Food, Wine, Travel and Dining Out: Portuguese wine tasting at Wicked Cellars with Ray Bloom of Vinum Wines, “Ivory Mama” Syrah pre-release at Sojen Cellars, trip to Skagit Brewery Mount Vernon, and a little Everett Marina fun.

Portuguese wine tasting at Wicked Cellars with Ray Bloom of Vinum Wines

Portuguese wine tasting at Wicked Cellars with Ray Bloom of Vinum Wines

Wines of Esporao and Mouchao from Alentejo, Portugal. Portugal's Alentejo is in south-central Portugal, and its name, "Al’m-Tejo", literally translates to "Beyond the Tagus" because the region is separated from the rest of Portugal by the Tagus River. A vast open countryside with undulating plains and rich fertile soil, the area is known as the "bread basket" of Portugal. It's also the home of the world's most important area for the growing of cork. Cork oak, known in Portugal as "sobreiro", has been grown commercially in the region for the past 300 years.

Herdade do Esporao is the best-known winery from the Alentejo wine region and the history of the estate goes back 700 years.

In 1973 Joaquim Bandeira and Dr. Jos’ Alfredo Parreira Holtreman Roquette bought the estate and began an ambitious winemaking venture, right in the middle of political transition in Portugal. The last 25 years have seen major investment, innovation and the launching of new products apart from wine such as high quality olive oils, cheese and vinegars.

2009 Esporao Verdelho**+ lime, grapefruit, melons

2009 Esporao Reserve Branco**+ Oak, grapefruit

2009 Esporao Quatro Castos*** red berries, spice

2005 Esporao Reserve Red**+ sweet fruits, spice

2005 Esporao Alicante Bouschet***+ candied cherries, fruit flavors, bright

2003 Herdade Mouchao Tinto***+ black fruit, cherries

May Palmer “Ivory Mama” Syrah pre-release at Sojen Cellars

See May Palmer

Sojen Cellars are getting ready to release their new “Ivory Mama” Syrah. May Palmer, "Ivory Mama" herself was on hand to perform at Sojen Cellars pre-release party.

“Ivory Mama” Syrah - Sojen Cellars

A trip to Skagit River Brewery, Mount Vernon, WA

Skagit River Brewery Mount Vernon, WA

“The Skagit River Brewery was founded on the idea that everyone should enjoy our beer. We select the finest ingredients to brew a broad selection of ales and lagers, plus our house Root Beer.

This commitment to Yakima Valley hops, northwest grown barley and wheat and the purity of our water source combine to produce outstanding beers. Skagit "Steelie" Brown Ale and Dutch Girl Lager, are truly American-made versions of traditional English and German beers. Our other beers each draw on their own sources of inspiration to provide for seasonal individual tastes.

Quality does not end with our brewery. The Pub at Skagit River Brewery provides a nice selection of foods to complement whatever beer, wine or soft drink you enjoy. From the Chelan cherry wood we use to smoke our ribs to the made-from-scratch pizza dough, we take pride in everything we offer.” - Skagit River Brewery