Originally, the winery produced only merlot and cabernet sauvignon, but when winemaker Joe Forest was hired in 2008, Patit Creek began expanding its range and now produces bottles of riesling, chardonnay, tempranillo and blends like Trinité, which artfully combines syrah, grenache and mourvedre. There is an element to wine consumption, however, that many tasting rooms fail to address: Wine goes really well with food. Extremely well with good food. And even better when that food is specifically created to form a gastronomic bond with a certain type of fermented grape. Patit Creek’s tasting room has a commercial kitchen, one of the reasons why Dudley chose the space, and from that kitchen arrive plates of crimini mushroom caps lavished with creamy parmesan and a touch of cayenne ($8) or Roux Shrooms — button mushrooms simmered in Patit’s classic red Bordeaux blend ($8). A cheese and charcuterie board features smoked meats from Sante and local cheeses from Get the scoop on the local food scene Heron Pond, as well as Gouda with our Entrée newsletter. Visit from a family farm in Ferndale. Inlander.com/newsletter to sign up. The seasonal summer corn salsa ($5) pairs with chardonnay ($19/bottle) for an almost buttery (courtesy of some subtle avocado) yet bright coupling. Other summer indulgences include cucumber crisps ($6) with riesling ($16/bottle), or fresh mozzarella topped with lemon basil ($6) paired with any white wine. Patit Creek manager Sonya Morrison created the sips and bites menu and says the menu will rotate with the seasons and make use of locally produced offerings. But lest anyone think that Patit Creek wines can only be enjoyed alongside precious delicacies, both Forest and Morrison agree that “The Creek,” a red table wine ($19/bottle), pairs well with pizza. So you can always buy a bottle and take it home. n
entrée
Post Street Ale House.
Good Food. Cold Beer.
Patit Creek Cellars • 822 W. Sprague Ave. • Sun, Mon, Thu, noon-6 pm; Fri-Sat, noon-8 pm • patitcreekcellars.com • 8684045
2013 LINCOLN MKX $ 37,947
• FRONT DRIVE TRACTION CONTROL • LEATHER HEATED SEATS • SYNC
1000
$
After Conquest Factory Rebate
VIN# 2LMDJ6JKIDBL28081
STK# 83036
202 E North Foothills Dr. Spokane, WA 99207 www.foothillslincoln.net (509) 324-8200 • 1-800-669-8801 Hours: Monday-Saturday: 8am-8pm Sunday: 11am - 5pm
Best Ever Cheeseburger $9.50
26 beers on Tap Best Food in Town 7 Hi-Def TVS Happy Hour 4-6 pm Daily
poststreetalehouse.com 509 789 6900
*Must own 95 or newer non FMC vehicle. All offers on approved credit plus tax, title, license & negotiable $150 doc. fee. Subject to prior sale. EPA estimated MPG, actual mileage will vary. Expires 8/31/13
August 22, 2013 INLANDER 35