MATTAWA - The Mattawa Area Chamber of Commerce will sponsor "Taste the Wahluke Slope," a tasting event featuring wines made from grapes grown in the Wahluke Slope AVA (American Viticultural Area).

Taste the Wahluke Slope will take place on Saturday, June 22, 6-9 pm at the Desert Aire Golf Course Clubhouse at 504 Clubhouse Way. It will be held in the social gathering area in the lower level of the clubhouse.

While 15% of Washington State's wine grape acreage is within the Wahluke Slope AVA, only one of the three wineries in the AVA has a local tasting room. According to Chamber President Mike Thiede, Taste the Wahluke Slope will be an opportunity for the Chamber to show local residents and guests the importance of the Wahluke Slope to the local economy and the state's wine industry.

"This is an opportunity for both residents and visitors to taste the wonderful wines that are made from grapes of the Wahluke Slope and learn what makes Wahluke Slope wines so popular," Thiede said.

Jones of Washington, Milbrandt, Kyra Wines, Desert Wind Winery and Ginkgo Forest Winery will sample some of their wines. Other wineries using grapes from this AVA are being asked to donate a few bottles of their wine for a silent auction.

"Bill Krieger from Cheese Louise in Richland is scheduled to share his insights and enthusiasm for pairing wine and cheese," Thiede said.

Tickets will be $25 per person ($45 per couple) for 10 wine tastings, finger foods, and a souvenir glass. Tickets will be available in May at participating wineries and Chamber member businesses.

Money raised at the event will help the Chamber with future programs. In the fall, the Chamber plans to host a business fair where business owners and people wanting to start a business in the area can network and learn from each other.

Businesses or individuals who want to help with the tasting event or other activities of the Chamber are invited to attend the monthly Chamber meetings held at noon on the second Wednesday of each month. The May 8 meeting will be held at Mattawa City Hall and the June 12 meeting will be held at the Worksource office.

The Mattawa Area Multicultural Chamber of Commerce is organized for the purpose of advancing the economic, industrial, professional, cultural, agricultural, educational and civic welfare of the Mattawa area and surrounding communities.

For more information, please email Mike or Lois Thiede at ginkgowinery@smwireless.net.