Private Wine Tasting at The Haven

A wine tasting for guests at The Haven in Walla Walla proved to be a great time for a Seattle based book club. Luana McKinley led the taste and provided the group with an "insiders" view of the wine and restaurant industry in the valley. Luana works at Saffron, Walla Walla's food lover's restaurant; and is soon to be a "Dunham" of Dunham Cellars.

The group learned about the geological history of the region, the uniqueness of the terroir, and of the pioneers in the local wine industry. Guests were treated to a K Vintners 2004 Syrah, Tamarack Cellars 2006 Cab Franc, Amavi Cellars 2006 Syrah, Waters 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Cadaretta 2007 Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon, and a Dunham Cellars 2005 Trutina - plus a few selections from Luana's private collection.

The evening was peppered with personal stories, local wine lore, and tips on tasting and touring. The Haven guests were left with a sampling of Colville St. Patisserie desserts, a list of recommended restaurants, sites to see, and a map marked up with wineries to visit and vintages to purchase - all ready for the group's Saturday tour of Walla Walla Wine Country.