WineTrails of Washington: A Guide for Uncorking Your Memorable Wine Tour

More than a year s worth of delicious research went into the creation of WineTrails of Washington. But somebody had to do it. That somebody is Steve Roberts, a native Washingtonian, who set out on a journey to satisfy his love of wine and stumbled on a wonderful secret that the tasting rooms of Washington are fun to explore and, better yet, their wines are amazing. He visited over 200 wineries and learned why Washington has become a major producer of premium wines as well as an emerging destination for wine tour vacations. With notebook, pen and camera in hand, Steve visited tasting rooms throughout the state to capture their ambiance and amenities, interview winemakers, take pictures and gain firsthand knowledge on where to stay and where to eat. To make your wine tour a great experience (and avoid the numerous mistakes he made during his travels) he evolved the WineTrails concept and launched a website (www.winetrailsnw.com) while working on the book. When he s not visiting wineries, Steve lives a parallel life to pay the bills. As owner and president of Orca Bay Benefits, he works with small businesses throughout the state meeting their health insurance needs. He s an insurance broker by day and a wine author by night. An odd dichotomy but it works. He also dreams of one day making his own wine. When he does, he will name the wine after his dog Pandora Cellars. He makes his home on Mercer Island outside of Seattle but his constant forays to eastern Washington allows him the chance to experience the sunnier side of the state where he grew up.