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Posted on December 28, 2018 by drinkinlife

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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⛰Journeys
WSET🥈w/ Distinction
Studying➡️🇺🇸🍷Expert & WSET3
@drinkinlifebookclub

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places t

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul."
-John Muir.
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A Monday #WashingtonWine Introduction
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Signifying love (amor) and life (vita) effortlessly through their wines, Amavi Cellars captured my attention years ago with a bottle of their memorable Syrah. At the time I did not know that they were the sister winery of another Walla Walla Winery, Pepper Bridge. Over time I found that although there are specific characteristics that make these two wineries individually unique, there are also connecting qualities that reveal a strong sibling bond between these two distinct Washington wineries.
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Head winemaker and partner Jean-François Pellet of Amavi (and Pepper Bridge) is the connection as he showcases the unmistakable personality of the #WallaWallaValley with his expertise. Pellet's brings some old world style and patience to these younger new world region wines by allowing the intricacy of the Washington soils and climate express itself in each new vintage. With Amavi Cellars Pellet creates elegant and rich ready to drink wines that are made for early enjoyment. Displaying a typicity that is poised and elegant, the wines of Amavi are extremely approachable in price, I stock up on new releases each year to enjoy myself and to share with others.
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Amavi 2020 #Rosé is produced from 100% #CabernetFranc and is 100% estate grown from the Summit View and Waliser Vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley. The 100% stainless steel approach gives way to a lively expression of pineapple, lemons and sweet herbs. Don't let the colorless appearance fool you, this Rosé is bright, structured and extremely versatile when it comes to food pairings.
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Have you enjoyed any wines from Amavi Cellars?
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🍷Cheers everyone and Happy Monday!
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#winelover #wineenthusiast #winevibes #winephotography #winephoto #winestagram #instawine #winetasting #drinkinlife #winelifestyle #winetime #winestories #winewriter #pnwlife

"Green is the prime color of the world, and that f

"Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises."
-Pedro Calderon de la Barca
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Weekend Wine Wandering in the #PNW
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Today I am continuing to celebrate #OregonWineMonth with an introduction to @roserockoregon . Rose Rock is the newest chapter from a winery who has for more than a decade have been one of the best producers of Oregon Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Domaine Drouhin Oregon (DDO) was founded by the famed Burgundy producer, Domaine Drouhin back in the 1980's when Robert Drouhin made the decision to purchase land in the Dundee Hills of the #WillametteValley . After the planting of their first vineyards in Oregon, Véronique, Robert's daughter was chosen to serve as DDO's winemaker and taking on the responsibility of viticulture was her brother, Phillippe Drouhin. The first DDO vintage was produced in 1988 and in 1989 their impressive four story gravity flow winery was built.
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Home to a 225 acre estate that is organic, LIVE certified and fully sustainable DDO keeps with the Burgundy tradition of tending to the vines from planting to harvesting by hand. This includes the Live certified Roserock vineyard which is located at the southern tip of Eola-Amity Hills. It is a location that combines the area's unique volcanic soils with a perfect elevation range and takes advantage of the distinctive cooling effects from the Van Duzer corridor. Each of these elements provide the ideal terroir for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
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When you open a bottle of DDO's expressive 2018 Roserock Pinot Noir the dynamic and lively vintage along with the characteristics of the Eola Hills immediately grab your attention. From the clove infused plum and black currant aroma to the flavors of red fruit bursting with intensity you can't help but fall for this elegant #PinotNoir . Beautifully balanced with an impressive finish, I highly recommend this impeccably crafted #OregonPinot . #sample
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Have you tried the wines from Domaine Drouhin Oregon?
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Cheers everyone and have a lovely weekend.🍷
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📷Photo of my friend Alisa @la.pina.colada
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#winelover #wineenthusiast #winevibes #winephotography #winephoto #winestagram #instawine #winetasting

