How did Arbor Day Start?

Arbor Day is now recognized as a global event in many nations. Arbor Day is most notably commemorated by planting trees. How did Arbor Day start? Arbor Day is not a recent idea but was first proposed by J. Sterling Morton (an editor of a Nebraska newspaper) in the 19th century. Morton wrote, “Other holidays repose upon the past; Arbor Day proposes for the future.” For those of us in the wine (and wine-grape-growing) business, we can fully appreciate arbor day.

MORE TREES ARE GOOD FOR US ALL

Morton frequently wrote articles on agriculture and shared his love for greenery and plants with readers. At the time of his writings, Nebraska had relatively few trees, and Morton repeatedly suggested that a day off would encourage the citizens of the state to plant trees. Besides the trees serving as windbreaks and protecting crops from erosion, they would also provide building material and fuel, and, of course, be a nice place to sit or lay in shade from the sun.

THE FIRST ARBOR DAY

How did Arbor Day start? Morton’s idea of a holiday was finally accepted on April 10, 1872, and the first Arbor Day was celebrated in Nebraska with the planting of nearly one million trees. Two years later, Nebraska Governor Robert Furnas proclaimed Arbor Day a state holiday, and, in 1885, it became official.

Soon, other states followed suit, establishing Arbor Day as a holiday, and, in 1885, Nebraska declared Morton’s birthday, April 22, as the official date of the holiday. What plans for Arbor Day have been made since then? Within a few decades, schools and many public institutions all over the nation started observing Arbor Day by planting trees.

By the early 1920s, Arbor Day was celebrated in more than 45 US states, and, since then, tree planting has become a tradition in most schools.

FAST FORWARD TO PRESENT DAY

Today, Arbor Day is frequently observed on the last Friday in April, though several states have changed the date so that it concurs with the ideal weather conditions to plant trees. For example, in the Sunshine State, Arbor Day is celebrated very early during the year - usually the third Friday in January, whereas in Alaska, it is observed on the third month in May. Most schools and other public institutions follow the date recommended by the state.

PLANS FOR ARBOR DAY

Plans for Arbor Day include, naturally, planting trees, and lots of them!  You could also plan an Arbor Day birthday party in your community to celebrate trees and make others aware of the importance of trees.  Or you could have a “find the oldest tree in the neighborhood contest” and maybe get a book about trees to give to the winner as a prize.

ARBOR DAY CELEBRATED INTERNATIONALLY

Besides the US, Arbor Day is celebrated around the world. But the date of observance and even the names are different. In Australia, it is called National Schools’ Tree Day and is observed on the last Friday in July, and, in the UK, it is called National Tree Week, which is usually celebrated at the end of November.

How did Arbor Day start? No matter what day it is celebrated or what nation observes Arbor Day, the goal is to plant as many trees as possible. What plans for Arbor Day can be made to celebrate? To encourage schools to plant trees, there are prizes offered to individuals and schools who properly plant the highest number of trees on that particular day.

PLANTING TREES HELPS THE EARTH

Over the past three decades, there has been a marked resurgence in the planting of trees and plants but not because of the philosophical sentiments expressed by Morton but because of links between conservation, nature, and mental health. A significant number of studies have revealed a good correlation between greenery and mental and physical health. The environment has been neglected for many years, and now people realize that green space is important not only for good health but for the earth’s survival. How did Arbor Day start? With thoughtfulness on the part of a good citizen who understood the need for trees to be replenished.

Is Spring a Good Time to Visit Vineyards?

Is Spring a good time to visit vineyards? In a word, yes! All over the nation, including Washington State, wineries are getting ready to welcome back wine enthusiasts and anyone looking for an outdoor experience and a wonderful time. Just like in the pre-Covid days, wineries have restarted their winery tours and wine-tasting events. In fact, the majority of commercial wineries have gone one step further and have started to offer a variety of other non-wine-related activities when people visit their vineyards.  

