Hassle-Free Holidays: Gift Ideas From Around the Northwest

SEATTLE, Wash.—(November 24, 2010)—Do you hear what I hear? No, not jingle bells: Car horns a-honking, pushy shoppers yelling and continuous ding of the dreaded check-out line out the door. Wouldn’t it be nice to avoid it all, and find the perfect gift for everyone hassle-free? The following Northwest businesses have unwrapped presents and events so you can relax during the most hectic time of the year:

Festive Presents for Both Naughty and Nice at PersonalWineBottles.com: Custom, Personalized Wine Bottles For $82

www.PersonalWineBottles.com | @mywinebottles | Facebook | Flickr

Santa’s making a list, but this year he won’t have to check it twice: he’s ordering his presents from PersonalWineBottles.com. Whether the gift is for Hanukkah, Christmas or any holiday, PersonalWineBottles.com offers individually customized, hand-painted, hand-etched wine bottles making personalized gift-giving easy.

Customers select a design category like, “Seasons Greetings,” “Happy Chanukah,” “Happy New Year,” and “Merry Christmas.” Bottles can be further customized with up to two lines of text for a personalized message. Customers can select from 11 wines for their custom design. Designs and personal messaging is $75, plus the cost of wine, ranging from $7 to $37.50. Gift bags can be purchased for an additional $2.50.

To purchase a customized bottle of wine visit www.PersonalWineBottles.com.

Deck the Halls with Bottles of Wine from Tsillan Cellars: Six Mix-and-Match Bottles for Just $99

www.tsillancellars.com | @Tsillan_Cellars | Facebook

Tis’ the season to be jolly with the holiday special Tsillan Cellars is offering. Whether giving as a gift or stocking up for a winter party, Tsillan Cellars is offering six mix-and-match bottles for just $99. Choose from the 2007 Piccolo Rosso, 2007 Estate Barrel Select Syrah and 2007 Estate Chardonnay, which received 90 points in the June 2009 issue of Wine Spectator, and won double gold at the 2009 San Francisco Wine Competition. Purchase online or in the tasting room.

Additionally, those looking for a romantic holiday getaway can travel to Tsillan Cellars throughout the winter season. Start by sampling wines in the gorgeous, Tuscan-inspired tasting room. Then sit down for an unforgettable dinner at Sorrento’s Ristorante, Tsillan Cellars’ wildly popular restaurant. For reservations and more information, call (509) 682-5409.

Stuff a Stocking, Not a Turkey, with a Cafe Flora Gift Set: $80 for Cookbook, T-Shirt and $50 Gift Card

www.cafeflora.com | @cafefloraveg | Facebook

Seattle’s beloved vegetarian restaurant is celebrating the most wonderful time of year with a present that even a Grinch will love: a holiday gift set complete with a Cafe Flora cookbook, $50 gift card and a Cafe Flora t-shirt for only $80; a $95 value.

The cookbook features over 250 vegetarian and vegan recipes even meat eaters will adore. Plus, Cafe Flora’s t-shirts come from Ashbury Images, who puts 100 percent of the proceeds towards Ashbury Images’ mission of employing and supporting at-risk youth. This gift set is available from now until the end of December, and can be purchased at the restaurant.

Jumpstart a Resolution: $100 for 5 Sessions at Energy Fitness and Wellness

www.energyfitandwell.com | @EnergyFitnWell | Facebook

Fruitcake is so 2009. This year, give the gift of fitness and nutrition with an Energy Fitness and Wellness gift card. For only $100, the holiday package includes five sessions with a personal fitness guru. This limited-time holiday offer is available by calling Energy Fitness and Wellness directly at (206) 283-0526.

Located on gorgeous Lake Union, Energy Fitness and Wellness focuses on holistic health, balanced nutrition and tailored workouts. Services include personal training, customized nutrition planning and group fitness classes. For more info, visit www.energyfitandwell.com.