#FridayVibes 💐Celebrating Friday and #OregonWin

#FridayVibes 💐Celebrating Friday and #OregonWineMonth with @fourgraceswine 🍷
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Since May is #OregonWine Month I can't think of a better time to introduce you to some Oregon wines.
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Originally established in 2003 and now owned by Bill Foley, Four Graces produces a selection of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay that come from a few select vineyards found in the #WillametteValley . Combining richness, elegance, balance and complexity these renowned wines are handcrafted in small lots using both traditional techniques and modern winemaking technologies. The results of these merged techniques are wines that integrate inviting freshness along with enchanting aromas and flavors.
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Produced from a blend of Pinot Gris and #PinotNoir that comes from the Nekia Hill, Meridian and Cascade Vineyards, this 2018 Four Graces Rosé of Pinot Noir is delicate and creamy. Slightly spicy aromas of raspberry and warm ripe strawberries are joined by hints of citrus vanilla, it reminds me of a berry and cream sorbet! On the palate ripe fruit flavors are accented by bright notes of watermelon with just a kiss of lime. Definitely a delightful #Rosé to pair with your favorite summer meals. #sample
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Visit @fourgraceswine to learn more about their selection of #OregonWines
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I hope you all enjoy something special to celebrate Friday with! Cheers 🍷🙌
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Beautiful #floraldesign from my friend Sharlet, @sharletfloral 💐
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#winelover #wineenthusiast #winevibes #winephotography #winephoto #winestagram #instawine #winetasting #drinkinlife #winelifestyle #winetime #winestories #winewriter #photography #drinkinnature #relaxtime #pnw #pnwlifestyle #drinkinnaturephotography

“There are few things so pleasant as a picnic lu

“There are few things so pleasant as a picnic lunch.” ~Somerset Maugham
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#WineWednesday #PicnicVibes
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It’s a California #PinotNoir Wine Wednesday thanks to @wtso who always has a fantastic array of wines from all over the world. WTSO is a perfect way for wine enthusiasts just starting out in their exploration of the world of wine or a trained wine professional to find premium wines at value prices. At WTSO you can take advantage of a selection of wines at great prices as well as some select premium wines and each bottle is backed by WTSO’s 100% Customer Satisfaction guarantee.
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Having the opportunity to do a dual tasting of the same vintage but separate vineyards of @peakeranchwines 2016 Pinot Noirs is definitely elevating a typical Wednesday Wine experience. Each of these wines captures the true expression of what can be achieved in the Santa Rita Hills with Pinot Noir.
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The 2016 Peake Ranch Winery Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir combines aromas of blueberries and red cherries with subtle hints of herbs, earth and spice. On the palate licorice and red berries join the party and deliver a well-balanced and inviting Pinot Noir.
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The 2016 Peake Ranch Winery Santa Rita Hills John Sebastiano Vineyard Pinot Noir is a little more complex and bolder with a concentrated fruit intensity that provides a long and lovely finish. Definitely an attention-grabbing Pinot.
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Right now, you can use the Promo code DRINKINNATURE which offers $10 off a customer’s first purchase of $50 or more. This is a great opportunity to experience wineries from around the world and their top wines found on the WTSO website. (Code is sponsored by Wine Marketing Group. This promotion is one-time use only and cannot be combined with other codes, credits, offers, or sales. Void where prohibited.) #sponsored
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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 #winewriter #californiawine #pinot #santaritahills #picnictime #drinkinnature #getoutside #californiapinotnoir #drinkinnaturephotography

📚 Starting the week of with an exciting Announc

“As a mama I’m only ever going to be in 1 of 3

“As a mama I’m only ever going to be in 1 of 3 places. In front of my kids cheering them on, behind them to have their back, or beside them so they never have to walk alone.”
~Author Unknown
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Raising a glass to all of the Strong, Caring, Giving and Beautiful Moms out there. I hope that you all get spoiled the way you deserve to be, Today and Everyday.
Cheers and Happy Mother’s Day🍷💐
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“Sometimes the strength of motherhood is greater than natural laws.” ~Barbara Kingsolver
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.Beautiful floral design by my friend @sharletfloral
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#winelover #wineenthusiast #winevibes #winephotography #winephoto #winestagram #instawine #winetasting #drinkinlife #winelifestyle #winetime #winestories #winewriter #floralarrangement #flowerlover #pnwlifestyle #photography #photo #flowerphotography #motherslove #pnw #snoqualmievalley #drinkinnature #drinkinnaturephotography #outdoorliving

