PREPARATIONS FOR TOMATOFARE 2009 ARE ALREADY UNDERWAY!

TomatoFare’s goal is to select the seed of “at risk” tomato varieties that are, above all else, tasty and to
provide growers, farmers, chefs, contributing businesses, and public an event that supports and celebrates the process.

From source to table, artisan farmers will present over 100 varieties of heirloom, organic tomatoes for TomatoFare 2009 attendees to taste and compare. Some of the region’s most influential chefs will present their luscious dishes for guests to sample.

Growers of organic, heirloom tomatoes will present tastings with the help of the associates. They will also supply the chefs with tomatoes for the chef to prepare here on site or sent to their respective properties.

TomatoFare has made Grant County the heirloom tomato capital of Washington State and the Pacific Northwest, growing 50,000 lbs. in each 2006, 2007 & 2008.

Once known as love apples, tomatoes have a long and varied history. They originated in South America and spread to the rest of the world through trade routes. Today, most tomatoes are hybridized versions of the original and almost always red. The heirloom comes in every color of the rainbow.

Ringhofer, who was brought up with the family value "that you get more by giving than taking," has given away close to 1,000 tomato plants each of the past three years on a sunny spring weekend to gardeners in and around Soap Lake. TomatoFare has grown to 50 small growers to grow the plants in their garden with one stipulation: for one week, all the tomatoes the plants produce will go to stock the annual TomatoFare. For the second year, TomatoFare 2009 will again be held at White Heron Winery on Sunday September 6 from 4PM-8PM.

White Heron Cellars, www.whiteheronwine.com is owned and operated by Phyllis and Cameron Fries and was the first winery in the region. The winery bottles Roussane, Syrah, Pinot Noir and a Meritagetype red wine. White Heron Cellars is located in Trinidad, above Crescent Bar, at 10035 Stuhlmiller, Quincy, WA. See their website, for excellent directions and maps. For more info about White Heron Cellars phone (509) 797-9463 or Email at info@whiteheronwine.com.

Some of the regions finest chefs prepare the fruit of the plants supplied by the local growers. The raw tomatoes, in all their edgy, inconsistent beauty are also on hand to eat au natural.

The Ringhofers feel it is especially important, particularly in this time of hardship for many, that we do all we can to support people’s ability to provide for themselves healthy foods through healthy gardening and teach sustainable practices to children.”

This year, don’t miss the opportunity to satiate your desire for old-fashioned, heirloom tomato flavors at the best food & wine events in Grant & Douglas Counties. Enjoy the foods chefs will prepare featuring heirloom tomatoes in an unpretentious, harvest-celebration atmosphere. Ringhofer says, “Our gathering will showcase a range of unforgettable epicurean creations from classical to innovative food adventures.

The chefs and restaurants selected to appear at this year’s TomatoFare lead the way to experiencing the possibility, range and pleasures of exceptional cuisine prepared with heirloom tomatoes.”

“TomatoFare2009® entertains more than one’s senses,” said Ringhofer. It celebrates the spirit of the season’s harvest and encourages home gardeners to carry on the honored tradition of seed-saving and growing their family’s own organic heirloom tomatoes. It truly is a unique community festival for food & wine lovers, chefs, family gardeners and farmers. It’s a celebration of life!” Get your ticket now… so you don’t miss the opportunity to take part in “The Pacific Northwest’s Premier Tomato Harvest Festival” before tickets sell out.

General admission tickets at $20 are available in advance; $25 on the day of the event are limited to 300 guests to ensure a quality experience for all. Early ticket purchase is suggested since the event is expected to sell out. Children under the age of 12 with attending parent are admitted free. Tickets may be purchased through White Heron Cellars phone (509) 797-9463.

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Founded and operated by Martin & Jennifer Ringhofer in 2006, the TomatoFare® has revitalized the appreciation and desire for true heirloom tomatoes over the past three years. The Ringhofer’s belief in sustainable farming and organic seed saving has inspired them to develop and grow heirloom tomato varieties for more than six years. For the 2009 season, 50 participating small growers are currently growing more than 100 varieties of certified organic heirloom tomatoes from seeds originally sourced from family farms around the world. For more information visit http://tomatofare.net/ or write
martinringhofer@aol.com