Waterfront Seafood Grill Makes Spirits Bright at Annual Winemaker Dinner with Mark Ryan Winery, Sleight of Hand and Sparkman Cellars on December 21

www.waterfrontpier70.com | @waterfront70 | Facebook

Wine and dine that special someone during a Pier 70 holiday tradition: Waterfront Seafood Grill’s 7^th Annual Winemaker Dinner on December 21 with Mark McNeilly of Mark Ryan Winery, Trey Busch of Sleight of Hand Cellars and Chris Sparkman of Sparkman Cellars.

The dinner will be held in the Eastbay room at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $125 per person plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required, and can be made by calling (206) 624-4060.

Executive Chef Peter Levine has created a five course dinner with wines specially paired:

Seared Weathervane scallop – 2009 Mark Ryan Viognier & 2009 Sparkman Lumière Chardonnay

Smoked duck breast salad – 2009 Sleight of Hand Magician’s Assistant Rosé & 2007 Sparkman Ruby Leigh

Roasted Yellow fin tuna – 2008 Mark Ryan Crazy Mary Mourvedre & 2008 Sleight of Hand Levitation Syrah

Fire-roasted leg of lamb – 2008 Mark Ryan Dead Horse, 2008 Sleight of Hand Spellbinder & 2007 Sparkman Kingpin Cabernet Sauvignon

Banana coconut cream pie – paired wines to be decided

All I Want For Christmas is Gift Cards, Caramels and More From Heavy Restaurant Locations: Barrio, Purple Café & Wine Bar, and LOT No. 3

www.thepurplecafe.com | www.barriorestaurant.com | www.lotno3.com

This year, Purple Café & Wine Bar, Barrio Restaurant and LOT No. 3 are the places to mark off everything on Santa’s list. House made caramels, sold at every location, come in a special holiday package three for $5 or a dozen for $18, and make sweet stocking stuffers. Gift cards suit everyone’s liking, and are redeemable at any Heavy Restaurant location. Gift cards can be bought online or at the restaurant. For a little more Christmas cheer, Purple is selling most bottles and cases from their wine list at 40 percent off the retail price.

All three restaurants also offer catering and private dining for the holidays. Be a secret Santa and select from a variety of box lunches for coworkers or skip the holiday meal planning and order a la carte platters from the restaurants. To plan a family or business gathering, contact groupdining@heavyrestaurantgroup.com or call (206) 838-3853.

Special Holiday Hours

Barrio Bellevue

10650 NE 4^th St., Bellevue (425) 502-5021

December 24 – Seating until 2 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

Barrio Capitol Hill

1420 12^th Ave., Seattle (206) 588-8105

December 24 – Seating until 2 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

Cafe Flora

2901 E. Madison St., Seattle (206) 325-9100

December 24 – Closed, all day

December 25 – Closed, all day

El Gaucho Tacoma

2119 Pacific Ave., Tacoma (253) 272-1510

December 24 – Dinner, seating 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

El Gaucho Portland

319 SW Broadway, Portland (503) 227-8794

December 24 – Dinner, seating 4:30 p.m. until 9 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

El Gaucho Seattle

2505 First Ave., Seattle (206) 728-1337

December 24 – Dinner, seating 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.

December 25– Closed, all day

El Gaucho Bellevue

10903 NE 6^th St., Bellevue (425) 455-2742

December 24 – Happy hour at 4 p.m., dinner seating 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

LOT No. 3

460 106^th Ave. NE, Bellevue (425) 440-0025

December 24 – Seating until 2 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

Purple Café & Wine Bar Bellevue

430 106^th Ave. NE, Bellevue (425) 502-6292

December 24 – Seating until 2 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

Purple Café & Wine Bar Kirkland

323 Park Place Center, Kirkland (425) 828-3772

December 24 – Seating until 2 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

Purple Café & Wine Bar Seattle

1225 4^th Ave., Seattle (206) 829-2280

December 24 – Seating until 2 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

Purple Café & Wine Bar Woodinville

14459 Woodinville-Redmond Rd. NE, Woodinville (425) 483-7129

December 24 – Seating until 2 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

Waterfront Seafood Grill

2801 Alaskan Way, Pier 70, Seattle (206) 956-9171

December 24 – Open 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.

December 25 – Closed, all day

# # #

Happy Holidays!

Media Contact: Ashley McLean

Randall PR / (206) 624-5757

Give Thanks This Holiday in the Northwest!