✨Happy Friday and #SauvignonBlancDay! . Interna

✨Happy Friday and #SauvignonBlancDay!
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International and National Wine Holidays that are scattered throughout the calendar year are a fun way to celebrate specific varietals and styles of wines, not to mention a perfect opportunity to try something new. Today is a celebration of Sauvignon Blanc, a day that on the 1st Friday of May each year puts one of the most widely planted and versatile grape varieties in the spotlight.
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#SauvBlancDay is also a great time to explore this expressive grape from different wine regions around the world. There are so many styles available and it is a wonderful varietal to learn more about, including it's ability to clearly capture and showcase the local terroirs where it is grown.
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In Washington state, Sauvignon Blanc is part of the White Wine Revolution that has been taking place over the last couple of years. Always a crowd pleaser and a fantastic choice to pair with food, #SauvBlanc is beginning to catch up with Chardonnay as the white wine consumers here gravitate towards. The yearly new Spring Releases of WA Sauvignon Blanc is always an exciting time and one of my favorites comes from @pepperbridgewinery . I absolutely love the wines across the board from Pepper Bridge, yet there is just something special about this one that keeps me coming back for more.
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Sourced from three vineyards in the #WallaWallaValley , this 2020 vintage is a blend of 87% Sauvignon Blanc and 13% Semillon. Spicy tropical fruit notes combine with lovely petals of citrus blossoms on the nose to deliver a wonderfully intoxicating aroma. On the palate bright notes of pineapple, pear and lemon join in perfect harmony and enhance this wines incredible balance and creamy texture. This #SauvignonBlanc is a real stunner and ideal for the warm summer days ahead! #sample
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What will you be opening today to celebrate #SauvignonBlancDay ? Cheers everyone 🥂and Happy Friday 🙌
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#winelover #wineenthusiast #winevibes #winephotography #photography #winestagram #instawine #winetasting #drinkinlife #winelifestyle #winewriter #washingtonwine #drinkinnature #pnw #snoqualmievalley #pnwonderland #getoutside #wanderlust #naturelover

“I travel not to go anywhere but to go. I travel

“The gladdest moment in human life is a departur

“The gladdest moment in human life is a departure into unknown lands.”
– Sir Richard Burton
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Since Friday I have been driving and exploring three of the sub-AVAs in Washington’s Yakima Valley, Snipes Mountain, Rattlesnake Hills and Naches Heights. I have learned so much about what sets these unique pockets of landscape and their terroir apart from the larger Yakima Valley AVA that encompasses them.
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Videos & photos-Yesterday I had the pleasure of visiting @wilridgewinery and talking with Paul Beveridge not only about the #nachesheightsava but also about his winery, distillery and his sustainable/organic farming practices. It was a beautiful morning to tour the vineyards and take in the amazing scenery of this AVA (please excuse the strong wind sounds in the videos, it was a breezy morning 💨).
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I want to thank all the people that took the time to share their insights into what makes their AVAs and wines so distinct with me over the last few days;
🙌Kerry Shields from @cotebonneville and @dubrulvineyard
🙌Gail and Shirley Puryear from @bonairwinery
🙌Paul Beveridge from @wilridgewinery
🙌Phil Cline and his wife Barbara from @nachesheightsvineyard
🙌Todd Newhouse from @uplandvineyards
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Blog posts about these Washington AVAs coming soon!
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I hope that everyone had a fantastic weekend! Cheers and enjoy your week🍷😎
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#winelover #wineenthusiast #winevibes #winephotography #photography #wanderlust #winestagram #instawine #winetasting #drinkinlife #winelifestyle #winetime #winestories #winewriter #washingtonwine #vineyard #drinkinnature #drinkinnaturephotography #exploremore #washingtonstate #pnwonderland

