As promised, a brief vacation break to bring you this round-up. Regular posts will resume January 16th.

A round-up of stories on Washington wine from December 22nd to 31st. Read previous round-ups here.

From around the country…

The Illinois Daily Chronicle writes about Sleight of Hand.

NPR writes about government waste, with mention of the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center.

CNN writes about under $10 wines with a callout out to Pacific Rim.

Wine Spectator writes about 10 outstanding Washington reds.

Wine Enthusiast writes about the rise of second generation winemakers with callouts to Leonetti Cellar and Quilceda Creek.

The Talequah Daily Press writes about spirits to ring in the New Year with a callout to Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Indian Wells Merlot.

Shanken News Daily talks with Wayne Chaplin of Southern Wine and Spirits about Initiative 1183 and other issues.

Wine Business.com writes about the clock ticking down on privatization in Washington.

The Toledo Blade writes about the rise of Washington wines.

Northwest Wines encourages buying direct.


From the blogosphere…

Table Talk looks back at a year of wine.

Eat, Drink, Explore writes about new wine growing regions in Washington and California.

Westchase Patch makes the 2008 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet its wine pick of the week.

Paul Gregutt looks back on his 1993 book Northwest Wines. He also writes about the year’s best Northwest wine bargains.

Woodinville Wine Update writes about January events in Woodinville.

Northwest Wine Anthem gives top 5 discoveries of 2011.

Wine Peeps writes about the Domaine Ste. Michelle Blanc de Blancs. They also write about Owen Roe Winery.

Wild 4 Washington Wine writes about the 2006 Terra Blanca Oynx.

Palate Press writes about wine and chocolate.

Wine and Dine Walla Walla gives the best of the best from the 12^th Annual Wine Press NW platinum judging.

Bellevue Patch says 2012 could be a spirited year for distilleries.

Lucha Vino compares a Washington Bordeaux-style blend to one from Tuscany.


From the locals…

KIRO TV reports that the constitutionality of 1183 will be heard March 3^rd.

Seattle Weekly writes about Bartell’s new private label wine.

Seattle Magazine writes about Seattle’s Wine World.

Wenatchee World writes that a growing number of wineries are competing for dwindling dollars. They also write about Craig Mitrakul.

Writing for the Spokesman-Review, Paul Gregutt raises his glass to readers and wineries.

OregonLive.com writes about holiday visitors to wine country. They also write that Washington’s new laws are having a ripple effect.


Leftovers (posts missed from previous weeks)…

Wineguys Radio and TV write about Hestia Cellars.

Wine Foot asks whether there is such thing as too many AVAs.

That's all folks!