SEATTLE, Wash.—(November 1, 2010) — Before dressing a turkey, mashing potatoes or baking the pies, check out these Northwest restaurants and wineries who are opening their doors and preparing fantastic Thanksgiving meals so you don’t have to. The only thing left to do is dig in and give thanks:

Feast in a Traditional Thanksgiving Meal at Waterfront Seafood Grill

www.waterfrontpier70.com | @Waterfront70 | Facebook

Treat the family to a turkey dinner with all the trimmings at Waterfront Seafood Grill. Enjoy sweeping views of Elliott Bay from Pier 70 while indulging in savory dishes prepared by Executive Chef Peter Levine. A special Thanksgiving menu for $35 per person or $12 for kids will be offered:

Thanksgiving Menu

Fresh roasted turkey with classic country gravy

Corn bread and chorizo stuffing

Green bean casserole with mushrooms and crisp onions

Roasted yams topped with brown sugar and maple syrup

Fresh cranberry and orange relish

Thanksgiving desserts including apple crisp, pumpkin pie and pecan tarts will be offered for purchase separately. The regular menu will also be available. Thanksgiving hours are from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Reservations are required. For reservations or more information, call (206) 956-9171.

Wine and Dine this Holiday at Tsillan Cellars and Sorrento’s Ristorante

www.tsillancellars.com |@Tsillan_Cellars | Facebook

Take a break this Thanksgiving and relax by the shores of beautiful Lake Chelan. Enjoy a festive meal prepared by Sorrento’s Ristorante paired with award-winning wines from Tsillan Cellars.

Entrée options include turkey ($19.95), New York steak ($28.95) or halibut ($32.95). Each entrée comes with an array of traditional Thanksgiving sides. Special Thanksgiving desserts will also be available.  Sorrento’s will be open from 2 to 6 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the restaurant at (509) 682-5409.

Vegan and Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Selections Offered at Cafe Flora

www.cafeflora.com |@CafeFloraVeg | Facebook

You can almost hear the turkeys gobbling with delight over Cafe Flora’s annual meat-free Thanksgiving dinner. Seattle’s favorite vegetarian restaurant is once again offering their prix fixe, four-course holiday menu with vegetarian, vegan and/or gluten-free selections:

Thanksgiving Menu

First Course- Foraged mushroom soup garnished with a dollop of horseradish mascarpone and Colombia City Bakery walnut crustini

Second Course- (choice of) Autumn cornbread pudding or delicate squash medallions

Third Course- green bean and fennel salad with Marcona almonds, pomegranate seeds and herbed mustard maple vinaigrette

Fourth Course- (choice of) chocolate roulade, candied apple cake or pumpkin tart

The four course dinner is $50 per person; $20 per child. Seating is available by reservation only on Thursday, November 25, beginning at 1:30 p.m. with the last reservation taken at 6:30 p.m. For reservations or more information, call (206) 325-9100.

Special Closures on Thanksgiving Day

· El Gaucho (all four locations: Seattle, Portland, Tacoma, Bellevue)

· Tsillan Cellars tasting room

#          #          #

Gobble Gobble!

Tsillan Cellars Announces Summer Concert Series Line-Up

The Paperboys and The Tom May Trio Kick Off Fourth of July Weekend

•••••

CHELAN, Wash.—(May 5, 2010)— Dust off those sunglasses and toast to Uncle Sam with a crisp, refreshing Estate Riesling in hand. For a weekend of live music next to scenic Lake Chelan, plan a getaway during Tsillan Cellars’ outdoor summer concert series!

