The Heart of Rock and Roll

Huey Lewis and the News + wine from Chateau Ste Michelle + a perfect 80 degree day in Seattle = one very happy Purple Girl. 

Purple Dad and Purple Mom gave me tickets to Huey Lewis for my 29th (plus some change) birthday last May.  And while late August days are generally pretty fantastic around here, it was hard to be sure of the weather this record breaking cold summer.  Needless to say, the crowd packed into the amphitheater at Chateau Ste Michelle was very appreciative of one of those "perfect Seattle weather days" - 80 degrees and not a cloud in the sky.  If you've never been to a concert at Chateau Ste Michelle, it is a must add to your "bucket list".  There is something about the fresh air and beautiful scenery that, on its own, would make for a great evening.  Add some tunes, good wine and a picnic and it becomes unforgettable.

Mr. Purple and I pre-funked by belting out Huey hits in the car on the way to the concert. (Did that just give away that there's becoming a lot of change after my 29?)  Once we were happily in our seats with Purple Dad and Purple Mom, we really got the party started with some cheese, crackers and a 2010 Chateau Ste Michelle Sauvignon Blanc from Horse Heaven Hills.  And therein lies another one of the beauties of a concert at a winery... the ability to enjoy wine while in the venue (as long as it is from that winery of course).

This sauvignon blanc from Chateau Ste Michelle is perfect for a hot summer afternoon - cool, crisp and full of grapefruit.  The only drawback is that it is so darn drinkable, it goes down a little too easily and a couple of bottles were empty before we knew it.

As the sun went down, we moved on to a 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Canoe Ridge Estates. This cab from the Canoe Ridge Estates is a subtle Washington cabernet, rich with dark cherry flavors with a hint of spice.  Its smooth, warm texture was a perfect compliment to the dark chocolate I brought as an after dinner treat. 

All in all, it was a great night.  And, after all these years, Huey still has his groove.  Not bad for 61 years old.  Proof positive that the Heart of Rock and Roll is still beating... (in Cleveland).