Rio Jean Photography - Richland, WA { Goose Ridge Winery}

I was at this winery when the tasting room was nothing but a small little room filled with fruit flies, I distinctly remember watching the flies congregate on the windows while tasting my wine..it's weird that have a vivid memory of that!  Now Goose Ridge(http://gooseridge.com/index.php) has this gorgeous tasting room that was remodeled in 2008. I love seeing wineries in their beginnings and seeing how they grow and change over the years.  Goose Ridge is one of the wineries that still has excellent customer service and did a great job with chatting me up during my impromptu visit.

Goose Ridge was founded by the Monson Family in 1999 and produces single varietal wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Riesling. Their signature blends include g3, Vireo and Sol Duc.

I did not get the scoop on how they came up with the name "Goose Ridge" but I did receive some info on the labels.  The wine club members all receive bottles that feature art from local artists, and some of these labels are just gorgeous!  I like the Goose Ridge brand, it's very sleek and if I remember correctly, the capsules (see pictures below) are also very nice, none of that cheap stuff!  Goose Ridge, like Hightower, have paid close attention to their branding and I think they have done a good job with attention to detail.

One thing that was cool about Goose Ridge, they had an Essence Station where you can smell all of the different aromas of wine, its pretty neat. Goose Ridge is the perfect setting for a date night, intimate wedding, or maybe your next girl's night out.  So if you are in the area, this place is a definite must see!

Rio Jean Photography - Richland, WA {Kitzke Cellars}

Heading home from Goose Ridge, I spotted this sign for Kitzke Cellars( http://www.kitzkecellars.com/) and you know me, I love my impromptu stops!

Cute little tasting room, and very intimate, like 5 people can fit in here.  If you have visited Kitzke Cellars you no doubt have heard the story of the Kitzke's daughter, Janaina, who was adopted at 8 years of age from Brazil and now she has wine named after her!

Vicki and Paul, the owners of Kitzke Cellars, do a lot of philanthropy and are very involved in the community.  Out of all the wineries I have reviewed, this one is the most involved and I have to say I love it when local businesses give back to the communities that they are in.

The winemaker for Kitzke is Charlie..he's been a busy man... and I can't wait to visit Fidelitas and get the scoop from him.  Anyways, cute little place located on Candy Mountain, if you are there stop by and try some wine! Sorry for the brevity in this review but, it pretty much sums up Kitzke Cellars!  You will know what I mean when you visit, and I mean that in a good way!

Cheers!
Melanie