WHO: Tsillan Cellars
www.tsillancellars.com

WHAT: 2010 Summer Concert Series
• Performances by The Paperboys, The Tom May Trio, The Ian McFeron Band, One Eyed Jack, Kevin Jones & Larry Murante, and Kris Orlowski
• Wine from Tsillan Cellars and food from Sorrento’s Ristorante available for purchase
• Folding chairs will be provided but guests may also bring their own blankets
• Patio reservations at Sorrento’s Ristorante also available for every concert except The Paperboys
• No outside food or drink allowed

WHERE: Tsillan Cellars
3875 Highway 97A
Chelan, WA 98816

WHEN: Saturday, July 3
The Paperboys – Tickets $30, Wine Club $20
Sunday, July 4
The Tom May Trio – Tickets $15, Wine Club $5
Saturday, July 24
The Ian McFeron Band – Tickets $15, Wine Club $5
Saturday, August 7
One Eyed Jack – Tickets $15, Wine Club $5
Saturday, August 21
Kevin Jones & Larry Murante –Complimentary Admission
Saturday, September 4
Kris Orlowski – Complimentary Admission

All concerts begin at 7 p.m.; no charge for children 13 and under.
Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the winery at (509) 682-9463.

Follow Tsillan Cellars Online:
Website: www.tsillancellars.com
Twitter: @Tsillan_Cellars
Facebook: Tsillan Cellars Winery

Tsillan Cellars (pronounced “Chelan”) is located at 3875 Highway 97A, Chelan, Wash., in the Lake Chelan AVA, and is named after the native word for the lake, meaning “deep water.” Established in 2000, the 135-acre estate winery is focused on becoming Washington State’s premier estate white wine maker under the direction of Head Winemaker Shane Collins. It released its first vintage in 2004 and is the largest producing winery and vineyard estate in the Lake Chelan AVA, producing 7,000 cases. Tasting room hours are daily from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; call the winery for off-season hours. Beginning in June, the winery’s Sorrento’s Ristorante will be open seven days a week for dinner and Wednesday through Sunday for lunch. For reservations or hours, call Sorrento’s at (509) 682-5409. For more information about Tsillan Cellars, call (509) 682-9463 or visit www.tsillancellars.com

# # #
Relax, Drink & Dance!

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

Tsillan Cellars' Winemaker Shane Collins Interviewed in Mid-Columbian Magazine

Look for the "Lake Chelan Winemakers" article for an interview with Shane Collins, winemaker at Tsillan Cellars, in the Spring 2010 issue of Mid-Columbian Magazine.

Click on the photos below or read it online here.

Follow Tsillan Cellars Online:
Website: www.tsillancellars.com
Twitter: @Tsillan_Cellars
Facebook: Tsillan Cellars Winery

A Valentine’s Day For Everyone

SEATTLE, Wash. — (January 20, 2010) — There’s something for everyone this Valentine’s Day: whether one’s flying solo, a cupid trying to win someone’s heart, or a couple looking for a romantic evening, these restaurants and wineries in the Northwest are saying “be mine” with enchanting Valentine’s offerings:

The Single Life
Love and live it up…

Ready to Mingle: Dare to be Dateless Weekend at STIR Martini + Raw Bar
www.stirmartinibar.com | Twitter: @STIRBellevue | Facebook
Celebrate the single life all weekend long at STIR Martini + Raw Bar. Grab all single friends and head to this Eastside hot spot with nary a canoodling couple in sight. The “Dare to be Dateless” weekend offerings include:

Friday, February 12
Speed Dating, 8 to 10 p.m. – because you just never know
DJ & Dancing, 10 p.m. to close – featuring DJ Sang Do

Saturday, February 13
Passion party, 5:30 p.m. – for the ladies
DJ & dancing, 10 p.m. to close – featuring DJ Supreme La Rock

Sunday, February 14
Karaoke, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. – with a “no love songs” guarantee

Sip on a sweet, icy-cold, deconstructed martini and ‘stir’ it up on the dance floor. Tickets to speed dating are $42. To RSVP for the passion party, contact allysonwen@pureromance.com. STIR is open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free parking and valet parking available.

Cupid’s Arrow
Win a heart or impress a date…

Win a Romantic Date For Two Courtesy of Sip. at the wine bar & restaurant
www.siprestaurant.com | Twitter: @SIPwinebar
Win over a Valentine with an evening and afternoon to remember: Sip. at the wine bar & restaurant is offering the chance for a lucky couple to win a dreamy date in its “Sip. Valentine Extravaganza.” One lucky couple will enjoy:

Dinner for two, February 13, at Sip. Seattle
Dine at the table with the best view and savor a special “Chef’s Choice” dinner
An overnight stay at Hotel Max
Includes free parking and a complimentary bottle of wine
Check in: Feb. 13, 4 p.m.; enjoy a late Valentine’s Day checkout on Feb. 14, 1 p.m.
Two tickets to the New York production of South Pacific
At the 5th Avenue Theatre on Feb. 14, 1:30 p.m.