WHEN TO VISIT A VINEYARD

Is Spring a good time to visit vineyards?  Yes, of course. There really isn’t a bad time to visit a vineyard. Each season has something different to offer. However, there is no question that perhaps Spring is the best time to enjoy the vineyards because nature starts to open everything up after the winter. After a season of staying cooped up because of cold weather, everyone is ready to get out and about. More events tend to happen in the Spring as vineyards welcome guests for the first taste of Spring.

IS SPRING A GOOD TIME TO VISIT VINEYARDS? YES BECAUSE:

Temperatures: One of the best things about Spring is the milder temperatures, which are much better than the hot and humid temperatures of the Summer or the frigid cold of Winter. With milder temperatures, you won’t be sweating, and you won’t have to carry extra clothing to keep you warm while enjoying the outdoors.

Fewer Crowds: Another reason for visiting vineyards in Spring over Summer is that the visitors are typically fewer in number, so you won’t have to jostle your way through crowds as much. You will not have to compete or hustle your way around. And fewer crowds mean that it will be easier to get around, sightsee, and shop with ease. More importantly, you have a better chance of being able to book a wine tour without having to wait.

Guest Speakers: To celebrate the grape harvest and introduction of new wines, many wineries tend to invite growers and wine experts during Spring. This will give you an opportunity to ask questions and get to learn more about wines.

Hotel and Motels: During Spring, the rates for staying at motels and hotels are typically lower than Summer prices. With fewer crowds, you will also have ample places for dining.

Blooms: During Spring, many of the plants are in full bloom, and you will be able to see all types of colorful flowers. Plus, unlike winter, the Spring temperatures are mild, and the weather is usually beautiful.

Experience Local Life: One of the joys of visiting vineyards in Spring is that there are fewer tourists, and the locals are more than eager to please. You may get to experience the local life and sample the local culinary options that may vary from baked goods, cheeses, desserts, tea, beer, etc. At the same time, with fewer crowds, you will be able to do some shopping without being rushed. 

Hiking Season: Spring is one of the best times to hike and explore the beautiful state of Washington. Visiting vineyards in Spring will allow you to fully enjoy the spectacular scenery and get some outdoor exercise. If you plan ahead of time, you can even go picnicking and/or camping. You will find that most wineries will have just the right items for a Springtime picnic.

CONCLUSION

Is Spring a good time to visit vineyards? There are plenty of wineries that offer wine tasting and wine tours in Washington. At this time of the year, it is relatively inexpensive to visit a winery, and, best of all, you will be able to witness the wine bottling process and taste great quality wines without crowds. If you want to know firsthand what great quality wines from Washington, taste like, then check out our shop page!

Is There a Good Red Wine Pairing With Salmon?

The general rule of thumb has always been that white wines pair best with fish (especially those that have white meat). But, some people just aren’t fans of white, but enjoy a good red. So, what is the best red wine pairing with salmon? Not only are there several types of salmon, but there are many ways to prepare it, and this can affect your choice of wine. Overall, salmon is a very versatile fish that can be paired with white wine, red, and even rose.

WHAT WINE GOES BEST WITH SALMON?

Typically speaking, full-bodied white wines make an excellent pairing with fish. But when it comes to red wine pairing with salmon, one not only has to consider the fish but how it is cooked, including the different sauces, seasonings, and side dishes. Salmon is a versatile fish and, therefore, it can be paired with light-bodied wines as well as rose.

Salmon pairing with white wine: As a matter of protocol, when salmon is on the menu, white wines will usually follow. A medium-bodied white wine with a floral aroma like Pinot Grigio also makes a wonderful pairing with salmon.

If the salmon is heavily seasoned with exotic herbs, it will pair well with a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. The citrus and herbal notes of Sauvignon Blanc will complement the salmon's aroma and taste. But what about red wine pairing with salmon?  Pinot Noir is the red wine of choice.

If the salmon is served in a thick creamy sauce, this calls for a full-bodied white wine like Chardonnay. Chardonnay can complement the richness and heaviness of the fish and enhance the taste of the creamy sauce. Another great option is Riesling, which always pairs well with salmon.

