Seattlest's resident beer warrior, Dikla, makes her case against the Costco-backed liquor privatization initiative--but not because of deregulation. She says the way the initiative is written hurts the craft industries -- breweries, wineries and distilleries -- that we hold dear in exchange for corporate profits. more ›

Yesterday, the 14th annual Taste Washington Grand Tasting was held at the Qwest Field Event Center, to the delight of winos and food-lovers alike. As the nation's largest single-region wine and food event, Taste Washington featured 220 Washington state wineries, each pouring up to three of their best wines, and 50 Pacific Northwest restaurants, each handing out scrumptious food pairings. Also featured were cooking demonstrations by several local chefs including Jason Franey of Canlis, who debuted his whole pig that had been roasting for five hours, and Michael Mina on behalf of his wine bar RN74, soon to be debuting in Seattle. more ›

If you love wine - particularly the Cabernet grape varieties - here’s your chance to sample Cabernet and Cabernet -based blends from over thirty Washington wineries* while helping to raise money for the Center on Contemporary Art. The CoCA benefit, produced and arranged by resident Sommelier David LeClaire, will also allow the opportunity to meet and chat with the wine-makers who have each crafted their own styling of what is Washington State’s leading red varietal. Local artists will be on hand presenting their work as well. All proceeds from the event will go to CoCA. more ›

Earlier this week, Maryhill Winery (located in Goldendale, WA, approximately 90 minutes east of Portland) announced their summer concert series, featuring the Counting Crows, Jackson Browne, and John Legend with India.Arie. Not to be outdone, Chateau Ste. Michelle announced their own concert series closer to home. They'll see your Jackson Browne and John Legend/Indie.Arie--they've got 'em on the schedule too--and raise you Tears for Fears, Bonnie Raitt, Pink Martini, Elvis Costello, and Diana Krall (on separate August weekends, for whatever reason). Tickets for all shows at both wineries go on sale this Saturday, April 25th. more ›

HIPPIES UNITE: Innovative guitarist/singer/songwriter Keller Williams is a mainstay on the jamfolk scene and, much like Yonder Mountain Stringband (also on the bill tonight), is responsible for inspiring throngs of hippies to bounce and twirl. We've never caught him live, but we understand he puts on quite the show. He'll be at Marymoor tonight, blowing some minds. more ›