Wines of Substance Garners Prestigious “American Graphic Design Award”

Wines of Substance Garners Prestigious

“American Graphic Design Award”
Award Winning Concept and Award Winning Wine

WALLA WALLA, Wash. (September 24, 2009) —Launched in 2007, Wines of Substance’s unique, elemental design has earned both the winery and its design firm, Seattle-based Boxwood, distinctions in branding and Web design from Graphic Design USA magazine.

Waters Winery Founder Jason Huntley, Waters Winery Winemaker Jamie Brown and Gramercy Cellars owner Greg Harrington wanted to craft a new kind of wine: Something entirely fresh; something unusual and compelling. Targeting a young, fresh audience, they envisioned a brand that would graphically highlight each distinct varietal Washington state varietal they produced. The men began working on the burgeoning concept with Boxwood; in 2007, the Wines of Substance concept and label were created.

The theory the founders worked with Boxwood to craft is carried throughout the brand: the name; the innovative, visually striking Web site featuring a “Periodic Table of Washington Wines”—modeled after the scientific Periodic Table of Elements—and the labels and tasting notes.

The most interactive element to the brand is the “Periodic Table of Washington Wines” Web site, which features extensive tasting notes and pairing recommendations in support of the winery’s mission: to educate burgeoning oenophiles one single, varietally correct grape at a time.

This isn’t the winery’s first design nod: In 2008 Seattle magazine gave Wines of Substance the Coolest Wine Label award. Owner Jason Huntley believes the design has been a huge component in the brand’s success, “The aesthetic quality of our wine packaging is an essential part of the overall experience we offer to customers. It has to match the quality and distinction of what we put into the bottle.”

With many accolades under their belt, such as Seattle magazine recently naming the 2007 Syrah as a “Best Reds Under $20,” Huntley is pleased the wines aren’t the only thing being singled out. He affirms that “the design and look of Substance have received nothing but positive feedback from the very beginning, which has definitely contributed to our growing strength in the marketplace.”

About the awards: For more than 40 years, Graphic Design USA has conducted national competitions to spotlight areas of excellence in graphic design: This year’s competition garnered more than 8,000 entries; of those, only 15 percent were distinguished by a Certificate of Excellence.

For more information on Substance, visit www.winesofsubstance.com.

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Media Contact: Kelsey Simmons
Randall PR / (206) 624-5757

Sharp’s Fish Market Arriving Downtown

Sharp’s Fish Market Arriving Downtown
Seafood and NW Wine Replaces Italian in Mackay Restaurant Group’s Newest Dining Venture

SEATTLE, Wash.—(September 25, 2009)— What’s the freshest thing in seafood? A new restaurant—Sharp’s Fish Market—which will make its home in the financial district in late October.

On Saturday, September 26, Mackay Restaurant Group’s Troiani Ristorante Italiano will close its doors and undergo a makeover. When it reopens next month, it will do so as Seattle’s newest seafood restaurant.

The decision to radically transform Troiani was made by Mackay Restaurant Group—owners of six restaurants, including El Gaucho and Waterfront Seafood Grill—in light of the recent changes to the downtown community and restaurant scene.

Sharp’s will be a completely new and different restaurant for both the location and the company. While Mackay is renowned for high-end dining establishments, Sharp’s Fish Market is designed to be more accessible to urban dwellers but will retain its stylish, convivial atmosphere. The menu will be filled with seafood entrees at approachable price points—in the mid-$20’s on average. The wine program, a focus for all Mackay properties, will offer a 100 percent Northwest selection and include events with local winemakers.

Sharp’s—located just off Madison on Third—will also feature a larger bar and lounge area, designed to accommodate the bustling happy hour crowds and the sports crowds that flood the area during games.

“This was the perfect time to re-envision Troiani and to accommodate the dining patterns of the district,” says Chad Mackay of Mackay Restaurant Group. “We recognized the opportunity for an incredible seafood restaurant in the downtown core and we wanted to fill the gap. With Sharp’s we’re not only able to satisfy the need for really fresh seafood, we’re doing so at an incredible value, all while aiming to be the after-work or before-game destination.”