“I don’t know where I’m going from here, but

“I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.”
~David Bowie .
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#WeekendWandering Washington Wine Introduction @radiuswine and their 2016 Merlot.
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Radius is part of the portfolio for Precept Wines. Founded in 2003, Precept is the largest, privately-owned wine company in the Northwest. With the first vintage in 2008, Radius has embraced the full circle craftsmanship of winemaking each growing season from vine to bottle. This is achieved by bringing together quality grapes from across Washington to create approachable and table worthy wines.
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Starting around $12 a bottle, this Merlot can hold its own with other Merlot in the next price category. One of my ‘go to’ red wines, it is a real crowd pleaser.
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Experiencing this wine outdoors extenutates its aromas of garden row ripe red raspberries, sweet red plum with wisps of vanilla oak and laying in the grass earthiness. Some people would say that this Merlot is too sweet, but I tend to disagree, there is a hint of sweetness that adds a freshness to this wine and makes it well balanced with a lingering finish. On the palate you get a grab bag of dark berries, currants and cherry with a fusion of spice. Medium bodied with light tannins gives you an easy drinking bang for your buck Merlot.
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Some beautiful paths can’t be discovered without wandering from time to time. Might as well explore them with a #wanderfulwine .
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Where will you be #wandering off to this weekend?
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Cheers everyone and Happy Saturday 🍷😃
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#winewriter #wineenthusiast #winetasting #wawine #winelife #wines #washingtonwine #wanderlust #drinkinnaturephotography #winelover #winetime #photo #photography #outdoorlifestyle #northbendwa #radiuswine #snoqualmieriver #pnwonderland

#WineWednesday #CaliforniaWine Introduction. . As

#WineWednesday #CaliforniaWine Introduction.
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As soon as “Spring—ish” weather arrives I start thinking about days spent outside, enjoying some of my favorite outdoor spots with wines that are tailor made for long Lazy Sunny afternoons, like this #Rosé from @ballettovineyards .
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Located in the #RussianRiverValley in Santa Rosa, Balletto Vineyard is a family-owned winery that has deep roots in the local community. Founder and Owner John Balletto back in 1977 started out as a vegetable farmer, but after weathering storms and restrictions the family transitioned into grape growing, now every grape is Estate grown at Balletto Vineyard. With a focus on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc that thrive in the cooler climate of the Valley, Balletto uses the most sustainable practices in their farming, community and company. While their specialty is Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, they are also producing a number of other wines including Pinot Gris and Zinfandel.
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Balletto has crafted a lovely expression of Pinot Noir in their 2020 Rosé of Pinot Noir; bringing together a refreshing and wonderfully balanced Rosé that would be a perfect bottle to enjoy during any afternoon picnic. On the palate you get hints of sun kissed strawberries blended with intriguing tropical fruits. On the finish a zing of citrus zest keeps you coming back for more.
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With the weather getting warmer now is a perfect time to stock up on this Rosé or other wines available from Balletto. Use the discount code NATURE20 to receive the member exclusive pricing of 20% off of your entire order. You can visit www.ballettovineyards.com to learn more about this California winery and take advantage of this great deal. It is a fantastic way to experience what being a wine club member at Balletto would be like. #ballettovineyards
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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 #winewriter #picnicweather #picnicinthepark #pnw #pnwlifestyle #snoqualmievalley #northbendwa #getoutdoors #picnicwine #photography #warmweathervibes

“Think of the days alive with sunshine, not the

“Think of the days alive with sunshine, not the dismal days of rain.”
~Robert E. Farley
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I knew the weekend weather was forecasting heavy rains here in the #SnoqualmieValley so I took advantage of last Friday’s sunshine to celebrate #InternationalCavaDay with this beautiful Rosé from @vilarnau_uk .
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At first I hated to open this beautiful bottle whose label is adorned with a mosaic called ‘Trencadís’ inspired by Antoni Gaudí. Although this technique of ceramic mosaic originated from traditions in Arabic and Moorish ornamentation, Gaudí in some of his commissions reimagined the aesthetic and the process of this mosaic work.
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The Vilarnau Cavas honor their Catalan roots by wrapping bottles with the avant-garde imagery of #Gaudí , but inside the bottle tradition is also evident. A blend of 85% #Garnache and 15% #Pinot Noir is aged for over 15 months in the bottle to produce this refreshing and fruity Rosé Cava.
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Made in the traditional Méthode Champenoise, Vilarnau Brut Reserve Rosé NV draws you in with its beautiful pale pink bubbles and offers wonderfully intense aromas that combines summer berries and subtle floral notes. On the palate it is elegant and creamy, with intriguing hints of ripe berries. At just $15.99 SRP, I think I have found a new favorite ☀️Summer Sparkling wine! 🤩
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Have you tried Vilarnau Cavas?
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🥂Cheers everyone, Happy Monday and enjoy your week!
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#cava #cavalovers #bubbly #sparklingwine #enjoythelittlethings
#winelover #wineenthusiast #winevibes #winephotography #winephoto #winestagram #instawine #winetasting #drinkinlife #winelifestyle #winetime #winestories #winewriter #vilarnaucava #drinkinnature #sparklingrosé #pnwlife #photography #drinkinnaturephotography

