The B-Town Blog is proud to welcome our latest Advertiser: Breeders Theater’s “Prairie Heart,” a new romantic comedy playing at E.B. Foote Winery starting Jan. 16th!

Love blooms unexpectedly in “Prairie Heart,” written by local Playwright T.M. Sell. The plot revolves around Scandinavian pioneers in North Dakota in the 1890s.

“That’s about the time my great-grandparents homesteaded there,” says Sell.  “The story is based on the kinds of stories their descendants used to talk about when I was a kid.  But I think it’s an immigrant experience that a lot of people will be able to relate to.”

The show is directed by Alan Wilkie with music by Nancy Warren, choreography by Teresa Widner and costumes by Melissa Sell.

The cast features:

• Adrienne Grieco
• Luke Amundson
• Eric Hartley
• Melissa Grinley
• J Howard Boyd
• Steve Scheide
• Melissa Malloy

Show dates are:

• Friday, Jan. 16
• Saturday, Jan. 17
• Sunday, Jan. 18
• Wednesday, Jan. 21
• Friday, Jan. 23
• Saturday, Jan. 24
• Sunday, Jan. 25
• Wednesday, Jan. 28
• Thursday, Jan. 29
• Friday, Jan. 30
• Saturday, Jan. 31
• Sunday, Feb. 1st

On Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturday performances, doors open at 6:30pm, and the show starts at 7pm.

Sunday shows start at 2pm and the doors open at 1:30pm.

The annual “Escape from Super Bowl Sunday” show is Sunday, Feb. 1 and starts at 1pm.

Proceeds from the Jan. 29 show go to benefit the Highline College Foundation.

Each performance includes tasting of E.B. Foote’s award winning wines and hors d’oeurves, still for only $20.

Tickets are $20 per person and include wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, and the play. The winery will be chilly so dress warmly and casually.  Tickets are available at E.B. Foote Winery and at Corky Cellars, located at 22511 Marine View Drive, Des Moines; phone: 206-824-9462. Visit the winery or call for tickets, 206-242-3852 or check out breederstheater.com.

Tickets can also be ordered online at E.B. Foote’s “Current Releases” page here, and Sherrill will call you to confirm a date and other details (credit cards accepted with a $5 fee per ticket OR your credit card can guarantee the tickets, and you can pay at the door with cash or check.)

For more information, contact T.M. Sell at breederstheater@aol.com.

And now, a quick Q & A with T.M. Sell:

Q: What is “Prairie Heart” about?
A: “Prairie Heart” is about Scandinavian immigrant farmers in North Dakota in the 1890s.  From what I’ve heard and read, life was a bit of challenge then, so it’s about what people went through when they got there.  It’s also about the difficulty of romantic life.

Q: How is this different or similar to your previous work?
A: It’s similar in that there’s romance; it’s different in that there’s no mutant aliens, no talking animals, no gods descending from heaven; just fairly normal folks trying to get through life.  But I hope it’s still funny.

Q: Why 1890s in North Dakota?
A: That’s where my great-grandparents homesteaded, near Minot.  We visited there this summer, and it was very interesting.   So parts of the story is based on their stories.

Q: Are there any parallels to modern-day life in the general Burien area?
A: At some level all of our ancestors were immigrants who went through some struggles to get there.  And at some level, most of us have struggled with romance and relationships and trying to figure how to say the right thing to the right person, while hoping that he or she doesn’t laugh in your face.

Q: Tell us about your cast.
A: Luke Amundson plays Ole, a bachelor farmer; he played Tom Monroe in Crazy/Naked last year.  Adrienne Grieco plays Ingrid, a young woman who ends up alone and basically penniless in his town.  Eric Hartley and Melissa Grinley play a more settled, successful farm couple; Steve Scheide plays another young man who is interested in Ingrid; J Howard Boyd plays a narrator who helps explain the story as it unfolds.   It’s a very strong cast and I feel very lucky to get work with them all once again.