Mackay will also be making the most of its expertise for sourcing outstanding fresh seafood in another way. The restaurant and bar will be home to a retail aspect for both seafood and Northwest wine. Those who stop in for happy hour and want to take wild caught Alaskan halibut and salmon, scallops or prawns to cook at home can purchase their daily catch and grab a bottle of Northwest wine from the fish market counter, located in the restaurant.

About Mackay Restaurants
El Gaucho®, (www.elgaucho.com) with locations in Seattle, Tacoma, Portland and Bellevue, is renowned for 28-Day Dry-Aged Certified Angus Beef® Prime, impeccable service, tableside preparations and extensive wine and malt scotch lists.
Waterfront Seafood Grill (www.waterfrontpier70.com), located on Pier 70 in Seattle, features outstanding fresh seafood accompanied by sweeping views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains.

Sharp’s Fish Market, opening in late October and located in the heart of downtown Seattle, will feature the freshest locally sourced seafood, a casual, centralized bar and a fish market counter for guests to take home Sharp’s daily catch.

For information, please see Mackay Restaurants online at www.mackayrestaurants.com

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Media Contact: Andrea Courtney
Randall PR / (206) 624-5757

I’ve Got a “Crush” on You

I’ve Got a “Crush” on You

SEATTLE, Wash.—(September 18, 2009)— Fall into crush, the wine grape harvesting season, with these offerings and events from Northwest wineries celebrating their most important time of year!

Cooper Mountain Vineyards Introduces Vineyard Treks
www.coopermountainwine.com Twitter: @CooperMtnWines Facebook
Watch harvesting first-hand, and experience an adventure through 30-year-old Pinot Noir vines at Cooper Mountain Vineyards. Learn how an organic and Biodynamic farm functions and how these practices affect the wine from Oregon’s pioneer in Biodynamic practices.

Vineyard treks are offered beginning September 25 every Friday at 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Cost is $20 per person and a 10 percent discount will be added to wine purchases. Reservations are required and can be made by e-mailing tastingroom@coopermountainwine.com or calling (503) 649-0027.

Northwest Cellars Offers Custom Labels for Your “Crush”
www.northwestcellars.com Twitter: @nwcellars Facebook
Looking for a personalized gift for that special someone? Whether it’s an anniversary, birthday or just-because – Northwest Cellars can help let them know about your “crush”.

Labels designed by Northwest Cellars’ artist Laura Olsen can be personalized to include photos and words you want captured on the bottle. The custom label ($85) and wines ranging in price can be ordered easily from the website.

Olsen Estates Boasts Vineyards with Third Annual Harvest Party
www.olsenestates.com Twitter: @OlsenEstates Facebook
Celebrate the close of the Olsen Family Centennial Celebration and this year’s crush with the Olsen Estates Winery’s Third Annual Harvest Party. With 765 acres producing 21 different varieties of grapes, Olsen Estates vineyard’s are home to some of the oldest vines in Yakima Valley.

Beginning at 10 a.m. on September 26, during Prosser’s Balloon Rally weekend, stop by the tasting room for free wine tastings of the Olsen Hills wines. From 6 to 9 p.m. on the patio, listen to the alternative rock sounds of Run From Cover while sipping and mingling among friends.

Otis Kenyon Ignites the Season with Winery Open House
www.otiskenyonwine.com Twitter: @otiskenyonwine Facebook
Once a year, Otis Kenyon opens the winery doors to the public for a full weekend – sharing its fiery 100-year-old family story and award-winning wines that ignite the palate. From November 6 to the 8, right in the middle of their crush, tours of the winery and estate vineyard, Stellar, are offered from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Taste Otis Kenyon Wine’s next release and view the gorgeous, award-winning 10-acre mature vineyard in Walla Walla Walla Valley near Milton Freewater, Oregon.

Add Some “Substance” to Your Vino Vocabulary
www.winesofsubstance.com Twitter: @SubstanceWines
Crush is the perfect time to test your knowledge, and become an oenophile, while never even leaving your house!

