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Farther Down the Road Less Traveled
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Hi I’m Elaine! I am a Photographer, Writer and lover of memorable wines, fantastic food & cocktails and adventurous travels.

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WSET Level 2 with Distinction WSET Level 3 – Candidate

Drink In Nature Photography

drinkinnaturephotography

Elaine
📷Photographer | 🍷🥂🍸🍽 🧳 Writer & Blogger |
Sharing Discoveries 📝Adventures ⛰and Journeys 🛫
🥈WSET2 Now ➡️WSET3
📍WA State

✨New Blog Post✨(Link In Profile)-Farther Down

“Nature is full of wonders; every atom is a stan

“Nature is full of wonders; every atom is a standing miracle, and endowed with such qualities, as could not be impressed on it by a power and wisdom less than infinite.”
~Jospeh Addison
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If my posts are a little less frequent this week it is because I am outside taking advantage of the beautiful Sunny Spring days☀️that have finally arrived here in the #SnoqualmieValley . Yesterday marked the end of 3 crazy days of clouds, rain, hail and snow! So, I was more than ready to get out, soak up some sun and shoot some photos.
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I will be sharing more about this 2020 Sauvignon Blanc from @pepperbridgewinery 🔜 , but for now I just wanted you to experience some of the amazing #pnwonderland scenery here in the Valley. Hopefully this glimpse of the snow packed #CascadeMountains and the roaring #MiddleForkSnoqualmie River makes your Monday a little brighter!
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We live in a world filled with the songs of nature, breathtaking scenery and endless opportunities for adventure. I hope that you have the chance to get outside this week and enjoy some of the miraculous nature around you.
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Anything exciting happening with you this week? I’d love to hear about it!
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Happy Monday everyone, I hope that you have a wonderful week! 🙌 Cheers 🥂
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#drinkinnature #nature #wanderlust #wander #outdoorlifestyle #forest #getoutside #pnw #hiking #northbendwa #exploremore #drinkinnaturephotography #WashingtonState #outdoors
#winelover #wineenthusiast #winevibes #winephotography #winestagram #instawine #photographty #washingtonwine #winelifestyle #winetime #winewriter

#FridayVibes by the #LakeSide and a #CaliforniaWin

#FridayVibes by the #LakeSide and a #CaliforniaWine Introduction.
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Scattered Peaks is a noble twist on Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, expertly curated and stylishly crafted by wine industry icon, Derek Benham and legendary Napa Valley Winemaker, Joel Aiken. Embracing their deep rooted passion and long history for the California wine industry, Derek and Joel source premium grapes from some of the best regions throughout Napa Valley. The wine is aged in carefully selected oak barrels and expertly blended to achieve high levels of aromas, flavors and quality.
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Scattered Peaks is a creative blending of Derek’s greatest loves: surfing, skiing and wine. ‘Scattered Peaks’ in surfing refers to the condition when waves closing in on the shore split, creating different wave peaks. In reference to skiing, the term signifies the abundance of snowy peaks around the world that Benham has traversed. For wine, ‘Scattered Peaks’ refers to their vineyards that are scattered across the world-renowned #NapaValley .
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The Scattered Peaks 2015 #CabernetSauvignon brings together vigorous red and black fruit aromas that are strengthened by innuendos of fresh rubbed sage and a touch of fennel. The palate flavors are a deep dark intense fruit explosion of black cherry and black currant intertwined with whispers of violets, licorice, cocoa and coffee notes. Smooth and firm tannins topped by a dash of vanilla accent the long finish of this first class Napa Valley Cabernet. A Blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec, this is a must try California Cabernet!
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Visit @scatteredpeaks to learn more about their available wines.
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Cheers everyone and Happy Friday 🍷🙌
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#winelover #wineenthusiast #winevibes #winephotography #winephoto #winestagram #instawine #winetasting #drinkinlife #winelifestyle #winetime #winestories #winewriter #pnw #pnwonderland #getoutside #instagood #photography #naturephotography #outdoorlifestyle #drinkinnature #drinkinnaturephotography #snoqualmievalley

🛑 GIVEAWAY Is Closed! 🛑 Tomorrow is #AllisO

✨New Blog Post✨(Link in Profile) #MothersDay G

“April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.