To enter, visit any Sip. restaurant location (Gig Harbor, Issaquah, Seattle) and complete a comment card before February 7. To qualify, the card must include name, e-mail and phone number. The Grand Prize winner will be drawn Monday, February 8.

Sparkle with Champagne Know-How from Waterfront Seafood Grill
www.waterfrontpier70.com
Before ordering that bottle of bubbly on Valentine’s Day, impress a date with knowledge of Champagne or learn about it together during Waterfront Seafood Grill’s Sparkling Wine 101.

Held on Saturday, February 13 from 3:30 to 5 p.m., this class is part of Waterfront’s wine education series. Guests will learn about the versatility of sparkling wine, how it is made, why it sparkles, and food pairing recommendations. The class includes a blind tasting of five different sparkling wines. Cost is $35 per person plus tax. To reserve a spot, call (206) 956-9171.

The Melting Pot Gives Away Valentine’s Day Movie Prizes
www.themeltingpot.com
In celebration of the holiday, The Melting Pot is offering the opportunity to win prizes on its website. “Valentine’s Day Red Carpet Premiere Sweepstakes” gives Club Fondue members the chance to win wine tastings, food samplings, invitations to special events and advanced holiday reservation privileges.

The Grand Prize is a three-night trip to Los Angeles, including roundtrip airfare and deluxe accommodations for the premier of the Warner Bros. release “Valentine’s Day.” Click here to play the game and register.

Spoil a Sweetheart at the Inn at El Gaucho
inn.elgaucho.com
Celebrate amor El Gaucho style this Valentine’s Day. In honor of the most romantic day of the year, the Inn at El Gaucho is offering a special Sweethearts Valentine’s Day package. Amaze the love of your life or amor of the moment with this swanky experience that includes:

Accommodations for two-in-one of the Inn’s luxury Belltown junior suites
Rose petals adorning your suite
Bottle of bubbly
Box of delectable truffles
Complimentary valet parking

The Sweethearts Valentine’s Day package is $299, excluding tax and gratuity. To reserve this package, call (206) 728-1133.

Eat Your Heart Out
Brunch or dinner ideas for Valentines-Day…

Love is in the Air at El Gaucho Bellevue
www.elgaucho.com | Twitter: @ElGauchoBell
Show someone how much they’re loved with the ultimate steak dinner and a red rose at El Gaucho Bellevue. Begin the night by sipping cocktails at the expansive, wrap around bar and then be ushered to a candlelit table for an unforgettable meal.

Live music, an intimate setting and a cooked-to-perfection steak will make this Valentine’s Day one to remember. Plus, as an extra special surprise, a long-stemmed red rose will be delivered to each lady that evening. Dinner service begins at 5 p.m. For reservations, call (425) 455-2715.

Celebrate Morning or Night with a Loved One at Twisted Cork
www.twistedcork.com | Twitter: @twistedcork
If all the babysitters are booked on Valentine’s Day night, surprise a loved one with a romantic brunch instead. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Twisted Cork is offering a special Valentine’s Day brunch menu accompanied by live jazz music.

And for those that are looking for a special night with live jazz, Twisted Cork is offering a five-course prix fixe menu for $55 per person, (in pairs only). Reservations will be accepted from 5 to 10 p.m. with music beginning at 7 p.m.: the restaurant will be open till 11 p.m. on February 14. Champagne cocktails and bottles will be specially priced all weekend long. Free parking and valet parking available. For reservations, call (425) 637-0808.

