Their family-owned vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA has been supplying grapes to Washington wineries since the 1980s.  Their quality, low-yield fruit is known for crafting award-winning small-production wines.  In 2002, Doug and Sandy Rowell joined the winemaking world and released their first vintage of McKinley Springs wine with the help of James Mantone of Syncline. They have since taking on winemaking duties and continue to create finely crafted wines.

Volunteer Park Cafe continues their monthly wine dinner series with Doug and Sandy Rowell of McKinley Springs Winery. Chef Ericka Burke will be creating a seasonal dinner that will include a famous Heather Earnhardt dessert to pair with the exceptional wines of McKinley Springs. The Rowell’s will be on hand to talk wine –from the changes over the last few decades in farming to small-production yield and their foray into winemaking.

 The menu for the evening is as follows:

 Pan Seared Sea Scallops, Apricot Reduction, Fennel and Celery Salad

2007 Viognier, Horse Heaven Hills

Braised Pork Belly, Seasonally Foraged Mushrooms, Saskatoon Berry Relish

Leg of Lamb, Stewed Plums, Crispy Potato Salad

Almond & Berry Panzanella

McKinley Springs is a small family-owned winery located south of Prosser, Washington in the Horse Heaven Hills.  The family takes great pride in caring for their vineyards and for over 25 years have developed a reputation for growing high-quality grapes that produced award-winning wines.  In 2002, they launched McKinley Springs Winery.  For more information, visit www.mckinleysprings.com.

Save the date: Volunteer Park Cafe welcomes winemaker Brennon Leighton of Efeste on August 8. 

Located among the elegant homes of Seattle’s North Capitol Hill, chef Ericka Burke’s Volunteer Park Cafe (VPC) is the quintessential neighborhood-meeting place.  With mismatched vintage chairs, throw pillows tossed along banquets, and a communal table running the length of the inviting sunlit room - it’s the perfect place to spend time. The food is delicious home-style goodness, house made pastries, savory and sweet, and a selection of fresh salads, soups, and sandwiches provide daytime provisions ordered from friendly faces behind the counter. As the light dims and the candles are lit, table service begins and guests cozy in for rustic pizzas and ever-changing seasonal offerings like Summer Veggie Risotto, Pan Seared Halibut, or the heavenly Daily Pot Pie. VPC offers a generous selection of boutique wines by the glass and bottles of wine can be enjoyed at the cafe or taken to go. VPC is open Tuesday – Friday from 7am – 4:30pm, weekends from 8am – 4:30pm, and dinner is served Tuesday – Saturday from 5:30pm – 10pm. For more information, call (206) 328-3155 or visit www.alwaysfreshgoodness.com.