaking, but we learned that my husband and I lived in Monterey, California at the same time Brennan lived around Monterey Bay in Santa Cruz,where he grew up. All of us love the California Central Coast, and had fun sharing our favorite spots from Half Moon Bay, to Big Sur, to Santa Barbara. Brennan has a very distinct philosophy when it comes to making wine. He says he doesn’t want to be ‘heavy-handed,’ and believes in using great grapes to let the ‘wine make itself.’  He likes the ‘process’ of winemaking, although he admits there’s somewhat of a ‘disconnect’ at times. On this release day, people were drinking the 2007′s, while he had just bottled the 2008′s and was thinking about the 2009′s. Brennan says he’s like the ‘intuitiveness’ of making wine, the creativity as well as the science, and if you throw in the farming knowledge (since every growing season is different), it’s always changing. He’s a likable guy who makes wines you’ll like, and if you haven’t yet tried Efestē wines, you can check them out further by visiting their website at www.efeste.com.

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Walk-a-thon to help Haiti

Mar 17

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My friend, the pediatrician. Dr. Susanne Matthys Ollodart recently went to Haiti with the Tacoma-based group Northwest Physicians Network, to help in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake. What she found there outside of Port-au-Prince in Plein du Norde, was frankly depressing. There is such a need for medical supplies, and aid of just about any kind. She was treating people  in an area strongly influenced by voodoo. Susanne said that if a mother came to her with a sick child, the mother might say, “My child is being taken over by bad spirits.” Susanne would then have to diagnose the illness, and tell the mother to give her child a pill, and the ‘bad spirit’ would go away. The group of local doctors helped nearly 900 people!

New clinics and a school are much needed.  NPN’s point of contact in Haiti is a physician missionary named Dr. Leo.  Dr. Leo really helped pave the way for the team to make the best use of their time, skills and service while they were in Haiti. Dr. Leo is now coming here to try and raise money to build and run a desperately needed medical clinic and school in Pleine du Nord.  Work on both buildings has begun, but there aren’t any resources to finish the projects. 

A Walk-A-Thon to raise money. On Saturday, March 27th, NPN is sponsoring a Walk-A-Thon at Ft. Steilacoom park in Lakewood.  Doctors with Northwest Physician’s Network are contacting family and friends to come out and support this fundraising effort, meet Dr. Leo, and enjoy a beautiful walk around Lake Wahop, but certainly we can spread the effort a little farther.  Donations of any amount are welcome to help this group help the people in Haiti. If you can’t make the walk-a-thon, the NPN Foundation is accepting donations.  Here’s the address: Northwest Physicians Network, 708 Broadway, Suite 400, c/o Dr. Stan Flemming, Tacoma, WA   98402. Any donations are tax deductible. Thanks for considering it!

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Let’s do our part against Breast Cancer

Mar 13

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We all know someone…. who’s had breast cancer, is fighting breast cancer (I think of my friend Michelle Millman at KIRO TV), or if you’re like me, maybe you’ve had your own ‘scares’ where a suspicious lump had to be removed. Whatever the case, there’s something you can do, and you don’t even have to get up from your computer.

I got this email Friday and here’s what it’s asking us to do. ”Please tell ten friends to tell ten today! The Breast Cancer site is having trouble getting enough people to click on their site daily to meet their quota of donating at least one free mammogram a day to an underprivileged woman. It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on ‘donating a mammogram’ for free (pink window in the middle).
 
This doesn’t cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate mammogram in exchange for advertising.
 
Here’s the web site! Pass it along to people you know.”  http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/

Please take a moment to do this. It could help save someone’s life who can’t afford a mammogram. And then pass along the word to your friends.

Thanks for doing your part!

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Chat with Women — on the radio

Mar 10

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What I love about my business. I ran across Pam Gray and Rochelle Alhadeff on the internet, when I saw a link to “Chat With Women,” their radio show that airs Monday through Friday at 8 – 9 am on KKNW 1150AM. I sent them an email, and Rochelle responded immediately — saying, “let’s meet.”  And so we did, and they are two delightful women, who want to help promote other women, and highlight their stories of accomplishment, as well as find ways to help all of us lead a better life.

