Wine and Dine: Pepper Bridge Winery

Join House of Wine and Pepper Bridge Winery for a special evening celebrating the legacy of Norm McKibben ahead of his 90th birthday.  A pioneering figure in Washington wine, Norm McKibben helped shape the future of the Walla Walla Valley through a commitment to vineyard excellence, long-term vision, and community. As co-founder of Pepper Bridge Winery and one of the early champions of the Walla Walla AVA, his influence can be seen throughout the region’s growth into one of the world’s premier wine destinations.

Hosted by Kathryn House McClaskey, whose connection to Pepper Bridge Winery began during harvest in Walla Walla, this intimate gathering brings together wines, stories, and the enduring relationships that define the Walla Walla wine community. Guests will enjoy a guided tasting featuring five Pepper Bridge Winery wines expertly paired with seasonal bites from House of Wine’s neighboring restaurant partner, Stardust.

From vineyard roots to longtime friendships, the evening reflects the spirit of hospitality, craftmanship, and connection that has shaped Pepper Bridge Winery for decades.

WHO IS PEPPER BRIDGE WINERY?

Pepper Bridge Winery is a family-owned, estate winery in the Walla Walla Valley—one of Washington State’s premier wine regions. Guided by a pioneering spirit and deep commitment to sustainable vineyard stewardship, they craft premium Bordeaux-style wines from 100% estate-grown grapes. For more that 25 years, our dedication to quality, innovation, and place has helped define the Walla Walla AVA as a world-class destination for wine lovers.

But that’s not the complete story.

Acclaim for Pepper Bridge’s wines span the global stage and include:

Over 100 90+ scores since 2018!

Washington Wine Awards:

• Jean-François Pellet: Winemaker of the Year, 2015

Wine & Spirits:

• Top Family Winery, 2015
• Top 100 Winery worldwide (2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2021, 2023)

Wine Business Monthly:

• Norm McKibben: Top 50 Wine Industry Leaders, 2016

WHO IS KATHRYN HOUSE MCCLASKEY?

Kathryn “Kat” House McClaskey is the founder, wine educator, and glass polishing fanatic behind House of Wine. She holds a Master of Science degree in Horticulture from Washington State University with special emphasis in Viticulture and Enology. Prior to moving to Boise in 2010, Kat worked throughout Washington State including time spent in Walla Walla, Washington with Seven Hills Vineyard and Pepper Bridge Winery during the famed 2005 vintage.

In 2010, Kat left Washington to explore the Idaho wine country and here, she has found her home. She created House of Wine to fill demand for wine production consulting and producer and consumer wine education. Since 2010 she has worked alongside winemakers and groups teaching numerous seminars enabling growers and producers to increase grape and wine quality.

A perpetual student, Kat continues her pursuit of learning and is a student in the most prestigious (and challenging!) wine education program in the world: Master of Wine as a Stage Three Student.

THE MENU

• 2025 Sauvignon Blanc

Paired with Stardust Greens– little gems, green goddess, arugula, aged manchego, hazelnuts, chive oil

• 2023 Merlot
• 2023 Trine
• 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon- Library Selection!

All paired with Petite Steak Frites– twenty-eight day dry aged, black angus, denver cut, garlic aioli, demi, mezcal butter, truffle fries

• Finish- Chocolat Bar- Assorted chocolates

Featured wines are offered at a 10% discount for attendees (15% for wine club members!).