Yakima Redefined, part 2

Craft Beverage Yakima is a group of like-minded beverage professionals working to market all the changes going on in downtown Yakima as well as outside the core. Here are more interesting places to put on your "must visit" list. When thinking that beer is "new" to Yakima, keep in mind that 70% of US hops are grown in Yakima. And although grapes are a newer crop (in the scheme of things), most grape growers are farmers who have been in the valley for generations.

AntoLin Cellars

For 10 years, Anthony (Tony) and Linda Haralson made wine, visited vineyards, completed the certificate program in winemaking at UC Davis in 2008 and decided on next steps. Tony felt the need to plant a vineyard of their own, purchasing 5 acres of old growth apple in 2007, tearing it out, and planting Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Carmenère in 2008. They source Vigonier, Merlot, and Syrah from Yakima and Columbia Valleys. AntoLin produces about 800 cases per year. Their goal is to make distinctive wines that bring out the varietal; not over-oaked and not naked. The downtown tasting room includes the tasting bar, Caboose room with games, red room with piano, blue room with couch and chairs, and a great outdoor patio. Community groups use the space as well as neighbors and visitors wanting to hear live music and relax over great wines. They have a caterer come in at times and people can bring in their own food. 14 N Front Street, Yakima, WA 98901. 509-961-8370. antolincellars.com Photo by Beverly Killion

Yakima Craft Brewing Co.

With their first beer sold in June of 2008, YCB is a craft brewery all about flavor and unique character, producing 1600 barrels of ales and lagers. They even, at times, use the original boil kettle from the first brewer in Yakima, Bert Grant (all copper with a direct flame, giving the ability to caramelize sugars more easily, add nutrients for the yeast, and more). In fact, their original brewer used to work with Bert. Seasonal creations are unique: this summer it's Brite Trout Summer Ale, using Australian hops that add citrus. Their small brewery taproom feels very neighborly; there is an outdoor patio as well. Currently the beer can be found in Eastern Washington, but other states are expected to come on board soon. They have a taproom at 120 East Yakima Ave downtown, 509-571-1468, and one at the brewery at 2920 River Rd, #6, Yakima, WA 98902. 509-654-7357. www.yakimacraftbrewing.com/home.html

The Flying Pig BBQ Restaurant & Coffee Shop

Plenty of sides to go along with that delicious Southern-style smoked meat: pork ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, Kielbasa, chicken, brisket (check website for brisket days). Right downtown, the exterior has a Western look, but inside it's Western Washington with a full line of espresso drinks. They also cater, so if you can't make it there, plan a party at your place! 7 N Front Street, Yakima, WA. 509-759-7350. www.facebook.com/flyinpigbbqribs

Hop Nation Brewing Company

Master Brewer Ben Grossman took the leap by purchasing a warehouse built in 1903 as a fruit packing warehouse and refitting it as a brewery, using kilns, hop poles, and hop twine throughout to pay homage to the hop industry. The tasting room, opened in June of 2015, has a long bar with TVs overhead, with games to play (hoola-hoops!), making it family friendly. Ben has been in the industry since 1992, working with Coors in Research & Development, and Blue Moon products. The brewery is located on the floor below. Ben's beer is a 95% Washington product (hops, water) with yeast coming from Hood River. Ben feels the key to great beer is yeast, not the recipe. Hop Nation beer showcases Washington terroir; the hardness of Yakima water goes up and down. It's partly what makes Yakima beer unique. 31 N 1^st Avenue, Yakima, WA. 509-367-6552. www.hopnation.us

Cowiche Canyon Kitchen + Ice House

Meant to look like a cold storage fruit warehouse, Cowiche Canyon has a concrete floor and uses repurposed wood, brick, and fruit wood inside. Interior walls are actually concrete: wood forms were used, leaving the look of grain in the concrete when removed. With all the customization, it took over a year to build, opening December 15, 2015. It has not seen a down moment since. Their thoughtful renditions on American classics have proved very popular, along with the fresh juices used in cocktails. An open kitchen allows guests to see the kitchen activity, and they have a bakery on site (apparently a second restaurant will be opening and there will be a commercial bakery at that location). The Icehouse Bar is a comfortable lounge with cocktail ingredients cold pressed in small batches daily. Many beer and wine options are available. 202 East Yakima Avenue, Yakima, WA 98901. 509-457-2007. www.cowichecanyon.com

Connie Adams/June 2016