Taste what Spokane’s long-standing winery has to offer
By Jillian Chandler
Photo by Owen Aird
Wine lovers have continued to enjoy sipping wines while visiting with friends and neighbors in the beautifully remodeled tasting room and gift shop at Latah Creek Wine Cellars in Spokane Valley, Washington. The open space, which can comfortably accommodate patrons and easily adhere to social distancing rules, has become a gathering place to relax and taste. As winemaker Natalie Barnes says, “We love that people can have a wonderful place to sit and sip our wine, while being able to see all of our fabulous gifts at the same time.”
Established in 1982 by husband and wife Mike and Ellena Conway, Latah Creek Wine Cellars has been pouring excellence into each glass and continues to bring affordable, award-winning wines to the Inland Northwest. Joined by their daughter Natalie, they are continuing that mission 39 harvests later.
Currently at the winery, you will find nearly 20 wines that are available for tasting, by the glass or bottle purchase. They are excited to once again be offering wine tastings, in which you can enjoy five tastes of your choice for just $5! The new assortment of soon-to-be-released wine adds much anticipation to the upcoming season; between August and February 2021, they are releasing more than 10 new wines! Their first ever Reserve Mourvèdre was released this past August, and they will continue to release new wines, which include three more reserves, two new reds and several whites, through the new year.
The gift shop, which is a labor of love for Ellena, is truly unique, offering many gift and gourmet food items that can't be found anywhere else! “We love sending customers home with gift baskets that will make them shine,” smiles Natalie.
For the eighth year in a row, Latah Creek will hold their Annual 12 Days of Gifting during the month of December, where each day is a new deal, only available for that day with discounts up to 50 percent off!
Natalie joined her father in the family business of winemaking in 2004, and her passion for her craft continues to grow with each season. “I love how most everything in winemaking is different; growing seasons change each year; grapes all taste distinct from one another (even the same grapes from the same vineyard year to year). It keeps you on your toes and is never boring!”
Natalie is grateful to be able to do what she loves while working alongside her parents. “When working with your family, there is a closeness that you can't get on your own,” she says. “We love sharing wine with one another. Being able to describe the wine with my parents and commend each of us for our part is one of the most rewarding things.”
With two daughters of her own, Natalie looks forward to passing down her love and appreciation of food and wine to the next generation. “I also hope that I can have the same experience with them as I am having with my parents and being able to work alongside them.”
Raise a glass and toast to 38 years of winemaking … and many more.
Latah Creek Wine Cellars
13030 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley, WA
509.926.0164