“April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.” ~William Shakespeare
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#SpringVibes and #WeddingBells
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Spring has arrived! The sun is shining here in the #snoqualmievalley , everything is bursting with new life and a friend is getting married today👰🏼‍♀️! So excited to be photographing 📷 her very small wedding!!! It’s going to be a fantastic weekend!!
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Wishing everyone a wonderful Easter Weekend! 🌸Cheers🥂
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#wine #winelover #wineenthusiast #cheers #winevibes #winephotography #winephoto #winestagram #instawine #winetasting #drinkinlife #winelifestyle #winetime #winestories #wanderlust #naturelover #winetime #photography #weddingphotography #naturephotography #winetasting #drinkinlife #wanderlust #getoutside #pnw #pnwonderland #drinkinnature #drinkinnaturephotography

#TasteWashington Wine Month may be coming to an en

#TasteWashington Wine Month may be coming to an end but I still have one more #WashingtonWinery to share this #WineWednesday.
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Stottle Winery was started with a passion for wine and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Founders Amy and Josh Stottlemyer, believe that each wine should showcase all of the steps that have influenced the grape as it travels from the vine to the finished bottle of wine. This starts with the skillfulness of the growers as they utilize the soil, sun and climate influences on the fruit that comes from several different vineyards in Washington. Taking the uniqueness of each individual #terrior and making sure it is apparent in each of their wines is Stottle’s winemaking goal. It is all about finding the perfect expression of each grape.
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The driving force behind the intricate and refined wines of Stottle Winery is Winemaker Josh Stottlemyer. Following the sale of his web development and internet marketing firm, Josh (who also holds a Bachelor’s of Science) took his excitement for wine to a higher level and enrolled at the Northwest Wine Academy in Seattle where he completed their 2-year winemaking program. Josh produces a fantastic array of Washington wines including a Red Blend, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Roussanne, Viognier and more. Their winery and main tasting room are located in Lacey, WA and additionally they have a second tasting room in the town of Hoodsport on the Hood Canal.
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The 2015 #CabernetSauvignon is a bold wine, produced from 99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Merlot from the Destiny Ridge Vineyard in the #HorseHeavenHillsAVA . Along with a wonderful balance of acidity and tannins, this Cab delivers a wonderful long finish that accentuates the dazzling aromas and flavors of a dark fruit montage, spice and hints of cedar.
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Stottle’s 2018 Viognier is 99% Viognier, (from the 2nd oldest #Viognier vines in WA) and a dash of 1% Roussanne. Tropical aromas and flavors blend with honey and dried flowers to deliver a wine that begs to be enjoyed on hot summer days with a delicious #Charcuterieboard .
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#washingtonwine #winelover #winephotography #wawinemonth #cheese #instawine #winetime

A Tuesday #TasteWashington Wine Month #WineryIntro

A Tuesday #TasteWashington Wine Month #WineryIntroduction
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When I read about the Armstrong Family Winery’s story and their evolution in the #WashingtonWine Industry, I envisioned it like a foundation of LEGO® bricks, each level building the sturdy foundation for the next level. Maybe it’s because while they were building their dream winery, Tim and Jen Armstrong were also raising two young children, but building blocks definitely came to mind.
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What started as a 6-ton grape harvest in 2011, led to their first bottling of that vintage three years later, as well as finding a space in the Woodinville’s Warehouse Winery District. Now open for business and having that sturdy foundation in place they began to grow and by 2016 they were producing wines from 50 tons of grapes.
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Then came the next level, more space was needed for production and the heart of Washington Wine country, #WallaWalla spoke to them, calling them to purchase a small farm that soon became their home and as well as a new home for their winery. This farm also had a vineyard with 2 blocks of 17-year-old #CabernetSauvignon vines (2019 was the 1st estate harvest of those 2 acres). In April 2018, they opened a second tasting room in downtown Walla Walla, another level completed.
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So, where to go from there? If you are the Armstrong family you keep building up those blocks and you make sure it is strong enough to hold the Best of Show medal from the 2020 Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition that they won for their Armstrong Family Winery 2016 The Scotsman #Syrah , #ColumbiaValley .
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This 2016 The Scotsman Syrah is Tim’s 3rd vintage of Syrah that illustrates the highly acclaimed Discovery Vineyard in #HorseHeavenHills . Intricately complex and beautifully balanced this WA Syrah on the nose gives delicate notes of cherry and baking spice while adding in hints of vanilla, blackcurrant and smoked cedar on the palate. Strong, pronounced and unapologetically delicious. This Syrah from Armstrong is one that should be added to your top 10 wines to try this year list.
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#winestagram #instawine #washingtonwine #winelover #wawinemonth

