March is Washington Wine Month.  To kick off the festivals and other tasting events throughout the month, check out the Poverty Bay Wine Festival, held the first weekend of March.  For 2011, it took place on March 4, 5, and 6th and was the 7th annual wine festival breaking attendance records with over 1,600 people.  This festival celebrates fabulous wines, cool jazz, and Northwest cuisine.  All proceeds benefit the Rotary Club of Des Moines and takes place at the Landmark Event Center.  The Poverty Bay Wine Festival has raised over $200,000 over the past six years and benefits community, educational, and international projects.  This year, there were over 20 wineries and it was great to see how many people came out to taste new wines, support their favorite wineries, and enjoy the great variety of jazz over the weekend….on this day Uncle Ernie and Michael Powers entertained.  Relationships, friendships and even a few marriages have been introduced here.  This happens to be my 4th annual trip here and I will continue to mark my calendar for this event in the future. The  http://www.waterlandblog.com/   normally has a good story to tell too!  http://www.dmrotary.org/winefestival.php