Taste of the Pacific Northwest

By: Josh Appelbaum
   Wine enthusiasts hot on the trail of the newest and fastest growing regions should consider canceling their flights to Australia or South Africa and discover the Bordeaux-like varieties of the Pacific Northwest.
   But you don’t even have to travel to Washington or Oregon to experience the region’s flavors, thanks to the Hunterdon Museum of Art and 56 Degree Wine’s fifth annual spring wine tasting, where the pre-tasting seminar will explore wines of the Pacific Northwest. The day’s festivities will include tastings of wines from around the world, but wine expert Chris Cree of 56 Degree Wine says the up-and-coming region deserves a place on the palate all by itself.
   "The region has really come a long way in 20 or 30 years," Mr. Cree says. "It’s created a niche for itself, with strong regional characteristics."
   Mr. Cree says Oregon and Washington are producing high-quality varieties of Cabernet, Merlot and Pinot Noir — those most closely associated with the Bordeaux region of France. But the region also turns out American favorites like Chardonnay, Syrah and Pinot Gris — a fairly uncommon variety to U.S. growers.
   The fuller-bodied and lighter, elegant reds from the Pacific Northwest will be served with accompanying regional dishes that include indigenous foods such as salmon and mushrooms.
   The Hunterdon Museum of Art has hosted Mr. Cree’s tastings since 2001, when he owned Clinton Wine and Spirits. In 2004, when Mr. Cree opened 56 Degree Wine in Bernardsville, he decided to continue the tradition as a way to re-connect with local merchants and his former patrons. "We started this as a way for local business to support local institutions," Mr. Cree says. "It’s a way of giving something back to the community. The museum and local businesses count on that support, and it’s good to expose our clients to new wines and food."
   Circa of High Bridge and local eateries including Ixora, Metropolitan Seafood, Verducci’s and Grill 73 will serve hors d’ oeuvres to complement the wines of the day.
56 Degree Wine and the Hunterdon Museum of Art’s fifth annual wine tasting benefit for the museum’s children’s education and exhibition programs will take place May 13. Pre-tasting seminar, The Wines of the Pacific Northwest, with hors d’oeuvres, 3-3:45 p.m. Walk-around wine tasting 4-6 p.m. Tickets cost $50-$100, pre-tasting seminar, $35. Limited reservations available. For information, call (908) 735-8415.