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Date: 6/9/2006 to 6/11/2006Location: Gig Harbor , WAContact: Peninsula Light Company Phone: 253-857-1510 Peninsula Light Company is a locally owned cooperative that provides electricity and water services to over 27,000 members in the Gig Harbor and Key Peninsulas of Western Pierce County in Washington State. Since 2002, Peninsula Light Company has held an annual Wind & Wine Tour for anyone interested in learning more about green power.
In 2004, the tour visited two wind farms and one hydroelectric dam, so visitors could experience the differences between these two types of power systems. The tour stopped by several local wineries to enjoy wine tastings along the way. Energy Northwest, a public power consortium, owns and operates the Nine Canyon Wind Project in Kennewick; this was the first stop. Next the tour crossed the Columbia River and headed to Walla Walla. While there, guests toured the Stateline Wind Project, owned by Florida Power and Light, the world's largest, privately-owned wind system. That night, guests stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Walla Walla. The next morning guests visited the Public Market in Walla Walla, and then traveled out of town to the Three Rivers Winery for lunch, a wine tasting and a round of golf. From there, they journeyed on down the Washington side of the Columbia River to the Maryhill Winery and visited the famous Maryhill Museum. That night's accommodations were provided by the Best Western Hotel in Cascade Locks. The last morning of the tour included the Bonneville Dam and a box lunch at Multnomah Falls Park prior to returning home. In 2005, the tour visited the future 67,000 acre site of the White Creek Wind Project (by Last Mile Electric Cooperative) in the Roosevelt/Goldendale area of Klickitat county.
The Web site provides a photo gallery and an online video of past tours.
Due to popularity, the Wind & Wine Tour has grown from two days and one night to three days and two nights. Also, the Wind & Wine Tour has become so popular that it is already booked for the 2006 tour! They have started a waiting list. To be placed on the waiting list, call 253-857-1530 and they will notify you if they get any openings before the tour date.
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