#TasteWashington Wine Month Monday #WineryIntroduc

#TasteWashington Wine Month Monday #WineryIntroduction
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Nestled on the quiet island of Bainbridge, a short ferry ride from Seattle, is a boutique winery where winemaking, science, bicycle racing and the number eleven are all connected. Matt Albee, founder and winemaker of Eleven Winery on #BainbridgeIsland had studied the sciences in college and had a career in bicycle racing. Then he found his love of wine leading him in a new direction while helping a winery during harvest in the Bay area of California. These mornings in the vineyard soon turned into trying his hand at winemaking and as they say the rest is history.
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When deciding on a place to start his own winery, Matt and his wife Sarah, decided to return to where they grew up, the #PacificNorthwest. Their search brought them to Bainbridge Island, where they bought a house and converted its large garage into a small winery. In 2003 they began the winemaking process and in 2004 their first whites were released. Today the winery has its own location on the island, with a lot more room than the garage that Matt started in.
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Eleven specializes in producing the rarer Washington wines from #Malbec, #Syrah , Petit Verdot, Roussanne, and Viognier as well some blends. However, it doesn’t stop there, they produce a dry rosé, red and white dessert wines, and even #bubbly ! One of Eleven’s specialty wine is #Mourvèdre , and today I’m sharing this rich and earthy gem.
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2019 Mourvèdre -The Prodigy: Grapes for this delicious wine are sourced from the #SugarloafVineyard in #YakimaValley , the Mourvèdre is harvested early and undergoes a short maceration which gives it an unexpected Beaujolais-esque taste.
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A sumptuous WA wine with abundant aromas of cherry, wild blackberries and tantalizing spices. Black cherry and black currant combine with chocolate on the palate to deliver a memorable Mourvèdre!
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What about the significance of the number ELEVEN? The short answer is that it has to do with the mechanics of a road bicycle. For the long answer visit @ElevenWinery Website to learn more!
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Cheers everyone and Happy Monday 🍷
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#winelover #wineenthusiast #washingtonwine #winephotography

Syrah Wine Tasting Rivaura Winery. A great end to

Syrah Wine Tasting Rivaura Winery. A great end to three fantastic days enjoying Wineries on both the Idaho side and Washington side of the Lewis and Clark Valley AVA.
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Thank You Lane Hewett for the tour and tasting today at @rivaura_wine (in Juliaetta, Idaho). It was a real treat tasting your Syrahs side by side!
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Can’t wait to share these fantastic Wine Adventures and more about my time exploring the Lewis and Clark Valley AVA on the blog soon!
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#lewisandclarkvalley #idahowine #idahowinery #Syrah #Idaho #pnw #lewistonidaho #clarkstonwashington #winelover #wineeducation #wineadventure #washingtonwine #rivaurawinery #wineenthusiasts