Q: I understand you’re doing a benefit show – details please?
A: Jan. 29 is our annual fundraiser for an arts scholarship that we created at Highline College.  We’ve been able to help a dozen students with tuition assistance in the eight years we’ve been doing the scholarship.

Q: Let’s talk about the important stuff now – the wine – what’s on tap for this production? And do the cast members get to imbibe during the show?
A: Sherrill will be tasting six wines, featuring her reds, of course.  I can’t speak for how medicated the cast might be for a show, but they do tend to take their work very seriously.

Q: As 2009 begins, do you have any predictions for Readers of the B-Town Blog?
A: More crazy weather; more timely local news; perhaps more awareness that we really do live in a very nice part of town.

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We’d like to raise a toast to our latest returning Advertiser: E.B. Foote Winery!

E.B. Foote Winery was founded in 1978 by Eugene Foote, and it is one of the oldest wineries in Washington State.

And it’s located right here in Burien.

In 1991, Rich Higginbotham and Sherrill Miller became the owners and winemakers and they moved the winery from south Seattle to Burien in 1999.

Sadly, Rich passed away on Sept. 15th, but Sherrill and crew will be releasing a wine in his honor sometime next year.

The grapes come from the Columbia Valley in eastern Washington and are trucked in. The grape hauling, crush, press, fermenting, bottling, labeling, and sales are done right at the winery in Burien. The winery makes approximately 2,200 cases each year. All the winemaking is done at the winery in Burien with the help of their Volunteer Vintners.

The winery is open for free wine tasting on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7pm to 9pm, and on Fridays and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm. Both white and red wines may be available for tasting and purchase in the winery gift shop.

These award-winning wines may include:

• Chardonnay
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot
• Syrah
• Red Zinfandel
• Red blends
• Sweet Sherrill, a Riesling-like wine

Upcoming Events include:

• CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
  $5 tasting fee, applied toward bottle purchase
  
  • Thursday, Dec. 4, 5 pm – 9 pm
  • Friday, Dec. 5, 11 am – 9 pm,
  • Saturday, Dec. 6, 11 am – 7 pm
  • Sunday, Dec. 7, Noon – 6 pm

  Sample our current award-winning wines and our new releases along with snacks. We have new gift ideas, and three new wines will be released. Jim from Chocolate Serenade will have samples of his decadent chocolate truffles and have boxes of truffles available for purchase. Get a friend or two and join us during these hours, no reservations needed! The winery will be chilly so dress warmly and casually. Scheduled for release: Rainy Day Red V, 2006 Northwest Duet, etc. (all three wines are red blends)

• BRASS BAND CONCERT PERFORMED BY PUGET BRASS- FREE!
  • Tuesday, Dec. 9, 7 pm – 9 pm

  Enjoy traditional brass band music performed by Puget Brass, a 20-piece brass band conducted by John Falskow.  All ages are welcome to attend this free event.  Complimentary cheese and crackers will be served.  Complimentary wine tasting will be available for those 21 years and older, and wine will be available for purchase by the glass for $5 or $8 each.  The gift shop will be open for wine or gift purchases. No reservations needed.

• BREEDERS THEATER PRESENTS “PRAIRIE HEART”
  Tickets $20 each, advance purchase recommended
  
  • Jan. 16 – 18, 21, 23 – 25, 28 – 31, Feb. 1
  • Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings door opens at 6:30 pm
  • Sunday matinee door opens at 1:30 pm
  • Sunday, Feb. 1 door opens at 12:30 pm

  Join us for live theater at the winery. A local, professional theater group puts on original comedy plays between wine tasting and food. It’s fun, entertaining, adult humor. Performed in the winery. Tickets are $20 per person and include wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, and the play. The winery will be chilly so dress warmly and casually.  Tickets available beginning November 1, 2008.  Visit the winery or call for tickets, 206-242-3852 or check out breederstheater.com. (Credit cards accepted with a $5 fee per ticket OR your credit card can guarantee the tickets, and you can pay at the door with cash or check.)