There’s something to be said for “experience.” Pam and Rochelle describe themselves as ‘two revolutionary women who are young enough to remember and old enough to know.’ Their show is aimed at women of all ages, but primarily those 40 and older who are interested in relationships, families, dieting, fitness and careers. Certainly those are topics of interest to just about everyone, but once you get some ‘life experience’ (in other words — have been around awhile), you look at things a little differently than you did when you were in your 20′s.

Check them out on the radio. If you’re like me, and you have the radio or TV on in the background while you’re getting ready in the morning, check out “Chat With Women.” You could learn something new, and at the very least, you’ll be entertained. And if you can’t listen in, check out their website (they have all kinds of things going on) at www.chatwithwomen.com.

 

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Betz Family Winery Release Weekend

Mar 9

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Betz Family Winery Spring Release Update:  Betz Family Winery in Woodinville holds two releases a year, and the Spring Release this past weekend was a roaring success by any standard. Not only does Bob Betz make fabulous red wines, about 1300 customers visited the winery for their first chance to taste what they’ve bought, learn more about the wines and Bob’s philosophy, mix and mingle with other customers, and enjoy an afternoon of talking (and tasting) wine. Customers tasted the lightest red wine first, the Petite Rousse, then went on to the Clos de Betz, finishing up with the Pere de Famille. And we noticed that some customers were on a mission — hardly being able to wait to get to the much-anticipated PDF, which is why I’ve listed it first, below.

 In the photo to the left – I listen carefully as Bill extols the virtues of the 2007 Pere de Famille. Bill is a longtime volunteer who, (along with Nick), has taken me under his wing and is teaching me the finer points of pouring Bob’s wine for the many customers we meet during release weekends.

In the photo to the right, winery volunteers Robin and Jeff listen carefully to last minute instructions from winemaker/winery owner Bob Betz. 

Featuring — 2007 Pere de Famille: This spring’s release featured the ‘much talked about’ 2007 Pere de Famille, a Cabernet Sauvignon blend, that may just be the best wine Bob has ever made. Most Washington state red wines can be laid down for 5-10 years. This one can be cellared for up to 20 years according to the experts, based on the balance and structure of this wine. It features 85% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, mainly from Red Mountain, including the Klipsun, Kiona and Ciel du Cheval vineyards, plus about 7% Petit Verdot grapes.  It tastes divine, and my goal is to actually keep it in our cellar for up to 5 years. (20 years would be a stretch at our home). As I mentioned in an earlier post, this wine garnered scores of 95 points from both the Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast, and I was told this past weekend, that Steven Tanzer mentioned to Bob that it was the best of 600 Washington wines that Tanzer recently tasted.  

2007 Clos de Betz:  This wine is primarily Merlot grapes (62% compared to 47%), with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot adding their subtle complexity.  Bob says, “The result is a big volume Clos, from its glass-coating appearance to its length on the finish.  Deep black cherry, plum and exotic spice aromas lead to a rich, ripe and lush mouthfeel.  But this is no fruit salad; it’s an integrated, well-knit wine, filled with deep red notes and added depth coming from an increased quantity of remarkable Red Mountain grapes.  Fruit from our Horse Heaven and Yakima Valley vineyards added hints of cola, chocolate and minerals enhancing the final blend.”

