For the past six years, the Southwest Washington Winery Association has organized a fall barrel tasting regional touring event during Thanksgiving weekend. Wineries in the area sampled not-yet-released wines in progress, as well as new releases and perennial favorites. Winery visitors collected stamps on a postcard from each winery visited, which were then entered in a drawing for gift cards to local wineries.
In 2020, of course, everything has to be different. Accordingly, the SWWA is adapting its fall tour to accommodate social distancing guidelines. You can still drink wine and earn stamps, but instead of one weekend, the 2020 Holiday Wine Tour will run from November through December 31st to avoid crowds in tasting rooms on a single weekend. Each point earns an entry in the drawing for three $100 gift cards. Winners will be announced on January 15th, 2021.
Additionally, curbside purchases and helping promote local wineries on social media also earn entries in the drawing that will occur on January 15th, 2021. This will allow participation from the comfort of home and car.
The tour includes local Southwest Washington wineries scattered throughout bucolic Clark County from East Vancouver to Ridgefield, as well as urban wineries in Downtown Vancouver and tasting rooms at the Vancouver Waterfront.
Winemakers are frequently pouring their own wines at these small wineries – most producing fewer than 1000 cases per year. Many of the tasting rooms are located onsite with mature and developing vineyards. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about grape growing and wine production on a small scale.
Hours and tasting fees vary. For more information, visit Southwest Washington Winery Association Holiday Passport.
Wineries Participating in the 2020 Holiday Promotion:
Airfield Estates Winery
Brian Carter Cellars
Burnt Bridge Cellars
Confluence Vineyard and Winery
Emanar Cellars
English Estate Winery
Heisen House Vineyard
Maryhill Winery
Matranga Vineyards
Pepper Bridge Winery and Amavi Cellars
Pomeroy Cellars
Rezabek Vineyards
Stavalaura Vineyards and Winery
SuLei Cellars
Windy Hills Winery
Valo Cellars & Massalto