Celebrating #Friyay and #TasteWashington Wine Mont

Celebrating #Friyay and #TasteWashington Wine Month w/ an #Adventurous #WineIntroduction
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Elsom Cellars has been proudly making #Northwest wines since 2006 using 100% Washington grapes from some of the state’s top vineyards. Owner and Winemaker Jody Elsom has always been a bit of an explorer when it comes to the use of many varietals in her wines, especially the red varieties that she specializes in. Jody began making her signature Bordeaux and Rhone blends in Seattle back in 2006, then eventually moved the winery to Woodinville. After five years in #Woodinville, Jody brought her vibrant wines back to the SoDo district in #Seattle.
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The ‘Adventure Hub + Winery’ in the Gateway Complex on 4th Street where Elsom Cellars is now located is not only the home to their 3,500 sq-foot tasting room and but their production facility as well. Jody shares the warehouse with Evergreen Escapes and KAF Adventures two travel and adventure companies. The trio’s idea was to have a place where you could sip local wine while discovering more about faraway destination.
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In ‘Adventure Uncorked’ Jody has created a wine that is not only adventurous on the palate but showcases the adventurous spirit of #WashingtonState . Like her other wines this ‘Adventure Uncorked’ blend offers an array of distinctive flavors, lead by 67% Malbec and followed by 22% Merlot and 11% Syrah. It may be a blend but #Malbec is clearly this wines expedition leader!
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Adventure Uncorked is an easy drinking wine that delivers a wonderful collaboration of #PNW aromas and flavors in each glass.
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From my notes: 👃🏻 cherry, vanilla, spice, little smokey charcoal, smells tantalizing sweet-like warm ripe plums. 👅 Rich, hint of WA cherry sweetness, Tangy, zesty, lip smacking good.
Reminds me of a campfire wine, something to share after a day of hiking while you laugh and sharing stories as the fire cracks and pops. This is a wine I will return to again and again.
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Do you have a #WineAdventure planned for this weekend?
Cheers Everyone and Happy Friday 🍷🙌
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#winelover #wineenthusiast #winevibes #winephotography #winephoto #winestagram #instawine #winetasting #drinkinnature #washingtonwine

#TasteWashington Wine Month #WineWednesday Introdu

#TasteWashington Wine Month #WineWednesday Introduction
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By now you've probably heard the saying “great wine starts in the vineyard.” Almost every winemaker admirably points to their chosen vines as the real reason behind a wine’s great success. Well, there's a reason why. There's a truth to this often-heard mantra! Here in Washington, husband and wife team of Javier and Shylah Alfonso, owners of Pomum Cellars, have made it their goal to showcase the true expression of wine grown in the unique viticultural areas in the state. That means no compromises when it comes to the source for their wines’ raw material as they strive for the highest quality fruit to craft the highest caliber wines.
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Originally from the Ribera del Duero region in Spain, winemaker Javier, over the years has worked with some of the most respected and quality-oriented vineyards in Washington, including Upland and Dineen Vineyard for their Tinto Tempranillo. In 2003, Javier planted his own estate vineyard, AD Dunn, in the Yakima Valley with Tempranillo and Merlot. They also acquired the Konnowac Estate Vineyard, in 2019, for their Bordeaux blends and Syrah. For Javier’s style of wines, these vineyards represent and showcase the best expression of WA state wines.
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Combining some of the best fruit in the state, with his ‘Old World Style’ of winemaking, Javier handcrafts wines that are truly something special. This winemaking craftsmanship is certainly evident in Pomum Cellars’ 2017 Tinto Tempranillo. This 100% #Tempranillo is striking and rich with pronounced yet balanced tannins that softened beautifully after decanting. Enticingly aromatic with smoked dark berries, licorice, and a stony mineral note, it finishes with a lingering hit of spice. Pomum has taken all of the heart and essence of #Tempranillo and combined it with the soul of the vineyard to create a #WashingtonWine that is aspiring and memorable.
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Visit @PomumCellars to learn more about their #WashingtonWines .
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🍷Cheers everyone and Happy Wine Wednesday!
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#winelover #wineenthusiast #winevibes #winephotography #winephoto #winestagram #instawine #winetasting #drinkinnature #photography #naturephotography #getoutside

