Winery often was delighted and astonished by all the people who would come to his establishment on barrel tasting weekend. Tucker and his family were at the first barrel tasting 19 years ago. A Dean Tucker scholarship at Washington State University has been established by Anthony's Homeport Restaurants in honor of the long tie between the winery and the seafood restaurant chain and the Yakima Valley Spring Barrel Tasting weekend. Many other wineries have connections with purveyors offering gourmet goodies from fancy olive oils to imported cheeses. Entertainment will range from a single piano to a small jazz combo.
Art work is also a part of the gala weekend.
Picnicking is encouraged during the entire weekend, and many of the Yakima Valley restaurants provide the makings for a nice repast in the valley. Each of the wineries will offer nonalcoholic beverages for those who don't imbibe, and the use of a designated driver is encouraged. Many of the people who visit the wineries take part in bus or van tours, and some even come in chauffeur-driven limos. A brochure with a map and list of the wineries will be available at most wineries. Almost all the wineries are within a mile or two of the stretch of Interstate 82 that runs through the Yakima Valley.