FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CATCH THE CRUSH IN YAKIMA VALLEY, SEPT. 24-25

State's oldest wine growing region celebrates annual harvest

with economical Premier Pass

Yakima, Wash., — August 30, 2011— As the oldest and largest grape growing region in Washington, crush season is second nature for the wineries of Yakima Valley. Experience harvest with the experts during the Annual Catch the Crush weekend, Sept. 24-25, featuring nearly 50 wineries inviting guests to tour vineyards, pick grapes, stomp in barrels, and wine and dine all weekend long. Wine Yakima Valley offers the most economical way to experience Catch the Crush with the Premier Pass for just $30.

Premier Pass holders have the opportunity to indulge in exclusive events while also receiving discounts and waived fees on tastings, experiences and wine purchases all weekend long. Wine enthusiasts can soak up knowledge, partake in harvest or relax with winemaker dinners and crush parties.

From downtown Yakima tasting rooms to rural Zillah, laid-back Prosser and the rich soil of the Red Mountain AVA, pass holders can stop at nearly 50 wineries along the valley, conveniently accessed along Interstate 82.

A sampling of Crush activities include:

Yakima

• Southard Winery: Be part of the Crushpad Barbeque on Sept. 25 with winery tours, grilled hors d'oeuvres and a vertical tasting of the Whipping Boy Cabernet Sauvignon, including the sold-out 2007 vintage and unreleased 2009 vintage.
• Wilridge Winery: Celebrate harvest on Sept. 24 on the vineyard lawn with music, wine, beer and local Yakima food. Enjoy free tastings and 10-15 percent discounts on wine.

      Zillah

• Claar Cellars: Get festive at the 15th Annual Grape Stomp Event on Sept. 24 where teams of two compete to see who can stomp grapes and fill a bottle the fastest. Grapes and barrels will be available Sept. 23-25 for stomping and photo opportunities. Twenty-five percent discount on all library wines.
• Two Mountain Winery: See harvest from the eyes of the grape growers as the Rawn brothers tour guests through Copeland Vineyards. Learn about terroir, minimal impact farming, and what makes Yakima Valley grapes a key ingredient in more than half of all the wine produced in the state. Taste reserve wines following the tour. 

Prosser

• Thurston Wolfe: Get your crush education from Dr. Wade Wolfe as he pairs his reserve red wines with pork tenderloin and tomatillo salsa. Discounts on select wines.
• Willow Crest: Celebrate the 15^th Anniversary of the Willow Crest Tasting Room with its newest location in Vintner's Village and a Farm-to-Table celebration dinner Sept. 24. Exclusive and just-released tastings all weekend. 

Red Mountain

• Kiona Vineyards: Join the championship BBQ team Two Loose Screws for a backyard crush event of slow-cooked foods, the full line-up of award-winning wines, and tours of the crush facility.
• Hightower Cellars: Let the games begin with Wine Trivia and a chance to win a hand-painted magnum bottle of Hightower Red Mountain Red Wine. Ten percent discount on all purchases. 

View all of the winery activities to plan your weekend and purchase your Premier Pass online at http://wineyakimavalley.org/catch-the-crush_369.html.

Wine Yakima Valley is a member organization of wineries and wine grape growers whose mission is to strengthen awareness of and attract wine enthusiasts to Yakima Valley's Wine Country. Located in South Central Washington, the Yakima Valley is a scenic and leisurely 150 mile drive from Seattle, Spokane or Portland. The valley is the largest, oldest and most diverse wine region in Washington, producing nearly half of Washington State's wine. Located on the same parallel as the famous Bordeaux region of France, the Yakima Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) provides a nearly perfect location to grow grapes. Learn more at http://wineyakimavalley.org/.

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