Quickly expanding its following of vino lovers, Substance Wines is teaching the world about wines – one single varietal at a time. Inspired by the periodic table of elements, the fully interactive website provides users with an easy, informative way to learn about wine.

From its popular Merlot to its more recent Counoise release, the Wines of Substance Web site offers tasting notes and information on the grape itself. Also be on the lookout for the 2008 vintages of Cs (Cabernet Sauvignon), Me (Merlot), Sy (Syrah), Mb (Malbec) and Cf (Cabernet Franc) available for purchase on the website this fall.

Waters Winery Highlights Wine and Harvesting
www.waterswinery.com
Celebrate crush and agricultural harvesting in a place where both are produced top-notch – Walla Walla valley! Join Waters Winery on September 19 at 6 p.m. for their very first farm to table dinner at the winery.

The dinner is a multi-course, family-style meal on the lawn prepared by Chef Andrae Bopp that features the best produce from local farms. Each course is paired with a Waters wine. Afterwards, enjoy a sunset bonfire and dessert under the stars with local entertainers The Rogues.

Tickets are $100 per person, which includes wines and five courses. Seating is limited to the first 40 guests. To reserve your spot, call (509) 525-1590.

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Happy Crushing!

Media Contact: Ashley McLean
Randall PR / (206) 624-5757

The Inn at El Gaucho Announces Two Swanky Holiday-in-the-City Packages

The Inn at El Gaucho Announces Two Swanky Holiday-in-the-City Packages

Savor the Season: Spend a Night and a Day Reveling in Downtown Seattle

Seattle, Wash.—(September 15, 2009)—They may be festive, but the holiday’s are also the busiest time of year. To add a little extra cheer to this season, The Inn at El Gaucho is offering two special overnight packages: The Winter Wonderland and the Inn”Spa”rational Shopping package. Ideal for couples, best friends or mother-and-daughter duos, this year’s holiday packages are designed to give guests a much-deserved pampering.

Winter Wonderland Package — $325

Wander through Pike Place Market, admire the holiday decorations, then return to your Junior Suite to beautifully arranged winter-white flowers, plush white robes and luxurious Anichini bed linens: Even without snow, it will be a white Christmas!

* Best available Junior Suite
* $50 dining credit (in main El Gaucho dining room)
* Fresh white flowers in suite upon arrival
* Complimentary hot toddy or hot chocolate delivered via room service

Inn“Spa”rational Shopping Package — $425

After a full day of shopping, we will transport you back to the Inn to relax with an in-room massage, bottle of wine and room service!

* Best available Junior Suite
* $50 gift card to an upscale local boutique
* In-room massage
* $50 room service credit
* A select bottle of Alexandria Nicole Cellars wine

Prices do not include sales tax.

Valet parking optional for either package at $25 plus tax, subject to availability.

The Sweethearts-Only Gaucho Treatment: Upon request, strategically placed mistletoe will be added to either package.

The Inn at El Gaucho, located above the renowned El Gaucho steakhouse at First Avenue and Wall Street, is Seattle’s urban luxury inn. The 18 all-junior suite inn features a 1950’s “retro-swank” luxury theme, exceptional service and in-room dining, including tableside preparations provided by El Gaucho steakhouse. Called “a suite to crave” by LA Times, and voted “Best Boutique Hotel” by Citysearch.com in 2006. Visit inn.elgaucho.com or call (866) 354-2824 for reservations.

The front desk is located on the second floor and can be reached only by stairwell. We apologize for any inconvenience.

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Media Contact: Andrea Courtney

Randall PR / (206) 624-5757

Northwest Cellars Supports the Seattle Humane Society

Northwest Cellars Partners with “100 Hounds of Kirkland” and Bark the Vote to Support the Seattle Humane Society

Thursday, September 10, 6 – 9 p.m.

KIRKLAND, Wash.—(September 9, 2009)—On Thursday, September 10, Northwest Cellars will partner with “100 Hounds of Kirkland” and Bark the Vote to support the Seattle Humane Society. The local winery will be pouring their Rescue Red and taking orders for the wine. Twenty percent of all proceeds from wine sales will be donated to the Humane Society.