E.B. Foote Winery produces quality wines at an affordable price. Because it’s not about what it costs. It’s about how it tastes.

Celebrating 30 years as a Washington winery, please welcome E.B. Foote Winery back to the B-Town Blog by clicking on their ad on the lower right sidebar and checking them out!

E.B. Foote Winery is located at 127 SW 153rd St. (downstairs in the lower level) in Burien, and their phone number is (206) 242-3852:

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The B-Town Blog is proud to raise a glass to its latest Advertiser, Vino Bello!

You’ve probably seen us list their unique Saturday Wine Tasting Events often, and that’s only because we think they’re great folks with a fantastic business (not to mention a huge selection of outstanding wines).

On July 4th, 2006, Vino Bello – Italian for beautiful wine – opened downtown at 636 SW 152nd Street, making it Burien’s premier wine shop & wine bar.

Featuring an extensive wine-by-the-glass menu and retail selection from around the world, Vino Bello offers something for everyone.

Meet your neighbors at the Saturday wine tasting events that often showcase winemakers from our own backyard – little known, boutique wineries from Walla Walla, Yakima Valley, Chelan County and the Willamette Valley in OR.

And this Thursday night (April 24th), don’t miss a special Beijo Bag & Accessory Party, starting at 5pm. It’s always a great “girls night out” when Diane brings the latest Beijo fashions to Vino Bello.

Saturday tastings start at Noon and go to 8pm; live music starts at 5pm, featuring jazz, blues and folk music.

Be sure to come by Vino Bello this Saturday, April 26th, from Noon – 8pm for wine tastings of Ash Hollow Vineyard, which is located just within the western edge of the Walla Walla Valley appellation just south of Highway 12. Having the same 46º N latitude as Bordeaux, it has become as an exceptional source for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and Syrah grapes. Because of its northern latitude, Ash Hollow Vineyard enjoys up to two hours more summer sunlight than other wine growing regions. The longer days allow the grapes to fully ripen, and the cool nights provide a higher natural acidity. The vineyard also offers dramatic views of the Walla Walla Valley and Blue Mountains.

Saturday’s Tasting Lineup:

• 2007 Dry Gewurztraminer: This wonderful dry Gewurztraminer, 100% stainless steel produced, has intense tropical fruit & spicy lemon zest aromatics. Golden lemonade in color, terrific legs, great body, layers of fantastic tropical fruits with just the right amount of spice.

• 2007 Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp & clean, light & refreshing; the 2007 Sauvignon Blanc waits to share its zesty citric, lush tropical fruits & dried pineapple aromas with you. Hints of starfruit, cut grass, and a complex minerality develop into a somehow lean yet rich, long finish.

• 2007 Somanna: Somanna, their premier white wine, is a 50/50 blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris which exhibits lovely notes of pear, passion fruit, and pineapple, followed by the subtleness of cut green grass and lemon zest. Unique, Boutique, Crisp & Clean; Enjoy!

• 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon: This wonderful wine is what the Ash Hollow Estate Vineyards are all about; classic “Old World” style Cabernet Sauvignon! The dark red color teases of the richness to come; aristocratic layers of complexity & a fantastic finish.

• 2006 Syrah, Walla Walla Valley Estate: The Ash Hollow Estate Syrah is “Old World” in style with a little “New World” attitude. Blackberries, blueberry pie, dark chocolate & cigar box; seamless power & elegance. Get ready to love this 2006 vintage! Wow!

Vino Bello offers a unique experience for the local wine-lover with an intimate and relaxing setting, a selection of eclectic beers from around the world, triple-cert Tony’s coffee and espresso and fresh antipasto plates and artisan cheese flights.

Available for private party reservations and charity events, check the Vino Bello website today for upcoming events and be sure to join the mailing list.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to socialize or need that perfect bottle of wine for that special dinner or gift – Vino Bello can help you!

