The name says it all. Just like springs past for several years now downtown Coeur d'Alene, the Coeur d'Alene Resort and many shops and restaurants around town will be hosting two days of wine events the weekend of April 24th. This annual event is truly one of the best chances for wine consumers to come out and try a lot of wine from some of the best Washington state producers and interact with winemakers and other wine professionals. Details on all of the events and venues are available from the Coeur d'Alene Resort, or you can email us at George@thedinnerpartyshop.com and we will help fill you in as well.

The dinner party will also be participating again this year. Like last year, we will be joining our good friends Gordy Venneri (the owner/winemaker at Walla Walla Vintners) and Rich Funk (owner/winemaker at Saviah Cellars) for a tasting and panel discussion covering four wines, two from each winery. Our event will be held in the Resort Shops at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, and the cost is $10. Tickets are available from The Coeur d'Alene Resort. During our tasting and discussion we will be trying and reviewing a Syrah from each of these great producers that originates from a different part of the Walla Walla valley. Similarly, we will also taste another varietal from the two wineries and two distinct AVAs.

A tasting like this is the best way to explore the influences of soils, temperatures, elevations, and all of the conditions that make up terroir. The differences will likely be remarkable, even more than what one might expect, given the proximity of these two wineries and estate vineyards. You will see firsthand just how diverse the conditions and grape profiles can be when they come from a relatively small area like the Walla Walla valley.

Tasting these wines side-by-side - combined with the extensive knowledge of Gordy and Rich - will enhance the understanding and knowledge of wine consumers at all levels of experience. In short, it will be a great opportunity to learn of all the factors that go into premium wine making. Since you will be trying wine as well, it will give you the chance to buy your favorites, as the wines will be available for purchase.

When you finish with the event, you will have the chance to tour downtown by foot and taste even more wine from a long list of producers. Like last year, our event will sell out. There are yet even more wine experiences to enjoy. Try your hand at blending varietals to create your own favorite blend with Victor Palencia at noon, also in the Resort Shops. In addition to his own winery, Victor overseas the production of many wine programs. He is responsible for production of two bottles out of every case produced in the entire state of Washington. His experience is vast, his knowledge is endless, and most importantly, his wine is really good, so you will learn about blending from a true master.

At 1 p.m., join Derek Sanderson from J Lohr for a class on components. Learn all that goes into the component varietals in a wine and how each influences the other. Derek has been one of the great supporters of our local wine "scene" here in North Idaho and brings tremendous knowledge and communications skills to all things wine. Like our discussion and tasting with Gordy and Rich, both of these events are $10 to attend, and you can sign up with the Resort.

The depth and richness of our local wine industry will be on full display the weekend of the 24th of April. It is a menu of events that will thrill wine enthusiasts of all experience levels and palates of all preferences, all with a heavy focus on the great producers from Washington State. We look forward to seeing you there!

If there is a topic you would like to read about or questions on wine you can email george@thedinnerpartyshop.com, or make suggestions by contacting the Healthy Community section at the Coeur d'Alene Press.

George Balling is co-owner (with his wife Mary Lancaster) of the dinner party - a wine and tabletop decor shop in Coeur d'Alene by Costco. George has also worked as a judge in many wine competitions and his articles are published around the country. You can learn more about the dinner party at www.thedinnerpartyshop.com. You can get all of these articles, as well as other great wine tips, by friending us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/#!/dinnerpartyshop.