If the salmon is smoked, then the best pairing is a vibrant sparkling wine. The bubbliness and the bright acidity of the sparkling wine will cut through the saltiness of the smoked salmon. Other good options include Riesling and Chablis.

CAN RED WINE GO WITH SALMON?

While overall white wines pair better with fish, but salmon is a big exception. Salmon pairs well with red wine as long as you pick the right type. The key is to avoid red wines with high tannins, like Cabernet Sauvignon. What is the best red wine pairing with salmon? Perhaps the best red wine to pair with salmon is Pinot Noir. The fruitiness and earthy undertones of the wine can bring out the aromas of a smoked or herb-crusted salmon.  Not a fan of Salmon? Pinot Noir is also the first choice for red wine pairing with ham and other foods of similar texture.

Grilled salmon is best paired with light-bodied reds, like Gamay, Beaujolais, and Zinfandel. These light reds complement the smokiness of the grilled salmon and enhance the taste.

CONCLUSION

If all this sounds too complex, then just remember that the mild-tasting salmon usually pairs well with a full-bodied white wine, like Riesling or Chardonnay, but if the salmon is spicy, barbecued, grilled, or curried, then go with a red wine like Pinot Noir. For those not a fan of salmon, and would rather have a red wine pairing with ham or another similar meat, then Pinot Noir is also a solid choice. If you want to walk the line when choosing a red wine pairing with salmon, purchase rosé wine, and you could compromise with both the fans of red and white!

Some great quality and affordable wines for your salmon include:

White:
2021 J RIESLING

Red:
2019 RAINSTORM PINOT NOIR

Red Blend Cheese Pairing You Need to Try

Cheese and wine aren’t just cliché pairings. Nothing goes with wine quite like cheese. At most wine-tasting gatherings, one can rest assured that some type of cheese will be on the menu. This great dairy product comes in a variety of flavors, aromas, ages, and textures, thus making it easy to match with many types of wines, including a red blend cheese pairing. 

First, all cheese is made from milk, but the type of dairy used to make cheese greatly influences its flavor and color. 

• Cow’s milk: In general, cheese made from cow’s milk has 3-5 percent fat content. While the flavor of cow’s milk cheese can vary, in general, the cheese tends to be sweeter and richer. Common cow’s milk cheeses include Harvati, Balderson Cheddar, Swiss, Camembert, and Parmesan.
• Sheep milk: Cheese made from sheep milk contains about 7 percent fat and tends to have an obvious musky flavor. Classic sheep milk cheeses include Manchego, Feta, and Roquefort.
• Goat’s milk: Cheese made from goat’s milk is very similar to cow’s milk with similar fat content. But since goat’s milk contains numerous enzymes, the cheese will have a tangy taste. Common cheeses from goat’s milk include Feta, Bucheron, Chevrotin, etc.
• Buffalo milk: Buffalo milk is also used to make cheese but is not as common. It contains the highest amount of fat. Common buffalo milk cheeses include Bocconcini, Mozzarella, Burrata, etc.

FOOD PAIRING TIPS

With so many types of cheese to choose from, how does one select the right cheese for a red blend cheese pairing?

First, it is important to know that there is no one type of cheese that can pair with all red blends. You need to first select a range of textures and flavors you prefer. The broader the range of cheeses, the more success you will have with a red blend cheese pairing. In simple words, this means you need to select a variety of cheeses that will suit both novices and cheese fanatics alike.

The key to red blend cheese pairing is taking small bites. This way, the aroma and flavor of the cheese will not overpower the taste of the red blend.

Pair with mild soft cheese: If you never want to disappoint your guests, always go with the soft creamy cheeses that are usually mild in flavor and pair well with red blends like Pinot Noir. In addition, have some firm and bold cheeses on hand for those who want a more unique experience.

The next tip is to pair the cheese well with wine produced in the same region. For example, Cougar Gold cheese (a Washington product), which is popular in the Northeast, pairs well with a red blend made in the state.

Another tip is to choose wine and cheese that have opposite flavors. For example, a sweet red blend, like Pacific Rim Wicked Good Red, will pair well with blue cheese, Havarti, fontina, brie, and fresh ricotta.

