We love this time of year and despite the current hiccups in our economy, there is no reason not to celebrate the festive season in Walla Walla. Next weekend is Holiday Barrel Weekend, which was first conceived as a thank you to the tolerant denizens of Walla Walla.  Over the past few years, it has become the perfect finale to the year and more recently, the event has moved back to its original premise with its focus on community.

This has happened, in part due to the rise in the Fall Release Weekend (otherwise known as the Cayuse Weekend) and the fact that folks from over on the wet side of the state are solidly into their holiday countdown. This allows Holiday Barrel to focus on what it does best, a joyous celebration of the season filled with wine, music and the arts.

This year, more than 65 wineries will take part, the majority charging a refundable $5 to taste while 27 will not charge a tasting fee at all.

Of course, most wineries are offering special wine club events, art displays, food and music. Here are some of our best picks:

Thursday, December 4

The Wine Alliance holds its third annual Winemaker Fete at the Marcus Whitman Hotel. A gala celebration featuring more than 30 wineries taking part from reception through to dining with a winemaker. Price $150 (tickets still available).

Winemaker Dinner with Bravo TV’s Top Chef:

How Saviah Cellars and Watermill Winery were able to get season three’s Top Chef Stephanie Izard to come to Walla Walla for Holiday Barrel is quite a feat, but what a treat! Tickets $125. Only two tickets left! Call 541 938-5575.

Friday, December 5

This is the best day to be touring wineries; less crowds, great food and many special events, including wine club and art gallery receptions. Here are the events open to the public:

Northstar Open House: Music, nibbles and art. Nothstar is featuring the outdoor sculpture of Bernard Hosey with an impressive exhibit of Aaron Burgess oils.

Trio Vintners: New releases including barrel samples of 2007 Carmenere. Art exhibit by Patrick Slattery.

Sapolil Cellars: Special Engagement co-sponsored by the Walla Walla Blues Society.  Lloyd Jones & Mark DuFresne, Unplugged! Sapolil will host these two blues legends, who will be playing together for the first time. 8 – 11PM   $10 Cover.

Willow of Walla Walla Art Gallery;’Constructions in Glass’ Reception and Art Talk.
Reception and Art Talk for opening exhibit. Regional artists include Frank Janzen, Tom Dimond, Kevin Boylan and Arrianne Jane Bright.

Saturday, December 6

Willow of Walla Walla Art Gallery; ‘Glass Ornament & Pendant Workshop,’ Arrianne Jane Bright offers a glass workshop from 10-2PM. Make up to four ornaments. $85

Three Rivers Barrel Tasting INSANIA with Geoff Tate of Queensryche Geoff Tate, of Queensryche will be at the winery with a barrel tasting of his 2007 INSANIA wine. 12:00pm-2:00pm. Tasting fee: $15 refundable with purchase of Insania Futures.

Foundry Vineyards: American sculptor Deborah Butterfield, best know for her metal sculptures of horses,  will be signing bottles of the newly-released Foundry Vineyards red wine with her artwork on the label. 3:30 -5:30 PM

Macy’s Parade of Lights- Alder and Main, Palouse to 5th, 6-7pm.

Music at Sapolil Cellars: Dr. Mark Brown & Gary Romjue: This duo of musicians is simply engaging and extraordinary. The evening will showcase their talents on a baby grand, trumpet, blues harp, guitar, and fiddle. It is an evening not to be missed. 7-10PM $5 cover.

Enjoy Holiday Barrel Weekend and be safe.