Delectable Sweetheart Specials at Waterfront Seafood Grill
www.waterfrontpier70.com
With panoramic views of Elliott Bay, Magnolia Bluff and the Space Needle, Waterfront Seafood Grill doesn’t have to do much to make the atmosphere any more romantic. However, this Valentine’s Day, Executive Chef Peter Levine will create a menu of dishes inspired by lovers everywhere. The Valentine’s Day weekend specials, offered February 12-15, include:

Asparagus Salad with Seared Scallops ($18)
Bell pepper remoulade
Hearts of Palm with Maine Lobster ($21)
Citrus vinaigrette
Brie Cheese-Stuffed Filet of Beef ($48)
Wild mushroom mashed potatoes
Roasted King Salmon ($42)
Black trumpet mushrooms, lobster and asparagus
Three Chocolate Delights ($12)
Chocolate panna cotta with brandied Bing cherries
Chocolate-dipped strawberry with white chocolate drizzle
Chocolate ganache with mint syrup

Reservations will be accepted beginning at 5 p.m. For reservations, call (206) 956-9171.

Dance the Night Away at Spirited El Gaucho Seattle
www.elgaucho.com
Nothing sets the mood quite like a swanky night of fine dining and dancing at El Gaucho Seattle. To fuel the passion, sultry jazz vocalist Ally Mtwalo will be singing and swinging the night away, accompanied by a pianist in the Pampas Room.

Music starts at 6:30 p.m. and goes until 10 p.m. The full El Gaucho dinner menu is available in the dining room and Pampas Room. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling (206) 728-1337.

Dazzle a Date with a 3-Course Dinner at Sip. at the wine bar & restaurant
www.siprestaurant.com | Twitter: @SIPwinebar
With a warm, welcoming, Napa Valley-inspired ambiance, over 70 by-the-glass choices and more than 250 bottles from the Pacific Northwest, California and around the world, guests feel as if they’re touring the globe without leaving the state. Sip. at the wine bar & restaurant is the ideal place to wine and dine a sweetheart on Valentine’s Day.

All Sip. locations will be offering a special Valentine’s menu on February 14: three courses for $50 per person. The regular dinner menu of locally-sourced, refined plates will also be offered. For reservations, call: Seattle (206) 682-2779; Issaquah (425) 369-1181; Gig Harbor (253) 853-3020.

Share Chateaubriand and Lobster for Two at El Gaucho Tacoma
www.elgaucho.com | Twitter: @ElGauchoTac
Set in the heart of downtown Tacoma, El Gaucho Tacoma is a luxurious destination for any South Sound Valentine’s evening celebration. In honor of the day, the restaurant will be featuring Chateaubriand and lobster for two, carved tableside (16-ounce filet mignon and 8-ounce lobster tail), for $135. The regular dinner menu will also be available.

To add an extra special touch, guests can pre-order flowers which will be waiting at the table upon arrival. A dozen roses, half-dozen roses or seasonal garden bouquet are all available for purchase along with a personalized card. For reservations, call (253) 272-1570.

Melt Someone’s Heart with “Love Potion” Drinks at The Melting Pot
www.themeltingpot.com
Looking for a dining experience that’s different? The Melting Pot is a perfect spot for dates to share conversation and create memories over four courses of indulgent fondue. From now until March 15, the restaurants will also be offering three “Love Potion” specialty cocktails. Melt a date’s heart with these passion-filled drinks:

Exotic Mojito
X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, SKYY Infusions® Citrus Vodka, Monin Mojito Mix, Monin Red Passion Fruit, fresh lime juice and mint leaves
XTC Martini
X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, simple syrup, lemon juice, Prosecco, strawberries and basil
Passionate Kiss
SKYY Infusions® Passion Fruit Vodka, simple syrup, lemon juice, Prosecco, orange chunks and basil leaves

In addition to the “Love Potion” drinks, a special four-course dinner will be available on Valentine’s Day for $68 per person plus tax and 18 percent gratuity. The menu is:

First Course
Spinach & Artichoke Heart Swiss – or – Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Bacon Cheddar
Second Course
Strawberry Blue Kiss Salad – or – Caesar Salad
Third Course
Cupid’s Feast of filet mignon, plank salmon, spicy shrimp, teriyaki-marinated sirloin, roasted garlic-encrusted chicken, sun-dried tomato mascarpone ravioli, shitake mushroom and assorted vegetables
Fourth Course
‘Hunka Hunka Burnin’ Love’ milk or dark chocolate with Chambord – or – ‘Love Me Tender’ bananas foster white chocolate

Reservations on Valentine’s Day are offered beginning at noon. For reservations, call: Seattle (206) 378-1280; Bellevue (425) 646-2744; Tacoma (253) 535-3939.

