A Taste of Things to Come: Liquor Tasting to Complement Wine Industry
Summary
Liquor tasting is coming to the heart of wine country. Only five spirits distilleries in Washington offer samples right now.
Story Published: Aug 26, 2009 at 6:07 PM PST
On Tuesday, the Port of Kennewick agreed to sell him an acre of land on Red Mountain in West Richland to make it happen. The site is at Van Giesen and Keene.
West Richland Mayor, Dale Jackson helped recruit the new business and says it will bring in more tourism dollars, not take away from the wine industry.
"It's the right business, and the right location and it will stimulate the economy here in West Richland,” said Jackson.
Nearby winery owner John Williams agrees. He owns Kiona Vineyard Wineries.
"I think people who enjoy one will enjoy the other. I enjoy brandy. I'm just not in the mood to make it,” said Williams.
Tasting spirits won't be much different than wine tasting. The only big difference is you won't be able to sample more than two ounces of liquor at a time. And like in wine tasting, you'll be able to buy bottles of your favorite drink, but no full glasses to drink on site.
Black Heron hopes to begin construction in two months and eventually bring 200 visitors a week into the area to taste his spirits.