UPDATE: Another successful Harvest Party in the Vines for wine club members took place last weekend, perfectly planned by the wonderful people at Alexandria Nicole Cellars at their estate Destiny Ridge Vineyard.

That perfect planning went down to the wire, as high winds in the area made it difficult to determine whether to hold the party outside, as per tradition, or move it inside. The final result – both!

As one would expect with wines from Jarrod Boyle and his team, the bottles of current releases and those from the library were amazing — from the 2012 Alderdale Cabernet Sauvignon to the older vintages of Destiny.

We also had an opportunity to see the new Tiny Houses at Destiny Ridge. Located in the heart of the vineyard overlooking the Columbia River, these tiny houses are incredibly designed, very small and fully functional. One of them even has a built-in wine tap, which in our books is straight out luxurious!

Almost all party guests were decked out in tie-dye clothes and/or bohemian apparel because this year’s Harvest Party was a special celebration of the “Art of Harvest.” To commemorate all of the exciting changes at the winery this year — those Tiny Houses, the Estate event facility and tasting room and more — renowned artist Guy Buffet created a whimsical painting that depicts the winery. He was an honored guest and unveiled his painting to a lot of oohs and ahhhh by those attending.

Buffet is known for his whimsical paintings of chefs, waiters and French cafés as well as his international culinary and wine themes. His work has appeared on Williams-Sonoma table top collections, handbags, books and a myriad of licensed products.

Last year’s party celebrated a Decade of Destiny – ten years since wines were created from grapes first planted in 1998 at Destiny Ridge. Now, 18 years later, ANC produces 10,000 cases of wine with more than 23 varietals planted in 267 acres of planted vineyard.

And that’s where the Harvest Party takes place every year!

We’ve been wine club members since 2007, inspired by some fabulous wine during our first visit to ANC’s Prosser tasting room, and further nudged by a Seattle Times article written by Washington state wine expert Paul Gregutt, who rated the ANC wine club as number 1.

Over the years, we’ve written about ANC wine often. We’ve also been lucky enough to become friends with winery owners Jarrod (winemaker) and Ali Boyle, who are as kind-hearted and generous as they are talented and skilled.

Congratulations Jarrod, Ali, and everyone at the winery, in the vineyard and in the tasting rooms for a job well done.

Cheers!
Margot and Dave