Latah Creek Winery's Natalie Barnes is anxious to talk wine again.
No sector of the hospitality industry was left untouched by COVID-19. Wineries across the Inland Northwest faced a range of issues related to the pandemic, from figuring out how to sample and sell wine when tasting rooms were ordered closed to navigating special rules on outdoor seating and requirements that all alcohol-serving establishments offer food.
Since passing the pandemic's one-year anniversary, however, the future's looking brighter and wineries are eager to make a comeback. For the 17 members of the Spokane Winery Association, that road to recovery is symbolized by the return of the annual Spring Release Weekend, happening May 7-9.