“100 Hounds of Kirkland” creator, Catherine Handfelt will be on site showcasing her 170+ photograph series of Kirkland canines. The public is invited to vote for their favorite dog, and the top 12 photographs will be featured in the “2010 ‘100 Hounds of Kirkland’ Calendar”, with all net proceeds benefitting the Seattle Humane Society.

• WHO:
  Northwest Cellars
  
  
• WHAT:
  A “100 Hounds of Kirkland”/Bark the Vote event to support the SeattleHumane Society
  
  
• PHOTO OP:
  Cowboy, Northwest Cellar’s winery pup will be working the crowd for votes, and is available for photos.
  
  
• WHERE:
  Simplicity Salon on Park Lane in downtown Kirkland
  145 Park Lane
  Kirkland, Wash. 98033
  
  
• WHEN:
  Thursday, September 10, 6 – 9 p.m.

Northwest Cellars is located in Kirkland, Wash. at 11909 124th Avenue NE, and produces high-quality, affordable wines with the Northwest Cellars label or a custom–designed label. The custom–labeled wines are ideal for restaurants, hotels, corporate and personal gifts, private clubs, non–profit fundraisers and regional or community–based projects, as well as special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and grand openings. The tasting room is open Saturdays and Sundays 12 – 5 p.m. Let Northwest Cellars help you uncork the possibilities! Find Northwest Cellars on Facebook under “Northwest Cellars” and on Twitter under @nwcellars. For more information, visit Northwest Cellars online at www.northwestcellars.com.

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Media Contact: Kelsey Simmons
Randall PR / (206) 624-5757

Half Price Wines By The Glass

Half Price Wines By The Glass

Twisted Corke Wine Bar Introduces New Happy Hour Award-Winning Wine List

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BELLEVUE, Wash.—(September 9, 2009)— Attention all vino lovers! Hot off receiving Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence” three times (2007, 2008, 2009), Twisted Cork Wine Bar introduces a new happy hour that “crushes” the competition with a rotating selection of five white and five red wines by-the-glass at half price.

Happy hour, served in the bar and on the patio everyday from 3 to 6 p.m., includes a variety of fresh seafood appetizers starting at $1.95. To see the current wine selection and full happy hour menu read below or click here.

WHO: Twisted Cork Wine Bar

WHAT: Happy Hour Half Price Wines By-The-Glass

WHERE: Twisted Cork Wine Bar
900 Bellevue Way, Ste. 100
Bellevue, Wash.

WHEN: Daily from 3 to 6 p.m.

0/8 Seafood Grill—and its spirited lounge, Twisted Cork Wine Bar—is located in Bellevue Place just off of N.E. Eighth and Bellevue Way. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, 0/8’s menu features local, Northwest products and flavors in unique, Asian-accented, seafood-focused dishes. The extensive wine program received the “Award of Excellence” from Wine Spectator (2007, 2008, 2009) and the “Award of Ultimate Distinction” from Wine Enthusiast (2008). The nearly 400-label wine list offers 87 wines by-the-taste or glass, including 22 champagne and sparkling selections.

0/8 Seafood Grill and Twisted Cork Wine Bar are open Sunday through Tuesday 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Wednesday through Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. More information and menus at www.08seafoodgrill.com. For reservations, call (425) 637-0808.

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Media Contact: Andrea Courtney
Randall PR / (206) 624-5757

Afternoon Happy Hour Menu

Sip

Featured White ($4.5)
Gloria Ferrer ‘Va de Vi’ Extra Dry Sonoma, Calif. ($3.75)
2007 Cooper Mountain Pinot Gris Reserve Willamette, Ore. ($4.25)
2006 Cedergreen Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley, Wash. ($4.5)
2006 Chateau St. Michelle Cold Creek Chardonnay Columbia Valley, Wash. ($8)
2006 Jordan Chardonnay Russian River, Calif. ($9)