“You cannot get through a single day without hav

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” ~Jane Goodall
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Happy 🌍Earth Day!!!
Since being established on April 22, 1970, #EarthDay is celebrated annually around the world to emphasize the importance of sustainability and environmental protection. It is a day to Get Down to Earth and Celebrate Our Amazing Planet!
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The theme for #EarthDay2021 is “Restore Our Earth” which focuses on the natural and emerging green technology processes that can restore the world’s ecosystem. A bold theme that has the power to bring us together to celebrate the world around us; while emphasizing the importance of taking the time to appreciate humankind’s direct connection to the Earth.
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I think that after 51 years of celebrating the Earth on one specific day it is time to make EVERY DAY EARTH DAY! With each small action, each small contribution and each small change we can all make a difference. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repurpose, Replenish and Restore!
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Today I will be planting in the garden and raising a glass at the end of the day to Mother Earth 🌍and all her breathtaking natural beauty with a @badgermountainwine Riesling!
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How will you be celebrating Earth Day?
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Cheers to Mother Earth/Mother Nature🥂😎
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📷 Photo of my friend Alisa @la.pina.colada
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#winelover #wineenthusiast #winevibes #winephotography #winephoto #winestagram #instawine #winetasting #drinkinlife #winelifestyle #winetime #winestories #winewriter #drinkinnature #naturephotograpy #drinkinnaturephotography #earthdayeveryday #getoutside #pnw #pnwonderland #snoqualmie #washingtonwine #outdoorlifestyle #outdooradventures

“Taking time to do nothing often brings everythi

✨Starting the week with a Weekend Flashback ✨🤩
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This past weekend my husband and I ventured out to the #AncientLakesAVA region in Washington and enjoyed a relaxing weekend @sageclifferesort while we explored some vineyards, wineries and local cuisine in the area.
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🎥 1: 🤦🏼‍♀️When you remember to bring the @nicolasfeuillatte🍾 #champagne to enjoy the sunset with but forget the champagne flutes, you improvise 🥂
🎥2: Great views from our room of the #ColumbiaRiverGorge
🎥3: Sunset-Columbia River Gorge
📷1: @milbrandtvineyards has so many impressive vineyards in the #AncientLakes Region.
📷2:Wine tasting @beaumontcellarswinery looking forward to sharing my conversation with owner/winemaker Pete Beaumont.
📷3:Wine tasting @errantcellars with a Malbec to celebrate World #Malbec Day! Owner/Winemaker Megan Couture-Bates is crafting some amazing wines in the Ancient Lakes AVA.
📷4:Afternoon wine tasting @cavebestatewinery , a really lovely Ancient Lakes #SauvignonBlanc to sip while enjoying the beautiful weather. ☀️
📷5: Delicious #ChickenEnchiladas with Mole Sauce at El Meson Restaurant & Bar in Quincy, WA.
📷6: A huge #Margarita to pair with the amazing enchiladas !
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There is So much to share from this exploration of the Ancient Lakes AVA region, blog post coming soon!
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What wine/food/travel adventures did you enjoy over the weekend? I’d love to hear about them!
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🥂Cheers everyone and have a fantastic week!
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#winelover #wineenthusiast #winevibes #winestagram #instawine #winetasting #drinkinlife #drinkinnature #winelifestyle #bubbly #winewriter #WashingtonWine #washingtonstate #travelgram #pnwonderland #mexicanfood #foodporn #foodie #wanderlust #seetheworld #traveldeeper

✨New Blog Post✨(Link in Profile) Happy #Malbec

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