Decadently Dine for Two with Tableside Service at El Gaucho Portland
www.elgaucho.com
Nothing will make a date feel more special than having an opulent meal prepared tableside with expertly executed service. Personalize a Valentine’s Day dinner with a romantic meal at El Gaucho Portland.

Tableside preparations of Caesar, Chateaubriand, flaming swords and, to finish the night, Bananas Foster flambé are available along with the regular menu. Rose petals sprinkled across the tables on February 14 will further set the romantic mood. For reservations, call (503) 227-8794.

Wine and Chocolate
The perfect pair…

Otis Kenyon Wine Releases Its “Crush”: 2007 Malbec
www.otiskenyonwine.com | Twitter: @otiskenyonwine | Facebook
Crushes aren’t limited to the young: on Valentine’s Day weekend head to Otis Kenyon’s tasting room in downtown Walla Walla and help celebrate the release of the 2007 Malbec.

On February 13 and 14, Otis Kenyon will release the 2007 Malbec and will also be offering visitors wine and chocolate from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. To read about Otis Kenyon’s 2007 releases, click here.

A Chelan Getaway with Wine and Red Roses at Tsillan Cellars
www.tsillancellars.com | Facebook
Grab your sweetheart and head to Chelan this holiday for wine, chocolate and roses at Tsillan Cellars. The gorgeous, Italian-inspired tasting room will feature a $5 tasting fee and complimentary chocolates and red roses from noon to 5 p.m. on February 13 and 14, and February 20 and 21. Wine specials include 20 percent off Dolcezza d’Oro, two 2005 Merlot bottles for $40, as well as additional discounts on Estate whites and various reds.

After sipping wines and indulging in chocolates at the tasting room, head to Tsillan’s romantic restaurant for a delicious Italian meal. Sorrento’s Ristorante will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. serving Valentine’s Day specials. Reservations can be made by calling (509) 682-5409.

Northwest Cellars He’arts’ Wine and Chocolate
www.northwestcellars.com | Twitter: @nwcellars | Facebook
Wine, chocolate and art: a match made in heaven. Northwest Cellars is offering all three at its tasting room this Valentine’s Day.

On February 13 and 14 from noon to 5 p.m., Northwest Cellars will be serving up its award-winning wines at their Kirkland tasting room, paired with amazing hand-made chocolates from Intrigue Chocolates. To add to the sweet temptation, several local artists will be there with gifts available to purchase for a valentine. Tastings are $5, refundable with purchase. Chocolates are available for sale as well.


# # #
Cupid’s Got Your Back!


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

Tsillan Cellars' Tuscan Village Plans Approved

Tsillan Cellars’ Tuscan Village Plans Approved
A Taste of Italy in the Heart of Chelan Will Include Mixed Housing, Retail Outlets and a Health Spa

CHELAN, Wash.—(January 8, 2010)— The Chelan County Hearing Examiner approved plans for the Tuscan Village, a new development. The Tuscan Village promises to deliver a slice of Italy to Washington state’s newest Chelan AVA, which hosts hundreds of visitors a day during busy summer months.

The 274-acre Village, which draws inspiration from Tsillan Cellars Winery’s unique Tuscan architecture, will offer 950 residential units as well as a retail center and health spa.

Clearing this initial hurdle means that the Tuscan Village is now positioned to move forward with more detailed development plans. The property, south of Highway 97A and adjacent to Tsillan Cellars Winery, offers spectacular views of the lake and mountains.

Tsillan Cellars owner Bob Jankelson, who has been a visionary in pioneering winemaking in the Chelan AVA, has partnered with four neighboring property owners to develop the Tuscan Village.

Says Jankelson, “While it’s too soon to say when construction will begin, this is a major step. Everyone who has visited Tsillan Cellars recognizes immediately how passionate I am about Italy and its culture. The Tuscan Village will be a little taste of Italy, right here in Lake Chelan. Chelan is no longer solely a destination for sun-seekers, but wine enthusiasts.”