Featured Red ($4.5)
2006 Louis Latour ‘Valmoissine’ Pinot Noir Provence, France ($4.75)
2006 Mark Ryan Long Haul Red Mountain, Wash. ($7.5)
2006 Doyenne Aix Columbia Valley, Wash. ($8)
2004 Dussek Family Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla, Wash. ($4)

All Draft Beers ($4)

Nosh

Northwest Oyster Shooter Cocktail Sauce, Horseradish, Lemon ($1.95)
Bowl of Seasoned Fries Ketchup, Tartar Sauce ($1.95)
Halibut Ceviche Tomato, Cucumber, Jalapeno, Popcorn Shoots ($2.95)
Seared Calamari Lemon Grass, Soy Syrup, Ginger, Cashews ($2.95)
Brandied Lobster Bisque Tarragon Crème Fraiche ($3.95)
Dungeness Crab Ravioli Sherry Cream, Pea Vine Salad ($3.95)
Farmer’s Cheese Toasted Baguette, Almonds, Black and Blueberry Compote ($4.95)
Sashimi Scallop Trio Soy-Miso Vinaigrette, Wasabi Aioli, Pickled Ginger ($4.95)
Angus White-Cheddar Cheeseburger Lettuce, Tomato, Red Pepper ($5.95)
Manila Clams Garlic, White Wine, Shellfish Veloute, Butter and Herbs ($5.95)

STIR Martini + Raw Bar Featured on Q13

This morning, Andrea and I headed down to Q13 Fox News with Solstice Restaurant Group owner Matt Bomberger, STIR Martini + Raw Bar General Manager Ellie Chin, and Scott Robertson, Executive Chef for 0/8 Seafood Grill, Twisted Cork, and STIR.

Chef Scott prepared yummy Ahi Tuna Poke, Rock Shrimp Ceviche, fresh Oysters and Salmon Tartar.

Then Matt had a fantastic live segment with Kacie Boyle from Q13 where he explained the concept behind STIR, delved into the different flavors of the deconstructed martinis, and even touched on the frosty ice encrusted spirits tap.

Be sure and check it out!

http://www.q13fox.com/videobeta/watch/?watch=77354f7f-31dd-4a79-936d-7549a2ccc5d5&src=front

Wilde Rover Irish Pub and Restaurant Celebrates "Samhain" with Traditional Irish Festival

Wilde Rover Irish Pub and Restaurant Celebrates “Samhain” with Traditional Irish Festival
November 1–7, Samhain Menu, Celtic Art &History, Live Music

KIRKLAND, Wash.—(August 31, 2009)— Mention Irish holidays and people immediately think of St. Patrick’s Day, but Kirkland’s Wilde Rover Irish Pub & Restaurant is pulling out all the stops for an entire week to celebrate Samhain.

Pronounced “SAH-win,” in Gaelic cultures, Samhain is the pagan festival marking the end of the harvest season (summer) and beginning of the “dark” season (winter), traditionally commencing at sundown on October 31. Thought to be the inspiration for Halloween, it is a time to honor the souls of departed loved ones and corresponds to the Catholic holiday of All Souls’ Day. Samhain is also the name for the month of November in the Irish language.

Wilde Rover invites patrons to kick off the “dark season” in style. From Sunday, November 1st through Saturday, November 7th, Wilde Rover will host a week full of traditional Irish music, Irish dancers from a Kirkland based Irish Dance School, Celtic art, and Irish history memorabilia. Patrons will even be given a chance to win airfare and three nights’ hotel accommodations in New York as well as other exciting prizes.*

On Sunday, November 1st from 2 – 6 p.m., families are invited to enjoy Magician GG, Irish history displays, Celtic art, a scavenger hunt and kids’ face painting. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, patrons will enjoy traditional Irish “session” music with Liam Gallagher.

The wildly popular Clumsy Lovers and the Paperboys will be playing on November 6th and 7th, respectively, and patrons can also enjoy traditional Irish dancing demonstrations. On Saturday the 7th, the Irish Heritage Society will host a benefit luncheon. A complete schedule of events can be found on the Wilde Rover website at www.wilderover.com, and will be updated as the festivities get closer.

