Cork & Keg

Went to the Cork and Keg Festival last night. We hadn't done that in five years or so. Last time, Sarah and I walked to it, but this year's was in the valley, so we had to drive. Our friend was in from D.C., and he is a Washington wine fan. In fact, I don't know anyone who is a bigger cheerleader for WA wines than him. It borders upon obsession, me thinks. It worked out well that he was here for Cork and Keg... kind of.

Spokane has great wineries. We usually visit them all at least a couple of times a year. We always drink WA wines at our home and many are from Spokane wineries.

This was a short midweek visit from my friend, so we were only able to hit a few wineries before the festival. We had to drive up to Green Bluff and visit Townshend yesterday because we knew they weren't going to be at the Cork and Keg. As always, this winery visit was great. Jill is consistently a great host. The atmosphere is relaxed but not sleepy. It's a fun place. Townshend has a nice selection of gizmos and trinkets, but it isn't a gift shop that moonlights as a winery. Some places are. Townshend has a great variety of wines too. All are very good to excellent (in my opinion). You will buy at least one bottle there. The wine is that good. Most walk out with a case.

The majority of Spokane wineries are like Townshend - great places to visit - comfortable, friendly, relaxed and educational.

The Cork and Keg is what it is. It is almost the opposite of visiting a Spokane winery.

It's not really the festival's fault. It's just that there's a loud multitude of people - all scrambling to get their $40 worth of wine, beer and food. The vendors are friendly, but it's a frenzy - a packed frenzy.

I think it takes me five years to forget what bugs me about this wine (and beer) fest. I'll be back in 2013.