So, please raise a glass and toast our newest Advertiser Vino Bello!

Courtesy Vino Bello, 636 SW 152nd St – F, Burien, (206) 244-VINO:

This Saturday, April 5th, from Noon-8pm, Vino Bello wil be hosting a tasting of wines from Argentina:

Argentina is one of the world’s largest wine-producing countries. The climate of Argentina is similar to the Andes and it is this similarity that supports the Argentinean wine industry. Argentina is mainly an arid landscape that profits from irrigating waters off the mountains. Argentina’s warmer inland region encourages vine growth down the entire length of the country.

One of the vital aspects to growing quality wine grapes here is altitude, with vineyards planted at 2,000 and 3,000 feet to take advantage of the cooler temperatures. Argentine wines are made from grapes such as traditional Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and also varieties like Tempranillo, Bonarda, Barbera, Torrontés and Malbec.

Noon-8pm: Argentina wine tasting, $10

5pm+: Live Music featuring Dr. Kimball Contant and the Fugitives

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Courtesy Vino Bello, 636 SW 152nd St – F, Burien, (206) 244-VINO:

This Saturday, Mar. 15th, from Noon-8pm, Vino Bello welcomes winemaker John Morgan of Lost River Winery in Winthrop, WA (John will be there from 4pm-8pm).

All of Lost River’s grapes are grown under acreage contracts with growers who are integral partners in making the wines. Through long term partnerships and working in specific vineyard blocks, they draw upon the skills of the growers to implement the farming specifications and the desired crop loads. Since they pay by the acre, the focus of both parties is on fruit quality and vine balance, rather than high yields. All of the wines are limited in quantity.

The fruit used draws upon the diversity of the Columbia Valley American Viticultural area (AVA), and originates in four different areas, these being The Walla Walla Valley, The Wahluke Slope, The lower Yakima Valley’s Roza Slope, and the Horse Heaven Hills.

2006 Columbia Valley Rainshadow
A blend of 40% Semillon & 60% Sauvignon Blanc, this wine exhibits aromas of citrus, pear and tropical fruits. Partial malolactic fermentation enhances the fruit aroma and preserves the acidity. With proper cellaring, this wine should age well for 2 to 3 years.

2004 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
This wine exhibits notes of raspberries, black currants and spice. This wine will continue to improve with an additional year in bottle, and, with proper cellaring, should age well until at least 2011. 91 point s – Wine Spectator

2005 Walla Walla Valley Syrah
This wine exhibits a blend of terroir expression with distinctive black pepper and cherry notes with strong character of bitter chocolate, coffee and meat. The length in barrel and restrained amount of new French oak lengthens the wines finish and enhances fruit aromas, while the small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon contributes to a firm tannin structure. Double Gold Medal and Best of Varietal Award, Tri Cities Wine Fest -  2007.

2005 Columbia Valley Cedarosa
A blend of 55% Merlot & 45% Cabernet Franc, this is the second release of our reserve blend “Cedarosa”. Comprised of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this blend is mad in the style of the wines of St. Emillon on the “Right Bank” in Bordeaux. The name is a contraction of the words “Cedar” and “Ponderosa” and is inspired by the cedar trees which are a feature of the estates in Bordeaux, metaphorically representing the nobility, longevity, and strength of the local wines. This wine exhibits notes of blackberry, currant, cassis and licorice.

2005 Columbia Valley Merlot
This wine exhibits notes of black currant and cassis, cherry, and licorice. This wine will improve with an additional year in bottle, and, with proper cellaring, should age well until at least 2010.

Live Music featuring JD Hobson – 5pm

Noon-8pm: Lost River Winery tasting, $10

4pm – 8pm: Meet John Morgan of Lost River Winery

5pm+: Live Music featuring JD Hobson

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Courtesy Vino Bello, 636 SW 152nd St – F, Burien, (206) 244-VINO:

Join us in tasting some of Walla Walla’s best from Cougar Crest Winery – an estate winery located in Walla Walla.

