Washington State Offline, Aug 5-7, 2005

[Glass_A_Day]

I made some calls and had it thrown out. [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/wink.gif[/img]

[newsguy]

GAD: sorry to hear about what happened last year. how awful! i was planning to attend last year but a situation came up and i could not. for '05, i've already had approved the time off work, and i will be there come h-ll or high water!

p.s. hoping everything's OK with CCK...

[This message has been edited by newsguy (edited 11-24-2004).]

[dananne]

Anne and I have both taken off work for the dates (in fact, for the whole week), and we'll also be there. We're sorry to have missed the last one and won't make that mistake again!

[Glass_A_Day]

Thanks for the thoughts newsguy. Anywho, I'm self employed so there is no excuse for me not getting the time off. I know the boss.

[Thomas]

GAD,

I'm self employed too, but my boss is still a b#$*^rd.

[winoweenie]

You can say that in SPADEZZZ!!! WW

[californiagirl]

This might help- I seem to remember CCK told Glenora that she was going to e-mail him for some wine. Maybe he can get ahold of her.

[Glass_A_Day]

I vote for Bucko to take control!!!

[Bucko]

It is a toss-up as to where to go. Here are the stats:

Yakima Valley -- About 35 wineries spread out over 80 miles. Nice wineries.

Walla Walla -- About 40 wineries spread out over twenty miles. I give the edge to quality of wineries to Walla Walla.

Yakima -- A city of about 75,000. Still a country atmosphere. Lots of nice B&Bs. Four or five nice restaurants.

Walla Walla -- A town of about 30,000. More of a country atmosphere. A few B&Bs. Two decent restaurants.

Yakima -- 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Seatac airport.

Walla Walla -- A good 4-hour drive from Seatac.

Alternative -- Woodinville. Less than an hour from Seatac. 14 top notch wineries spread out over 20 miles. Plenty of places to stay and eat, but be prepared to pay twice the price of the other two options. Convenience is the only advantage -- people wishing to sight-see Seattle will like this.

As always, pros and cons ... Wineries are not a problem -- I know most everyone and can get private tastings lined up.

I don't want to usurp CCK, so anyone that can get ahold of her please feel free.

[Kcwhippet]

I think I'd probably lean toward Woodinville now. It may not be the country atmosphere of Yalima or Walla Walla, but it certainly does have the convenience. There are plenty of wineries nearby (and breweries) and places to stay and eat. Most everything we'll be doing will be as a group, and it would probably be a lot easier to find places to stay where we can all be in the same place. Plus for us it's much more convenient to Gig Harbor wher we'd be going after the event to visit real close friends. On top of all that, we'd be much closer to Bucko's cellar.

[Glass_A_Day]

I either second KC or Walla Walla. Whatever everone else wants. I do think we should keep this going to get things firmed up. I think everyone would feel better with the plans all locked in. I know I would. Bucko, if CCK has been absent I wouldn't feel guilty taking the ball and running with it.

[winedope1]

sounds good. nver have made it out to Washington State. Maybe I'll be able to get to this one! GAD- there are a lot of nice women out there and just to let you know, we have trouble finding nice guys too. Patience has its own reward. WD

[Glass_A_Day]

Thanks WD, I'm trying to keep the faith. Happy Turkey Day.

[Thomas]

I vote for Woodinville.

[Glass_A_Day]

See, I already knew what you were going to vote for Foodie. [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/wink.gif[/img]

[Bucko]

One other downside or upside -- depending on how you view it:

The only lodge/inn/B&B in Woodinville capable of handling a group of six or more is Willows Lodge, http://www.willowslodge.com/

The lodge is beautiful, lots of amenities, and is walking distance to two of the best restaurants in the state.

Downside -- it is expensive. Expect to pay $200-250 a night WITH a group discount.

However, it is easy driving distance to many top wineries such as DeLille, Betz, Chatau St. Michelle, Robaire, Baer, Matthews, Columbia Winery, JM, Januik ...

[Glass_A_Day]

Sometimes you have to pay for convenience. Seems like a great location. I just went through the Willows Lodge website. I vote a resounding YES!

[This message has been edited by Glass_A_Day (edited 11-26-2004).]

[Glass_A_Day]

Has anyone else checked it out. It sure seems to be a great place.

[Bucko]

Been there -- they have "the world's most comfortable beds" according to the PR. They ARE pretty incredible.

Been to the two restaurants as well. The Herb Farm is pretty famous and very difficult to get reservations at. They have a nine course dinner with six wines. They also offer private dining for groups of 6-14.

Barking Frog has very good food as well -- check out their menu: http://www.willowslodge.com/barkingfrog/dinner_menu.html

[Glass_A_Day]

Just checked it out. sounds great as well.