Cave B opens grandly

500 turn out for celebration of resort and winery

GEORGE — Guests and visitors stepped into another world Saturday to celebrate the grand opening of Cave B Inn at SageCliffe, the resort and winery overlooking the Columbia River Gorge next door to the Gorge Amphitheatre.

Amidst spectacular views of the gorge itself and the newly constructed "Cliffehouses," "Caverns" and Cave B Inn that comprise the resort, the approximately 500 attendees at the event grazed at a gourmet open buffet, sipped wines poured at the on-site estate winery and watched as artists, authors and musicians gave performances or demonstrations throughout the property.

"It's gorgeous," gushed Autumn Moore of Ellensburg as she and husband Brad took in the late afternoon view of the gorge. The couple added they were staying at the resort that evening.

"There isn't anything like it around and it just adds to the draw of the Saddle Mountains," Brad Moore said.

Cave B Inn at SageCliffe held a "soft" opening earlier in the spring, but Saturday was the first occasion when large crowds have been invited to tour the 550-acre property. Visitors were offered tours of the vineyards, winery and local geography, as well as a chance to examine the accommodations. Cave B offers various levels of privacy and comfort for overnight guests with 15 stand-alone Cliffehouses, 12 rooms in the Caverns and three guest rooms in the lodge, which also includes Tendrils restaurant and meeting facilities.

"What a nice thing for the community," said Marilyn Pulis, who came from Moses Lake with her husband Dick. They were joined by guests who are considering moving to the area and Marilyn Pulis said she hoped the impressive resort and winery might help seal the deal about their decision to relocate to Moses Lake.

"I think it's wonderful," Marilyn Pulis described.

Grand opening activities began at 4 p.m. Saturday and continued well into the evening with big band music and dancing.