Eat, Drink & Be Merry...Virtually

Although the doors of your favorite tasting rooms have closed, the friendly faces of the winemakers and tasting room staff are working to keep connected. You've probably had your share of Virtual Tastings in the number of names they come by. At almost any hour on any day, you can find one to tune in to. And they are getting even more vast and creative. Here is one that is noteworthy to check out. This Virtual Happy Hour, the name is self-explanatory, although it's not even an hour, more like 30 minutes, is the brainchild of a collection of wineries off of #Exit96 in Benton City, right outside of the Tri-Cities, WA.

The way it works is you "like" each winery's Facebook Page, then tune in on their page for the LIVE tasting on their scheduled evening. The topics vary and most of the time, you'll find the winemaker and owner in their vineyard or winery, even making their favorite dish to pair with wine in their kitchen. If you haven't tried a wine from these participating wineries, now is a great time to purchase and sip along with them.

There are over a dozen wineries off #Exit96 in Benton City, most located within the famed Red Mountain AVA. Wineries like Hightower, Hamilton, Hedges Family Estate, Cooper, Upchurch, and Frichette include their family surname. Also find wineries like Anelare, Fidelitas, Tapteil, Terra Blanca, Kiona, Tucannon, Red Mountain Trails Winery, Purple Star Wines, and Sleeping Dog.