Chris Figgins of Leonetti Cellar, David “Merf” Merfeld of Northstar Winery, Chris Upchurch of DeLille Cellars, Tony Rynders of Panther Creek Cellars, Walter Gehringer of Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery, Doug Charles of Compass Wines, Roy Breiman, celebrity chef and author, and Mike Sauer owner Red Willow Vineyard are All On Board
BLAINE, Washington, October 6, 2016 – The lineup for the second annual Northwest Wine Encounter has been finalized and the program is set. Chris Figgins of Leonetti Cellar and Tony Rynders of Panther Creek are two of the weekend’s headliners, representing the Washington and Oregon wine regions. Canada’s Okanagan Valley of British Columbia will be represented by Walter Gehringer of Gehringer Brothers The event will take place April 28-30, 2017, at the acclaimed Semiahmoo Resort, just south of the Canadian border, on the shores of Birch Bay, the Cascade and Olympic Mountains in view. Two days of wine education and appreciation will include tastings, seminars, and a gala dinner as well as birdwatching on the Semiahmoo peninsula, a beach bonfire and golf on the resort’s top rated courses. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature and Talking Rain are participating sponsors of the weekend.
Led by wine writer and columnist for the Seattle Times Andy Perdue, and Eric Degerman, of Great Northwest Wine, program topics and events will include:
The Siren Song of Pinot Noir, Walla Walla, Wine Speed Dating and The Importance of Place.
“I’m excited to be a part of this annual event at one of the most beautiful resorts in the Northwest, to celebrate the world of Pacific Northwest wine and food,” commented Chris Figgins.
“It’s terrific to be a part of a program with this team,” added Tony Rynders. “Wines from our part of the world are continuing to get a lot of attention, which is very gratifying.”
“Yes, we’re onto something here in Washington, Oregon and Canada,” added Chris Upchurch. “Our unique topography and climate, coupled with our combined sense of passion and curiosity, enable us all to make wines that are unique, expressive and delicious.” He continued, “What I particularly love about this event is the fact that I get to meet and spend time with everyone who attends and to discuss the great art of winemaking in this amazing setting.”
Participant Details
Chris Figgins, winemaker and president of Figgins Family Wine Estates, including Leonetti Cellar, Figgins Family Estate and his new Toil Oregon brand.
David “Merf” Merfeld, winemaker for Northstar Winery, a Merlot-focused winery south of Walla
Walla that is owned by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.
Chris Upchurch, winemaker and cofounder for acclaimed DeLille Cellars in Woodinville, Wash. Upchurch also is the owner of Upchurch Vineyard on Red Mountain in Eastern Washington.
Tony Rynders, winemaker for Panther Creek Cellars in Dundee, Ore. Rynders also is owner of
Tendril Wine Cellars in Gaston, Ore. Rynders was head winemaker for Domaine Serene from 1998 to 2008 after spending a few years working in the Washington wine industry.
Walter Gehringer, winemaker and co-owner of Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery in Oliver, B.C.
Doug Charles, owner of Compass Wines in Anacortes, Wash. Charles has been involved in the
Washington wine industry as a retailer or restaurateur since 1978. He also owns Ded Reckoning, a Washington wine label whose wines are made in the tradition of France’s negoçiant businesses.
Roy Breiman, celebrity chef and author. Breiman, culinary director for Cedarbrook Lodge, gained fame last year when he went up against famed chef Bobby Flay on national TV– and beat him on the Food Network show.
Mike Sauer is the owner of famed Red Willow Vineyard in the western Yakima Valley. Sauer is perhaps best known for his work with the late David Lake, the longtime Washington winemaker and Master of Wine. In 1986, Sauer planted the first Syrah in Washington. The red Rhône grape has gone on to grow into Washington’s No. 3 red grape.
Program Lineup
The Siren Song of Pinot Noir
We open the second annual Northwest Wine Encounter with three winemakers who craft Pinot Noir. Join Tony Rynders of Panther Creek, Chris Figgins of Toil Oregon and Walter Gehringer of Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery as they not only present their wines but also talk about what drives them to craft the most maddening wine on the planet.
Walla Walla
One of the most famous wine towns in North America is Walla Walla, Wash. What makes the region so special? We’ll find out from Chris Figgins of Leonetti Cellar (Walla Walla’s oldest winery) and David “Merf” Merfeld of Northstar Winery.
Wine Speed Dating
In this fun format, each participant will get the opportunity to taste wine one-on- one with our winery participants. Here is your chance to taste wines with Chris Figgins of Leonetti, Andy Perdue of the Seattle Times and Chris Upchurch of DeLille Cellars.
Importance of Place
How important is a single vineyard? A single location within that vineyard? We will explore these questions with one of Washington’s best winemakers and best grape growers. Join Chris Upchurch of DeLille Cellars and Mike Sauer of Red Willow Vineyard as they present wines from DeLille Cellars made with grapes from Red Willow.
Package Details
- The weekend event cost is $475 per person which includes:
- Two nights in a beautifully renovated guestroom at the Semiahmoo Resort
- Friday night wine tasting followed by a beach bonfire (weather permitting)
- Vintner-hosted tasting seminars
- Saturday evening Gala Dinner with winemakers
- Resort fee for two nights
- 15% off spa treatments and golf rounds during each stay