If the cheese is salty, like Roquefort, a sweet red blend will help reduce the saltiness of the cheese and provide a more balanced taste.

While not a blend, Cabernet Sauvignon is considered a great cheese-pairing wine because of its complexity and rich flavor. It pairs well with aged cheeses like aged gouda, Comte, and sheep milk cheeses. A light cabernet will pair well with blue cheese or Havarti.

Some other cheese pairings with red blends include Parmesan and Cheddar.

CONCLUSION

In general, when you serve cheese, no matter which type, it is highly recommended that you also have crackers as well. You can also enhance the red blend cheese pairing by having other side dishes. like dried fruits and/or nuts or even go the savory route with deli meats. If you are not sure about the cheese, always try a, sample or buy a small amount. 

At the end of the day, pairing cheese with wine is a matter of personal preference. But if you are picky, then remember red blends, in general, pair well with aged cheeses, like Gouda and Cheddar. If the cheese is more delicate, like a light creamy blue or Baby Swiss, then pick a light or medium red blend.

Some great quality red blends that are affordable include:

• 2021 PACIFIC RIM WICKED GOOD RED
• 2018 THICK SKINNED RED MOUNTAIN

What Makes the Red Mountain AVA So Special?

In just over two decades, the Red Mountain AVA has become one of the top wine-growing areas in Washington. Despite being one of the smallest appellations with only 4,040 acres, the Red Mountain area produces some great quality wines, including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. 

Red Mountain is located near Benton City, but the name is a misnomer since the mountain is not red, and there are no tall mountains in the area, except for some peaks that vary in height from 500 feet to 1,500 feet. The reason it is called Red Mountain is that the landscape takes on a reddish tinge during spring as the cheatgrass changes color.

WHAT MAKES THIS REGION KNOWN FOR ACCLAIMED RED WINE?

The Red Mountain AVA is located in South Central Washington, about a three-hour and 30-minute drive from Seattle. Other than being located on a southwest-facing slope, this region has a unique combination of consistent winds, diverse geology, long, warm summers, and a gentle south slope, all of which contribute to good grape growth.

Unlike other parts of the state, Red Mountain is in an area of the state where it is quite warm throughout the year, and the presence of the wide southwest-facing slopes allows the capture of a great deal of the sun. This is a highly desirable feature as it allows the grapes to have a higher concentration of tannins than grapes grown elsewhere in the state.

The Soil

The other unique feature of the area is the soil, which is high in alkalinity and contains a high concentration of calcium carbonate. It is the lack of other minerals and nutrients, combined with the high pH, that results in smaller berries compared to other varietals. In addition, the soil is finely granular, which allows the vine to develop a firm root architecture, allowing them to obtain the necessary moisture and nutrients.

Rainfall and Drip Irrigation

Despite having an annual rainfall of only five inches, the reason the vines thrive here is because of the rain clouds generated by the nearby Cascade Mountains. In addition, the use of drip irrigation allows for ideal grape growing conditions, resulting in low mildew and mold pressure compared to other vineyards in the state.

The Red Mountain AVA and The Yakima River

The nearby fast-flowing Yakima River not only provides continual airflow but moderates the nightly temperatures, which helps prevent frost, which is a common problem in many parts of Washington. Plus, the prevailing winds also lead to high tannin levels compared to wines from other parts of the state.

Favorable Environmental Conditions

It is these favorable environmental conditions that permit several red grape varieties to thrive here. The persistent warm temperatures and constant wind allow for small-sized berries with thick skins. This is one reason why the acclaimed red wines produced here are dark, full-bodied, and heavy with tannins that provide intense flavors.

Red Mountain AVA, in general, produces more red wines than white wines. The wines from this area are rich and aromatic, demonstrating a nice balance of acidity, fruits, and tannins.

Today, there are at least 15 top-quality wineries operating in Red Mountain AVA. Consistently, the acclaimed red wines from Red Mountain have been rated as some of the best. If you want to try some great quality wines from this area, check out our Thick Skinned Red Mountain!