#TasteWashington Wine Month continues with a ✨Ne

#FridayVibe ending the week with another #TasteWas

#FridayVibe ending the week with another #TasteWashington #Wine Month introduction.
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Established in 1981 by Rick Small and his wife, Darcey Fugman-Small, Woodward Canyon Winery, is named for the canyon where Rick's family has farmed for generations and is where the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyards are located. The first 41 acres of the Estate Vineyards were planted in 1976 on his family’s dryland wheat ranch and today the Estate Vineyard is Certified Salmon Safe. The Smalls are also experimenting with bio-dynamic and #organicfarming practices.
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As the second winery in the #WallaWallaValley , Woodward Canyon and the Smalls had a pivotal role in 1984 with the process of obtaining federal approval of the Walla Walla Valley AVA. From the beginning Woodward has put quality over quantity and they consistently produce outstanding age-worthy Bordeaux-style blends, merlots and chardonnays as well as cabernet sauvignons, like this Artist Series #27 Cabernet Sauvignon.
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With the intent to showcase exceptional #Washington #CabernetSauvignon in 1992 Woodward Canyon began their Artist Series. The Cabernets in this collection are some of the oldest and admired vineyards in the state. The label changes every year with work from a different artist and this 2018 #Artist Series label features the beautiful artwork from artist Jodie Stejer of Sandpoint, ID.
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Dark and enticing this 2018 Cabernet at first appears to give just black fruit on the nose. Yet, the layers are pulled back with each swirl of the glass and more complex notes begin to surface including herbs and spices, an earthy minerality and oak. On the palate this wine is balanced and elegant with a generous amount of ripe dark fruit and smoky herbs with a long sassy bold finish. A must try!
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Woodward Canyon is celebrating their 40th Anniversary in 2021! Visit @woodwardcanyon to see how they are marking the year with special wine offerings and exciting events.
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🍷Cheers everyone and Happy Friday!
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#winelover #wineenthusiast #drinkinnature #winephotography #winephoto #winestagram #instawine #winetime #drinkinlife #washingtonwine #photography #pnwonderland #getoutside #wawinemonth #hiking #photo

It’s #WineWednesday and time for another #TasteW

It’s #WineWednesday and time for another #TasteWashington Wine Month #WashingtonWinery Introduction.
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for·tu·i·ty; noun- a chance occurrence; the state of being controlled by chance rather than design.
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There are times in our lives when moments that have been planned take a turn when we least expect it and become fortuitous moments that can change our lives in the most exciting and unexpected ways. Lee and Emily Fergestrom, owners of Fortuity Cellars in Yakima, WA can attest to this, a chance encounter in Seattle brought the two together and a future dream turned into reality sooner than expected when the couple decided in 2017 to open a winery. Now, Fortuity Cellars although still relatively small has been steadily increasing in production and popularity with Washington Wine Lovers.
Together with winemaker, Alexis Sells, Fortuity Cellars works closely with the growers of the #YakimaValley to select grapes that will best be showcased in their Rhone and #Bordeaux varietal wines. Fruit-forward and acid-driven Fortuity’s wines are ideal for sipping alone but are equally perfect for pairing with food. In their winery and tasting room in Wapato, WA they are producing whites like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc on top of an excellent array of red wines, like this Fortuity Cellars 2018 Fifty-Fifty.
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This inviting Fifity-Fifty blend brings #Malbec and #Syrah equally together and features fruit from Verhey Vineyard. On the nose this blend sings with aromas of ripe blackberries and blueberries, with splashes of cocoa dusted plums and spice. On the palate this wine is deliciously fruit forward and robust with a slight peppery finish. Complex, smooth and exhibiting wonderfully balanced tannins, this blend does such an exception job in marrying the flavors of Malbec and Syrah. A really noteworthy #WashingtonWine !
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If you would like to learn more about Fortuity Cellars visit them @fortuitycellars
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🍷Cheers everyone and Happy Wine Wednesday
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#winelover #wineenthusiast #winevibes #winephotography #winephoto #winestagram #instawine #winetasting #drinkinlife #winelifestyle #winetime #winestories #photography #photo #outdoorliving

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