No celebration is complete without a feast. Ancient Celts slaughtered and cured animals that weren’t strong enough to survive winter, or were ready for the table, for Samhain. Barley, oats and wheat were secured and stored for the long harsh winter; root vegetables, turnips, apples and grapes also played a large role. Hazelnuts were considered by the Celts to be “symbols of wisdom,” and allowed Celts to “see into the future.”

In honor of these traditions, Chef Andy Leonard will prepare a special menu, recalling the original Samhain harvest feast. Wilde Rover’s Samhain menu includes:

Samhain Appetizers
House Cured Wilde Irish Salmon
Crispy potato pancake, goat cheese, basil oil

Cider Braised Pork Belly
Seared pork belly, apple and fennel salad, cider jus

Salad of Wisdom
(Ancient Celts believed hazelnuts to be “symbols of wisdom”)
Candied hazelnuts, red grapes, mixed lettuces, celery and tart cherries in roasted hazelnut – champagne vinaigrette

Samhain Entrees
Herb Crusted Wilde Boar Tenderloin
Whipped potato, ragout of wild boar, sausage-celery root and cabbage, sage jus

Wilde Irish Salmon
Potato crusted wild salmon filet, fingerling potatoes, kale and turnips

Dessert
Baked Upside Down Apple Pie
Poached Apple, Mascarpone-golden raisin filling, vanilla bean ice cream, cider reduction

The Wilde Rover Irish Pub is proud to be the first establishment in known history to be bringing this festival to the Northwest, and they believe it will be a welcome new tradition for years to come.

*Please visit www.wilderover.com for details and restrictions.

Wilde Rover Irish Pub & Restaurant, which opened April 2006, offers an authentic Irish experience in both feel and flavor. A full menu of Irish and Northwest favorites is offered at lunch, dinner and during early-evening and late-night happy hours. Located at 111 Central Way in Kirkland, Wash., at Moss Bay Marina, Wilde Rover is open daily from 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. For more information, call (425) 822-8940 or visit http://www.wilderover.com/.

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Sláinte!

Media Contact: Kelsey Simmons
Randall PR / (206) 624-5757

Olsen Family Celebretes 100 Years in Yakima Valley With Centennial Party

OLSEN FAMILY CELEBRATES 100 YEARS IN YAKIMA VALLEY WITH CENTENNIAL PARTY

New Heritage Series; Wine Honors Family Legacy

Labor Day Weekend Sunday, September 6, 4 to 7 p.m

Prosser, Wash.—(August 27, 2009)— Traveling oenophiles visiting wine country this Labor Day weekend are invited to Olsen Estates Winery on Sunday, September 6 from 4 to 7 p.m. for its Centennial Celebration event. The highlight of the party will be the inaugural release of their Heritage Series wine. Produced from their finest grapes and cultivated from the their best vineyards, Olsen Estates has created this proprietary wine to commemorate the Olsen Family’s 100-year legacy in Washington’s Yakima Valley.

WHO: Olsen Estates Winery

WHAT: Olsen Estates Centennial Party
· Live Music
· Appetizers
· Complimentary Wine Tastings

WHERE: Olsen Estate
500 Merlot Drive, Prosser, Wash

WHEN: Labor Day Weekend
Sunday, September 6
4 to 7 p.m.

PRICE: FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

About Olsen Estates Winery

Olsen Estates Winery is located at 500 Merlot Drive, Prosser, Wash., in the Yakima Valley AVA. Known in the valley as longtime grape growers, the Olsen family unveiled their first vintage in 2006 made from only the best grapes from its 800-acre vineyards. Olsen Estates’ focus is on 100 percent varietal and Rhône style blends, crafted by winemaker Kyle Johnson. Tasting room hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. year round; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday during the summer. The winery and surrounding grounds are also available for private events. For more information, call (509) 786-7007 or visit www.olsenestates.com.

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Media Contact: Andrea Courtney
Randall PR / (206) 624-5757