2009 Petite Rousse, a light, drinkable red perfect for summer.  Bob made about 55 cases of the 2009 Petite Rousse – a light, chillable red that we love during the warm summer nights.  Bob says, “This year’s version is slightly deeper and richer than the 2008 version because of more Syrah in the blend, just over 50%. The rest is made up of Grenache and a little Mourvedre to complete this Southern Rhone-style quaffer.”
What we love about Release Weekends: The Betz family (Bob, Cathy and daughter Carmen) truly believe each of their customers is special, and as volunteers, it’s our job to share this philosophy with the hundreds of people who come through the winery’s large wooden doors.  People are happy to come and taste their purchases, learn about the other wines Bob makes that maybe they didn’t buy this time around, and find out what sets apart this winery from the many others that have sprouted up across the state. (If it sounds like people are buying on faith, they are. That faith is certainly justified by the Betz Family Winery’s reputation for quality and Bob’s consistency in producing fine red wines year after year). I love talking to people about wine, and many customers are very knowledgeable, and ask a lot of questions. We’re happy to track down answers if we don’t know. My husband and I also enjoy getting to know the other winery volunteers. They are a group of hardworking people, devoted to doing their best for the winery, and having fun! Many of them help out in all production phases of the winery, not just release weekends, and know what they are doing when it comes to making great wine.  

In the photo on the left, the group of volunteers enjoys dinner after the doors closed, with a few select bottles of wine to be shared with all.

In the photo on the right, Cathy Betz (in the blue shirt and gray vest) recaps the days events with volunteers Bill, Jeff, Angie, Jay, and new assistant winemaker Tyson.

Please check out www.betzfamilywinery.com for more information about their wines. Of course, there are a growing number of wineries around Woodinville that have their own ‘release weekends’ just in case you missed this one. I’ll keep you posted on my next volunteering effort at Bob’s.

In the photo to the right, Greg Kruse, one of the volunteers, with Bob Betz checking out the ‘good stuff’ in the barrels.

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Fireworks Light Up Elliott Bay/Bell Harbor!

Mar 8

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Is there a more beautiful place to moor near a major U.S. city? This is a shot of Bell Harbor on the Seattle waterfront on what turned out to be a beautiful winter day in March. Sunshine, mid-50′s for temps, and calm water on the bay. But it wasn’t just the weather.  It’s the view that captures your attention and the Seattle city skyline to the east is so much fun to watch from the comfort of your boat.  

That view, and fireworks, too! Bell Harbor had room for more boats, and had local boaters known what was coming on Saturday night — the slips would have been full. Farmers Insurance hosted a 100th anniversary party for 1500 or so of their closest friends, kicked off by a wonderful fireworks show at 8:30 pm. Talk about perfect timing for fireworks. No rain, no fog, clear skies (albeit a little chill in the air), but a spectacular sight over Elliott Bay.  (If you are wondering why there are no pictures of fireworks, they’re on my husband’s phone since I was experiencing, hmmmm… what we’ll call ‘operator error’ of my camera at that time). I’m sure the local news stations and papers got a lot of calls Saturday night, wondering ‘why’ the night sky was lighting up so beautifully!  Luckily, it helps to have properly placed sources, and we had an early ‘heads up’ that there might be something worth viewing to make a short trip over to Bell Harbor worthwhile. The band ‘Heart’ with Ann and Nancy Wilson, was playing inside!  

Fun in the city. For boaters who haven’t been to Bell Harbor, they may want to put it on their ‘places to visit’ list. Friday and Saturday moorage fees for overnight run $1.35/foot. You can hook up to shore power, and there’s also water.  Restrooms and showers are located at the top of the dock. But it’s all about location, location, location! You’re in the middle of the Seattle waterfront right next to Anthony’s, the cruise ship terminal, across from a Starbucks (for morning latte’s), close to the aquarium, and with easy access to Pike Place Market. In fact, right across the street, surrounded by the Marriott hotel, we took the elevator up to market level. (We were able to look down on the hotel’s cool indoor/outdoor pool, and even in March, people had ventured to the ‘outdoor’ part of the pool.) The elevator puts you right next to Cost Plus, which is very easy walking distance to Etta’s, Cutter’s, and the Pike Place Market. We had a party of 9 and were able to walk into Etta’s (yes, one of the Tom Douglas restaurants), and get seated, even without reservations. I don’t, however, recommend that for large groups, especially on a weekend. I think we just must have been ‘living right’ that morning and ‘lucked’ in to a great table. Food was good, prices a little on the high side, but the service was friendly and well-informed. 

