Kent Wine Walk on Sept. 19 to feature a dozen wineries

The downtown Kent Wine Walk returns Friday, Sept. 19 with a full lineup of tastings in historic downtown from 5 to 9 p.m.

During this self-guided wine tasting tour, retailers will host 12 award-winning Washington wineries with representatives on hand to discuss their wines and answer questions. Wines will also be available for purchase by the bottle or case.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling 253-856-6976 or emailing barbaras@KentDowntown.org. Admission cost includes 10 one-ounce tasting tickets, tasting location map and passport and a commemorative wine glass while supplies last.

Beer lovers can also enjoy tastings of handcrafted brews by Airways Brewing Company and a visit by Deschutes Brewery, one of The AC Tavern’s brewers, according to a Kent Downtown Partnership media release.

Participating wineries include:

• Chandler Reach Vineyards: An estate winery located along the Yakima River in Benton City. Graced with excellent “terroir” their vineyard produces superior fruit. Growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah and Sangiovese, this winery is focused on Italian style wines from Tuscan origins.

• Cloudlift Cellars: From Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood, the winery focuses on crafting fine white and red blends from premium Washington vineyards.

• Davenport Cellars: Located in Woodinville, this boutique winery focuses on producing wines based on the traditional Bordeaux variety grapes – Cabernet, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.

• Martinez & Martinez Winery: Overlooking the Columbia River, this winery is dedicated to the production of high quality wine from high quality grapes, focusing on Cabernet Sauvignon from the Horse Heaven Hills.

• Michael Florentino Cellars/Gecko Wine Company: Located in Woodinville, their focus is on unique wines from around the world including Primitivo, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Grenache blends and Counnoise.

• Northwest Wine Academy: The first teaching winery in the Puget Sound region, wines are created from vine to wine by students in this South Seattle winemaking program. Their wines have received numerous awards, both at the Seattle Wine Awards and the Tri-Cities Wine Festival.

• SuLei Cellars: This boutique winery from Walla Walla supports local business by sourcing their fruit from select Walla Walla and Columbia Valley Vineyards. Their quality wines are made with a combination of Old and New World winemaking practices.

• Stottle Winery: Located in Lacey, the winemakers believe each handcrafted wine is an expression of all of the things that influence the grape on its journey from vine to wine.

• Tiger Mountain Winery: This small, family run business creates award-winning, small-batch, hand-crafted wines in their Issaquah winery.

• Waving Tree Winery: Located in Goldendale, the winery makes award-winning Barbera, Syrah, Grenache, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese and many others.

• Willis Hall: Vintage 2003 was the inaugural vintage for this Marysville winery, where they produce Syrah, a Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend, a Merlot-based blend, and a white wine, typically Viognier.

• Wilridge Winery: Produced in Seattle’s Madrona neighborhood, this winery specializes in single-vineyard wines from some of the best vineyards in Washington State.

The following downtown venues will host tastings during the event:

Maggie’s on Meeker, Vitality Spine and Rehab, Running Stitch Fabrics, Kent Teaching and Toys, Treasures, Seattle Impact FC, Blanc N Schwartz Salon, Pugerudes, Intimate Pilates, Sweet Themes Bakery, Wild Wheat Bakery Cafe and Restaurant, Nashville’s Sports Bar, Airways Beer and Bistro and The AC Tavern (Amicus Curiae. Registration will be at Down Home Catering and Kona Kai Coffee will host the wine store.

Event participants must be at least 21 years of age and show their ID at the registration area at Down Home Catering, 211 First Avenue South in Kent.

For more information, go to Downtownkentwa.com.