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Valid reasons abound for not going barrel tasting this year. The awful weather. The crowds. The hangover.
None of those reasons, however, justifies skipping out on the biggest wine event of the year. But if you feel you've seen it all before, here are a few tips to add some variety to the yearly celebration.
By Ryan Schreck
Be there before it's famous. Rather than follow the well-trodden tasting routes, try exploring the lesser known places before the crowds catch on. There are plenty, but check out Gifford-Hirlinger on Stateline Road, which makes small runs of excellent Cab/Merlot blends. This could be the last year you don't have to fight your way in.
Rub elbows with a rock star. You may not be familiar with the seminal Boston rock band Big Dipper, but you should be. You should also try the bass player's white wines. Cross both off your to-do list at Trio Vintners, located near the airport.
Get out of town. Walla Walla doesn't have a monopoly on the wine around here. Make a stop at Dumas Station, located just west of Dayton in a turn-of-the-century apple-packing warehouse. It's worth the drive if you're coming from Walla Walla, and it's a great starting point if you live in Dayton.
Take a break from tannins. Right in the heart of the airport-area wine compound is an oasis of barley and hops. Walla Walla Brewers serves ales and porters to go and is a welcome respite for dry-mouthed wine tasters. Look for the "FRESH BEER" sign. It will point you in the right direction.
See something weird. The Black Door Gallery is quite likely the oddest assortment of creations you will ever see. The jam-packed museum of three-dimensional social satire defies description. Experience it for yourself at 4½ W. Main St. Open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Eat more than cheese. You're sure to get your fill of finger foods, but a full day of wine tasting calls for a full belly. Time is of the essence, though, so don't waste it at a sit-down restaurant. Instead, pull up to the La Monarcha taco wagon on the corner of 11th and Rose streets. Arguably the best Mexican food—mobile or stationary—in town.
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