Dock life. Back at the docks at Bell Harbor, we found a friendly bunch. Some people keep their boats at Bell Harbor for the fall and winter, in order to attend Seahawks’ or late season Mariners’ games, giving them a floating condo of sorts right in the middle of things. Others just come in for a weekend of shopping and seeing the sights. We had fun watching and listening to a large group of French students board a charter boat for a bay cruise, and could hear their excitement once they returned to the docks. Our informal group brought food and drink, and had a great time catching up with old friends, while meeting some new ones! I highly recommend Bell Harbor for a weekend of in-city fun. And I promise to try to get actual photos of the fireworks show posted soon!!

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Best Betz Wines!

Mar 1

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If you love red wine……  You’ll love the wines from Betz Family Winery in Woodinville. Bob Betz is a Master of Wine (of which there are only about 200 in the entire world), and his Rhone-style reds are simply put — great. We’re getting ready for the Spring Release Weekend on March 5, 6, and 7 at the winery in Woodinville, when hundreds of wine aficionados converge upon the winery to collect what may be one of the best vintages to date: the blends made in 2007.  Now, the sad part is, there’s a waiting list to get on the mailing list to even order Bob’s wines. That being said, if you find any Betz Family Winery wines in your local grocery store or wine shop, or restaurant — give them a try. They’re not inexpensive, but made with some of the finest grapes grown in Eastern Washington from Red Mountain and Horse Heaven Hills, among others. (The photo on the left is during harvest, while we were sorting grapes from stems, bugs and spiders. I assure you — we got them all! The photo on the right is the full team who was there during the last day of harvest on a gorgeous fall day in October. Bob Betz is seated on the giant pumpkin). 

How we met the Betz’s: My husband and I were attending the WSU Celebrate Washington Wine a few years back when we ‘won’ an incredibly tense bidding war for a dinner hosted by Bob and Cathy Betz, along with Ted and JoAnne Baseler at the Betz’s house. We’ve been friends ever since, after being invited to help out at release weekends, and volunteer during harvest and bottling when we can. It’s been a wonderful opportunity to learn about winemaking, and meet the rest of the enthusiastic and very knowledgeable team that helps create such tasty wines. Plus, you won’t meet nicer people who genuinely care about their team and their customers, and go ‘above and beyond’ to create a welcoming atmosphere during release weekend. It’s during release weekends when you’ll hear “Oh, I’d love to try a sip of the Pere de Famille, because when I went to order it, it was already sold out.” Our advice, buy online as soon as you get the email inviting you to do so. 

 How Bob describes the 2007 wines: 2007 is proving to be a very good vintage. This is what Bob says about the 2007 Pere de Famille:  “It resonates with the high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend; at 85%, the Cabernet fraction provides the depth and fruit purity thie wine has come to represent. Penetrating black currant and sweet black cherry are the foundation fruits, with elements of exotic spice, smoke and camphor in tow. Merlot (8%) and Petit Verdot (7%) play supporting roles, contributing mineral and black olive hints. On the palate it’s lush and full, with a pure fruit expression, while fine grained tannins provide structure for a silken mouthfeel and extraordinary length to the finish.” 

What the experts say: Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate says Betz Family Winery remains one of Washington’s benchmarks for top quality wines from Rhone and Bordeaux grape varieties. Betz’s 2007 collection shows him continuing at the top of his game….,” awarding 95 points to the Pere de Famille.  

Update next weekend: I’m very much looking forward to the release weekend. If I’m lucky, I’ll get to pour wine for the many customers, vineyard owners, winemakers, wine bloggers and others who truly care about the wines and how they turn out. I love meeting everyone, while my husband helps fill orders. I’ll let you know how it goes! Check out: www.betzfamilywinery.com.

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