The “Estate Grown” designation is an important feature of this winery.

In order to qualify for this closely regulated designation, the wines are made from grapes grown in their own vineyards and fermented, aged and bottled at the family winery.

Estate grown wines deliver unsurpassed quality and consistency from year to year.

Noon-8pm: Cougar Crest Winery tasting, $10

5pm+: Live Music featuring Gertrude’s Hearse

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Courtesy Vino Bello, 636 SW 152nd St – F, Burien, (206) 244-VINO:

We’re getting a head start on March – Washington Wine month here at Vino Bello so come in this Saturday between Noon – 8pm to try these Eastern Washington gems, they are all $20 and under!

If you missed Dr. Kimball Contant and the Fugitives on Valentine’s Day, they’re back this Saturday at 5pm.

Noon-8pm: Eastern Washington Wine tasting, $20 bottles
5pm+: Live Music featuring “Dr. Kimball Contant and the Fugitives”

Featured wines include:

2007 Mercer Estates Pinot Gris
Never heard of them? That’s because Mike Hogue and Bud Mercer’s new 12,600 foot winery located in Prosser, WA is scheduled to open in summer of 2008. Yes, that’s Hogue of Hogue Cellars fame. Be one of the first to try the much anticipated release of their new Pinot Gris.

2007 Barnard Griffin Rose of Sangiovese
Bursting with aromas of vanilla, cranberries and fresh strawberries that lead to clean, crisp, bright flavors of fresh red fruits. The brilliant pink color is as beautiful as the aromas and flavors. This is the way rose should be made, so buy a case to enjoy over the summer. Food matches: A great summer sipper to pair with grilled pork or chicken.

2004 Janiuk Red Table Wine
A Bordeaux style blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petite Verdot. It is wonderful! It is structured and yet amazingly balanced with tannins, acidity and oakiness all in perfect harmony. Its lovely fruit is offset by it’s dryness, making this one classy wine.

2005 Bergevin Lane Calico Red
Aromas of bright cherry, raspberry and toffee. Flavors of ripe cherry, blackberry, oak and pencil shavings add character to the mid palate. Elegant tannins carry notes of citrus on the back-palate to a clean and lingering finish. A blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel and Cab Franc.

2005 Tamarack Cellars Firehouse Red
Rounded, lush, layered and lovely, the ultimate food wine, pairing well with everything from pasta and pizza to grilled meat and roasted chicken. Fruity and loaded with berries, cherries, cassis, coffee, chocolate, vanilla bean and cinnamon. A blend of Cabernet, Syrah, Merlot, and Cab Franc with pinches of Sangiovese, Carmenere and Malbec.

2005 Helix Cabernet Sauvignon
This 100% Cabernet from Reininger shows black raspberry, plum and cassis layered with caramelized oak, a barely perceptible hint of clove and very fine tannins.

Today (Sat. Feb. 16th), Vino Bello welcomes Tim Sorenson, winemaker at Fall Line Winery, which is located in the Georgetown area in south Seattle:

Noon – 8pm: Fall Line Winery tasting

4pm – 8pm: Meet Winemaker Tim Sorenson

5pm+: Live Music featuring JD Hobson

Fall Line specializes in the production of Bordeaux-style blends, featuring fruit from some of the most prized vineyard sites in Washington State. Each of the wines is crafted in artisan fashion. Quantities are limited.

Tim will present the current release of three new wines from the remarkable 2005 vintage. Two of the wines are single-vineyard blends highlighting place. Featuring Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and ‘just the right amount’ of Cabernet Sauvignon to lend perfect balance, these blends each express the unique personality of their respective vineyard locations – Red Mountain and Horse Heaven Hills. The third wine is a blend of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from all three of their cherished vineyard sources. It highlights varietal character in a graceful presentation that is sure to please devotees of this noble grape.

Vino Bello is located at 636 Southwest 152nd Street in Burien:

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