Walla Walla Wine Cellar

So, there I was, lacing up my Wal-mart $14 tennis shoes. I was beginning to wonder how I ever got myself into this. It was the 5k Crush that went to benefit the Walla Walla Humane Society, I guess that was how. At a crisp 51 degrees with not a cloud in the sky I grabbed my sweatshirt and headed for the door.

The girls and I arrived and I realized that we looked like nothing more than amateurs. No matching runners race gear here. People were setting their stop watches and doing stretches I didn’t even know existed. At this point I would be happy if I finished alive.

We followed the crowd up a dusty hill to the starting point and began our adventure. We went around a couple of corners, up and down a few hills and there it was. Out of no where, I saw it. One of the most beautiful sites I’d ever seen, besides giving birth to my two kids, of course. The dark purple grapes hung, full of juice, as they were being cradled by the luscious green leaves and vines. The Blue Mountains were all in their glory with fall colors shinning through. How could nature be so perfect? It is virtually indescribable, a must see. This site in deed made the 5k worth all the blisters I endured from the Wal-mart tennis shoes. Apparently there is something to be said for expensive sneakers.

So, if you are in that neck of the woods I encourage you to take a look, a good look. Go out Peppers Bridge Road, take a left on J.B. George road to the top of the hill. There are about 6 plus wineries out there all of which are spectacular.

And by the way I did finish, not first but not last. And the good news is, I’ll be doing it again. Cheers!

Aim

The Reininger 2002 Cima is super-good! Super-Tuscan. Super-Delicious! And the winery is now SOLD OUT. But don’t despair. Wine Cellar has a few bottles of deliciousness left just for you.

56% Sangiovese
22% Merlot
22% Cabernet Sauvignon

Berries from Walla Walla Valley, like all Reininger wines. (Helix, their second label, does Columbia Valley wines.)

All hand-picked and sorted. On oak for 3 1/2 years.

90 points from Wine Enthusiast. Is this enough numbers for you yet?

Okay, Ash Hollow, Spring Valley, Seven Hills and Pepper Bridge Vineyards all in the bottle.

Like I’ve said before, I was gutted that I’d missed out on the caramel apples at the county fair this year, but I definitely get that on the nose of the Cima. Lingering, intensifying finish that shows more and more caramel. But the sugarplums and gingersnaps make me want to grab onto a reindeer and take a midnight flight around the winter sky before settling back into this big cozy flavor that I’ll wrap around me like a blanket through first frost, first snow, and keep around until Spring thaw at least.

Bears, this is no time to hibernate, not unless you’ve got a case of the 2002 Cima with you. And then, who would want to sleep through the opportunity to imbibe pure pleasure?

Now before Winter hits (because it is officially Autumn now), I’ve got to get out there and mow the yard at least one more time. While I’m doing that, why don’t you check out the Cima? It’s worth every penny.

Well… I’ve been asked to introduce myself…..so….here it goes.

I’m Amy, the other Amy. Not to be confused with Amy R, I’m Amy W. Yes, there are two of us. And no, we didn’t plan it that way. Two are better than one, right?

Anyway, until now I’ve been involved in other aspects of WallaWallaWineCellar. Then one day it was time to get involved in the fun stuff. The stuff like meeting winemakers and understanding their passion for the masterpieces they create. Getting bundled up in December to mingle with friends and taste new releases during Barrel Tasting Weekend. The giddiness that arises when you find a wine that you can’t live without and of course being able to share all this with you.

I was born and raised in Walla Walla and grew up appreciating all the hard work and dedication that went into a family farm. I graduated from Walla Walla High School and ventured to Washington State University graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree. After returning to my roots many jobs transpired, from Interior Designer to Business Owner. Also, somewhere in between, a wonderful marriage and then two adorable children that make me realize what life is all about.

Although life keeps me busy, I have an extreme passion for Walla Walla and its growing wine industry and this led to the help of the creation of WallaWallaWineCellar. Now I am able to explore what the valley has to offer and share my love for wine with you. I am also able to fulfill the desire of running a business, while absolutely loving what I do.

Being Italian, wine has been a staple of my family’s life forever and I’d like it to be a staple of yours.

So, there it is, and here I am, Amy W., aka Aim. Let the fun begin! Cheers!