Sharing the same latitudes as the top wine regions of Europe, Washington State is the ideal location for producing outstanding grapes to make top wines. The abundant rain along the western side of Washington State is stopped by two mountain ranges, creating a warm and dry eastern side of the state. And the location along the Columbia River offers a major source for irrigation, when needed, for the vineyards in the Yakima Valley AVA.
Lucky for me, a bottle of Dineen Vineyards Cabernet Franc showed up at my front door asking for a tasting of this wine from the hills of the lower Yakima Valley.
Pat and Lanie Dineen started this vineyard in 2001 when they purchased a12-acre apple orchard they converted to grapes. In 2002, they made a much larger purchase of 80 acres. It is on part of these acres where the tasting room now stands.
The Dineens have chosen to name each block after their daughters and grandchildren. In keeping with the family orientation, Lanie, who was from a farm in Wisconsin, secured a truck like the Chevrolet truck she remembers from her past. This truck, affectionately called “Grandpa’s Big Black Truck”, can be seen prominently displayed on the estate wine labels. To say that this couple is family oriented would be an accurate statement.
Dineen Vineyards is Certified Sustainable which means they practice a balance of three principles. Those principles are environmental responsibility, social responsibility, and traditional profit and loss.
The varietals grown by Dineen Vineyards are those found in the Bordeaux and Rhone Valley of France. At Dineen Vineyards you will find Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Viognier, and Semillon.
On a beautiful and sunny afternoon in Southern California, I joined a group of friends to pair our wines with food. We paired the Cabernet Franc with Sloppy Joe Sliders and Stuffed Mushrooms. These two dishes work well with this big wine due to its earthy and savory profile.
As we pour the Cabernet Franc into our glasses, we see the almost purple hue of this wine. The nose for me was that of a ripe peach. One sip reminded me of black cherries and raspberries. There is a dryness to it and yet lots of fruit flavor. This wine has a medium amount of acidity and tannins which makes it a perfect wine to enjoy with food.
If you drive to Eastern Washington to the Yakima Valley AVA, you can find special events at Dineen Vineyards. Plan your trip to attend one of these events. They are dog friendly and have a Vineyard Dog Walk on June 8, 2024. Another exciting event is Wines in the Vines on June 15th. At that event, owner and vintner, Marissa Dineen, and Winemaker, Samantha Mallery, will host the event where wines will be sampled next to the vines that produce the grapes for those wines. Small bites will also be served.
During the warmer months, the winery is open for tastings of their estate wines from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Find Dineen Vineyards at 2980 Gilbert Road, Zillah, Washington.
Grab a glass of their luscious wine and enjoy the incredible views of Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier, and the Yakima Valley.
BEST SLOPPY JOE RECIPE
INGREDIENTS
1lb. ground beef
¼ c. chopped onion
¼ c. chopped green pepper
¾ c. ketchup, or to taste
1 tbsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. yellow mustard
½ tsp. garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Sliced dill pickles to top the Sloppy Joe
6 hamburger buns
DIRECTIONS
In a heated large skillet, add and stir ground beef until meat is mostly brown, around 3-4 minutes. Add onion and bell pepper, continue to cook until the vegetables have softened and beef is cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes.
Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and garlic powder; season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
Divide meat mixture evenly amount hamburger buns and top with dill pickles if desired.
