Latest in local wine and beer one highlight of 23rd annual Confluence Grape and Grain

Ass Kickin’ Jalapeno beer and She’s Wild White wine are two of the libations people will sample Friday in honor of Lewiston’s only public art gallery.

The 23rd annual Confluence Grape & Grain is the major fundraiser for the Lewis-Clark Center for Arts & History. Local wineries and breweries will present their latest — She’s Wild White comes from Clarkston’s Basalt Cellars and Ass Kickin’ Jalapeno is from Red Lion Hotel MJ Barleyhopper’s in Lewiston. Other makers participating are Riverport Brewing Company of Clarkston, bringing Junior, an English pub ale; Paradise Creek Brewery of Pullman, Colter’s Creek Winery of Juliaetta, Lewiston’s Clearwater Canyon Cellars and Camas Prairie Winery of Moscow, which will pour Strawberry Mead, among other wines.

The event draws about 300 people each year, says organizer Angela Weiland. Those attending will receive seven tastes of wine or beer in a souvenir stemless wine glass. Additional samples can be purchased for $1 each. Walla Walla onion strudel, beef crostini, fresh seasonal fruit and cheeses are on the hors d’oeuvre menu from the Red Lion.

The upstairs galleries will be transformed into a lounge area for the event. A silent auction will feature original paintings, photography, jewelry, gift certificates and baskets, hand-tied steelhead flies and other items. Live piano music will be provided by Washington State University student Eric Goodwin.

Besides benefiting the center, proceeds also go to the Business Student Organization Scholarship Fund of Lewis-Clark State College. Tickets are $25 and available at Inland Cellular, LCSC Business Division, LCSC Center for Arts & History, Basalt Cellars, and Riverport Brewing Company.

WHAT: Confluence Grape & Grain
WHEN: 6-9 p.m. Friday, April 19
WHERE: 415 Main St., Lewiston
COST: $25
OF NOTE: Must be 21 or older to attend