Tsillan Cellars (pronounced “Chelan”) is located at 3875 Highway 97A, Chelan, Wash., in the Lake Chelan AVA, and is named after the native word for the lake, meaning “deep water.” Established in 2000, the 135-acre estate winery is focused on becoming Washington State’s premier estate white wine maker under the direction of Head Winemaker Shane Collins. It released its first vintage in 2004 and is the largest producing winery and vineyard estate in the Lake Chelan AVA, producing 7,000 cases. Tasting room hours are daily from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; call the winery for off-season hours. The winery’s Sorrento’s Ristorante is open Wednesday through Sunday. For reservations or hours, call Sorrento’s at (509) 682-5409. For more information about Tsillan Cellars, call (509) 682-9463 or visit http://www.tsillancellarswines.com/

# # #

Source: Dr. Robert Jankelson, Owner and Founder

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

Tsillan Cellars to Release First Malbec

Tsillan Cellars to Release First Malbec
Winery First to Recognize Chelan AVA’s Geographical Link to Mendoza, Source of Exemplary Argentinean Malbecs

CHELAN, Wash.—(September 29, 2009) — Tsillan Cellars is celebrating the release of their first Estate Malbec under the newly minted Lake Chelan AVA label.

Malbec originated in the Bordeaux region of France as one of the five primary blending grapes before finding its niche in the sun-drenched Mendoza region of Argentina. Nestled against the Andes Mountains, the Mendoza region boasts a dry, continental climate that produces first-rate Malbec grapes.

In 2002, Tsillan Cellars owner and founder Dr. Bob Jankelson observed the striking similarity between Chelan’s continental climate and Argentina’s Mendoza region and planted Malbec vines. Much like the vineyards of Mendoza, Tsillan Cellars’ estate Malbec vineyards lie directly adjacent to the North Cascade Mountains, and enjoy roughly 300 days of sunshine per year, receive approximately 8–10 inches of annual precipitation and see some 3,000 heat units distributed over long, hot summer days and cool nights. Mendoza also shares an undeniably rich apple-growing history with the Chelan Valley.

When Tsillan Cellars planted their first Malbec vines it was with the intent of using it as a traditional Bordeaux blender, however barrel-tasting the 2004 vintage identified the Estate Malbec as a “star” that was too good to mix. Jankelson immediately planted additional acreage.

The first release of Tsillan Cellars’ Estate Malbec will be offered to wine club members in November with the opportunity to purchase through Thanksgiving. It becomes available to the general public on December 1st.

2007 Tsillan Cellars Estate Malbec ($23)
Harvest date: October 7, 2007
Brix at harvest: 24
80% Malbec, 20% Merlot
Aged: 18 months on French oak, 40 percent new; 60 percent used.
Tasting notes: Bright red hues fill the glass from edge to edge. The nose shows amazing aromas of cherry, violet and rose with pleasing waves of vanilla, maple and subtle anise. The palate welcomes bright cherry, plum and currant with distinctive note of spice, finishing with smooth tannin and pleasant acid balance. This Estate Malbec is a wonderful food-pairing wine; it is particularly fine with red meat and hearty game.

Tsillan Cellars (pronounced “Chelan”) is located at 3875 Highway 97A, Chelan, Wash., in the Lake Chelan AVA, and is named after the native word for the lake, meaning “deep water.” Established in 2000, the 135-acre estate winery is focused on becoming Washington State’s premier estate white wine maker under the direction of Head Winemaker Shane Collins. It released its first vintage in 2004 and is the largest producing winery and vineyard estate in the Lake Chelan AVA, producing 7,000 cases. Tasting room hours are daily from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; call the winery for off-season hours. The winery’s Sorrento’s Ristorante is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon until 9 p.m. For more information, call (509) 682-9463 or visit www.tsillancellarswines.com

# # #

Source: Dr. Robert Jankelson, Owner and Founder

Available for Interview: Dr. Robert Jankelson to speak about Chelan’s AVA and Tsillan vintages

Media Note: Samples are available upon request, as available

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