Every year, we publish our “must-see” wineries and let you know what new releases and events you can’t miss. Here, in the countdown to this year’s Spring Release Weekend, is wallawallawinenews.com’s short list.

1) The new Cougar Crest Winery tasting room on Hwy 12 at Frenchtown Road. This winery has been collecting accolades for its wine and devotees know that winemaker Debbie Hansen is right on the mark. However, with the recent shout out from Gary Vaynerchuk, this winery is now pure gold. While we are talking about new digs: be sure to catch Patit Creek Cellars now at the airport and with their fingers crossed, you will see Otis Kenyon on Main Street near Merchants.

2) The art exhibit at Reininger Winery. The Walla Walla Artist Alliance is preparing for their first group show to take place at Reininger Winery on May 3 and 4 (Spring Release Weekend) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Artists showing: Charly Bloomquist, Anne Bullock, Harb Drake, L.A. Fairbanks, Margaret Jamison, Reggie Mace, Martha Mason, Pat Stanley Matthews, Jim McNamara, Sandra Rokoff-Lizut, Diana Schmidt, Windward Studios and Elberta J Wood.

3) Rose’s everywhere but specifically: Tertulia Cellars’ 2007 Mourvedre du Rose’, Bergevin Lane’s Rose’, Trio Vintners’ 2007 Tres Rose, Adamant Cellars Rose’.

4) We love all of Yellow Hawk Cellar’s food-friendly wines including their Kick-Ass Red (or maybe we just like saying it), their dessert-style OpPORTunity and Orange Muscat. Open Friday, May 2, 12pm-5pm, Sat & Sun, May 3 & 4, 10am-5pm.

5) Here’s your chance to visit 2007′s ‘Food & Wine’s Winery of the Year’ Long Shadows Vintners and rub shoulders with their famous international winemakers as you break bread! A number of the luminary winemakers involved with Long Shadows, will be on hand for Thursday’s winemaker dinner at the Marcus Whitman Hotel (dinner includes room reservation, so if you don’t already have, forget it). If you don’t make the dinner, then be sure to catch Napa’s Randy Dunn (Feather), Giovanni Folonari (Saggi) of Ruffino, Philippe Melka (Pirouette) and Walla Walla’s Gilles Nicault of Chester-Kidder at the winery this weekend during their open house, Friday-Sunday, 10-4PM.

6) New digs for Nicholas Cole Cellars at 229 E. Main Street and the debut of Michele, their Bordeaux blend named for the Mike’s daughter on her 16th birthday.

7) A bit of fine chocolate with your wine: Stella Fino is pouring their Italian-styled varietals at the fine chocolatier Petit Noirs in Milton-Freewater.

Notable New Releases: Trio Vintners’ 2006 Zinfandel $26 and 2006 Zinfandel Semi-Sweet Dessert $28, Isenhower Cellars 2006 Columbia Valley Rara Avis (69% Grenache, 22% Mourvedre, 9% Syrah) $28 and their 2007 Columbia Valley Snapdragon (72% Roussanne, 28% Viognier) $20, SYZYGY will be releasing their 2005 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Sagemoor, Conner Lee and Klipsun vineyards) to rave advance reviews! and they will be offering a special pre-release tasting of their new SAROS wine – a blend of Tempranillo, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. Bergevin Lane releases their inaugural “The Princess” Syrah sourced from Francisca’s Vineyard near Braden Road.

9) Just in time for the hot weather, Elegante’ Cellars (at the airport) Strawberry Wine sourced from Klicker’s strawberries.

10) Here’s a great reason to join the Forgeron Anvil Club – breakfast! Start your Saturday with a glass of bubbly, followed by a fabulous menu paired especially with Forgeron Cellars wines. This event is for Anvil Club members only. Not a member yet, join today. Reservations required. Hours: 8:30 am – 10:00 am. Cost: $25 For more info: Call 509-522-9463.

Most wineries will be open Friday through Sunday with special wine club events happening just about everywhere on Friday afternoon and evening. Look for a new program by the area wine association that encourages a “Designated Driver” with complimentary coffee at Verve Cafe.

Here’s to a great Spring Release Weekend. Have fun and be sure to drink lots of water!