The banner on Colorado Street has been hung, signifying a spring tradition for a local establishment. For the 17th year in a row, students and their moms are invited to share a distinct panel of wines this weekend at Valhalla Bar & Grill.

Winefest is an annual event at the bar, and manager Shane Snyder said participants will receive a custom etched glass, a rose for their mother and the opportunity to taste 12 wines from around Washington and the world.

This year the focus is on wines made specifically by Cougs, he said.

Snyder said moms can enjoy more than 30 choices of red, white and sparkling wine from Australia or Europe, as well as champagne. Some of the choices were created in-state by WSU alumni.

Employee Tashiara Payne said there is a sense of nostalgia for some moms, returning with their children to a familiar place.

“A lot of moms come here and are alumni,” Payne said. “They reminisce about when they used to be here.”

Payne said average turnout for Winefest is just under capacity, around 120 people. To prepare, the bar has acquired nine cases and eight barrels of wine, Snyder said.

Tables of food including chocolate-covered fruits, snacks and other desserts will be available with admission, which costs $34.

Reporting by Shane Michard