A Sojourn in Washington Wine Country

We celebrated our fully vaccinated status with an RV trip to Prosser, Washington, in the Yakima Valley. It is a favorite place that we return to frequently. I used to live a short drive downriver in Richland, at the confluence of the Yakima and Columbia. When I first lived here, I didn't like it. Arid, dusty (fierce dust storms close highways in the area), and pastoral, with the Hanford reservation removing a large tract from regular use, I looked for something to do. I found wine. The area has been used to grow hops for decades, but wine making was just under development when I lived here in 1991. Often, I would find myself in a remote vineyard, tasting wine and talking with the winemaker directly in some shed next to the vines. I learned a lot, and found an enjoyable way to use my free time. The industry has exploded in the area since then, and it feels much more industrial and regimented now. Fancy tasting rooms are the norm, and many of these once small operators are huge conglomerates today.

We met my parents and some family friends at the Wine Country RV park. We stayed for twelve days, in the spot next to my parents, and one over from the friends (they stayed for a shorter time). It was relaxing and fun. I really liked being able to go out to eat and to taste wine (and beer) again after all the of COVID-19 precautions.

Morning meditation outside next to the R-Pod.

Russ on the Prosser-Grandview Centennial Trail.

A house and classic car along the trail in Prosser.

The R-Pod and truck. Big Class A is my parents rig.

Wine Tasting at Gamache.

From the Yakima River overlook. Mt. Adams with Prosser in foreground.

Russ waiting for lunch at the Prosser House Pub.

Deep fried green beans!

Each day begins with meditation (for me), and then a walk, usually with my parents and their dog. Russ and I try out a different winery or brewery, usually at lunch, sometimes with my parents, but often just the two of us. We continue our effort to go an a hike about once per week, and being in a different ecosystem is always a treat. We hiked the Rattlesnake Mountain Slope Preserve, a natural bunch grass prairie. The maps were not very good, but also not really needed, as the open space and trails were easy to navigate. From the high points, we could see across the Hanford reservation to at least one of the reactor sites and the LIGO Observatory. We did see a few other people using the trails (four) for mountain biking. It looks like fun! On our way back to the R-pod we stopped at the Muret-Gaston (Purple Star) Winery and ended up buying two bottles. A perfect finish to a great day out.

The flowers were in bloom.

Nice trail with big views.

The distant facility is the LIGO.

The rock is painted white with bird poo.

Trying some fine beverages.

Located outside of Benton, Washington.

They opened up their tasting room just for us. It felt like old times.

 

Russ and I celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary at the Brunell Cellars restaurant and tasting room, Wine o' Clock. They always have the freshest, most innovative menu and wonderful wines. We always make an effort to enjoy a meal there whenever we are in the area at the right time. They are only open a few days per week, so we have to plan ahead. The grilled asparagus and the goat cheese dip with crouton bread were standouts. We bought a bottle of wine to take home with us, too.

Russ mulls over his menu choices.

White flight.

Caesar Salad and the cheese dip with fruit.

Wood oven roasted magical plants.

Pizza paws! I loved the eggplant pizza.

Lemon tart. A perfect finish to share.

We enjoyed so many outings I'm just going to finish up with random photos.

Vegetable pasta with nuclear butter, plus salad and beer. Heaven.

A favorite haunt in Richland, Washington.

Tasting the sparkle at Airfield Estates.

Groundhogs! We saw them most mornings.

The view of Prosser from the ridge with the towers.

Re-purposed as public art in the Vintner's Village.

Cheese plate at 14 Hands Winery

14 Hands in the rain.

Mailboxes by the trail into Prosser.

It was definitely flower season.

The bridge over the Yakima River was decorated with green ribbons.

Centennial Trail Marker.

Russ and I got coffee and the Dutch Bros coffee window.

Webber Canyon. A beautiful road to Benton City.

Bookwalter Winery lunch. Love the avocado fries!

Not ready for a match. At the Bookwalter Winery.

Fruit City in Union Gap, Washington.

Los Hernandez Tamales. Something Special in Union Gap.

Blue Sky Market in Toppenish, WA. Buy the fresh tortillas.

Many Prosser businesses displayed this sign.

Prosser Mural. It is huge. This is a tiny sample.

Lunch at Whitstran Brewing.

Our drive home was through a downpour from Snoqualmie Pass to home. Between the rain and the rough road, our sewer outlet pipe came loose from the trailer again. Russ had to do the bungee cord temporary repair by the side of the freeway. Ugh. At least the tanks were empty and we were alerted to the problem early on. We won't need to replace the valve this time. We took the trailer in to be repaired time and asked for an over-engineered fix, so we won't have to deal with this problem in the future. Even with the poor ending, this was an especially nice visit to the east side of the Cascades. It gives me inspiration to get the trailer out and use it more often, even when we are close to home.