Gorge-ous Wines Help Hospice

Columbia Gorge Winegrowers are hoping to replay their successful launch of the Passport Weekend program on April 9-11. This year, attendees can taste wine and lend a helping hand to Hospice of the Gorge, according to Autumn Woods, Marketing Coordinator for the Columbia Gorge Winegrowers Association.

This year’s event begins April 5 with a preview tasting event at Portland’s Hotel Monaco, 5–8 p.m. The preview will feature wines and travel information from the Columbia Gorge. Tickets for the preview tasting are $25 each and will include a glass, wine tasting, a Passport, and appetizers from Red Star Tavern to pair with the wines.

Passport booklets are $15 each and include tastings, food pairings and entertainment at Gorge area wineries for Passport holders. Passports are also available at Gorge-area tasting rooms.

Columbia Gorge Winegrowers’ Celebration for Hospice is April 10 at The Gorge Room at the Hood River Best Western Inn. The evening event is a fundraiser for Hospice of the Gorge, includes wine tasting, dinner, entertainment, and live and silent auctions. Exclusive auction packages include a barrel of wine blended from COR Cellars Cabernet, Phelps Creek Vineyards Merlot, The Pines 1852 Zinfandel and Syncline Syrah. The blend is managed and aged by James Mantone at Syncline. Tickets to the event are $50 each, with a discount available for Passport Holders.

Details and tickets to events are at www.columbiagorgewine.com, or by calling 866-413-WINE.