the tasting room magazine's y 2012-2013 ear wine a room of … · 2019. 2. 7. · 0 washington...
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The Year Winein
2012-2013T a s T i n g r o o m m a g a z i n e ' s
A look at the hottest trends in Washington state and predictions for the future
writer Sean P. Sullivan PhotograPher John Vitale
Woodward Canyon's estate vineyard in the
Walla Walla Valley
fteR tWo successive cool vintages, growers and winemakers in Washington breathed a collective sigh of relief
in 2012. the operative word for the growing season was “normal” in the very best sense of the word. the season saw a nearly unprecedented period of clear, warm, dry weather from July all the way through mid-october. With many describing the conditions as near perfect, 2012 has the potential of being a classic Washington vintage.
Below are some of the trends that emerged over the past year and predictions for 2013 and beyond.
Washington Wine is Big Business
a study valued the economic impact of the state’s wine industry at a staggering $14.9 billion nationwide, more than a $10 billion increase from a similar study conducted five years earlier. With the number of wineries in the state topping 775 wineries in 2012, look for the Washington wine industry to prosper and expand in the coming years as new wineries and tasting rooms continue to open, existing ones branch out, and additional vineyards are planted.
privatized liquor salesthe past year saw tectonic
changes all across the Washington liquor industry. a statewide initiative privatized sales of hard liquor in June 2012, ending more than 70 years of government monopoly. suddenly spirits competed with wine and beer on the grocery store shelves, and wineries and distributors began offering discounts to retailers based on volume sales—something that had previously been barred. the world shook but kept
on turning. still, look for the ramifications of these changes to play out in the months and years ahead.
gallo arrivese. & J. gallo Winery, the
largest family-owned winery in the United states, made a splash entering the Washington wine market with the purchase of columbia Winery and covey Run from ascentia Wine estates (a healdsburg, ca-based company now defunct). Look for gallo to increase production to one million cases in the coming years and help promote the Washington wine banner across the country and around the world. Watch for other california companies to follow gallo’s lead, looking for places in the state to invest.
precept Wine stretches its legs
gallo wasn’t the only company who took advantage of the dissolution of ascentia. in may, seattle-based Precept Wine purchased idaho’s largest winery, ste. chapelle. after only ten years in business, this puts Precept’s production at nearly one million
775740
2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004
670 650
320360
460
530580
Source: Washington Wine Commission
the total number of wineries have increased nearly two and a half times
in the past 8 years
groWth in number of washington wineries
cases annually. they are the largest privately owned wine company in the northwest, with many of their wines focused on the $15 value and under category. Look for continued advancements from this significant player on the Washington scene.
a Bumper cropWhile california forecasted a
grape shortage after a decade of stagnant plantings, Washington growers continued to plant grape vines at an aggressive pace. the near perfect growing conditions, combined with recovery from previous years’ freeze damage, and additional plantings, led to a record crop of Washington grapes. Production is expected to reach almost 190,000 tons, shattering the previous record of 160,000 in 2010.
this spells good news for both consumers and wineries, who saw the state’s wine grape production overall drop 11% just one harvest ago—a result of a wetter, cooler vintage and also the unexpected early freeze event the winter prior which hurt or killed many plantings in affected areas. in 2011, red varietals were down by 20%, whites by 2%. Based on a short
tasting Room trends
a
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supply of the hardest hit varietals, such as cabernet sauvignon, which was down 28% that year, expect to pay more for these premium reds as they near their bottling release dates in 2013.
Look for Washington’s output to continue to soar, and the wine grape acreage to nearly double by the end of this decade.
lucky 13the ancient Lakes of
columbia Valley officially became Washington’s 13th federally approved viticultural area in late october. ancient Lakes is unique
tasting Room trends movers, shakers & Winemakers WashingtonOF
Charles Smith's Kung Fu riesling is grown in the Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, the state's new appellation.
compared to most of Washington’s growing areas in that more white grape vines are planted than reds. the first appellation-designated bottles will hit the shelves in early 2013. expect the number of Washington viticultural areas to keep growing.
Walter clore Wine centerthe Walter clore Wine science
center got a financial boost with an additional $1 million pledge from ste. michelle Wine estates. the eastern Washington center being built in Prosser will dramatically expand viticulture and enology research.
Blends are Big consumers showed a strong
interest in blended wines (wines that are not varietally designated and contain more than one grape) as retail sales increased 26% nationwide this year, with wines from Washington and california driving the surge in growth. With blends one of Washington’s strongest categories, look for wineries to take advantage by putting an increased focus on this category in 2013.
drink pink!many once turned up their
noses at pink wines as cheap,
sweet plonk, however Washington winemakers and consumers alike showed a renewed interest in Rosés in 2012—so much so that some of the best wines sold out in early spring, long before temperatures warmed. is this a passing fad or have americans finally begun to embrace this distinctly european summer pastime wine? time will tell, but the smart money says Rosés are here to stay.
not Just Winethe number of wineries in
Washington continued its meteoric growth during the past year, but the state also saw the opening of a number of small cideries and distilleries. already home to plentiful microbreweries, Washington appears poised to become the home for craft liquor producers of all persuasions.
economic signsafter several years of holding the
line on prices during an economic slowdown, some wineries started slowly edging their prices back up. While some said it was just a reality of costs having increased and prices having stayed the same, could it also be a sign that the economy has finally turned a corner? stay tuned.
top 10 grApe VArietALS grown in washington State
Source: USda, 2012
Grape Varietal by Rank Tonnage % Total
1. riesling 31,700 22.4%
2. chardonnay 28,500 20.1%
3. cabernet sauvignon 23,100 16.3%
4. merlot 21,900 15.5%
5. syrah 10,100 7.2%
6. pinot gris 7,500 5.3%
7. sauvignon Blanc 4,300 3.1%
8. gewürztraminer 2,900 2.1%
9. cabernet Franc 2,500 1.8%
10. malbec 1,300 1.0%
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rieslingChardonnay
Cabernet Sauvignon
MerlotSyrah
Pinot grisSauvignon
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Cabernet Franc
Malbec
Arbor Crest Wine CellarsKristina van Loben SelsWinemaker/CFO
Favorite Varietal or Blend: Dionysus-Bordeaux Blend
Favorite Wine & Food Pairing: Beef Medalions/Mashed Potatoes with cabernet reduction sauce
Top Wines To Taste Now:
2010 Syrah •
2009 Dionysus •
2010 Cabernet Sauvignon•
What I Like Most About Washington Wine: Washington is still a small wine community. We take the best of our state’s terroir and create great wines. Each vintage and varietal offers an individual expression of the great wines produced in Washington State.
Tasting Room: 4705 N. Fruithill Rd., Spokane
www.arborcrest.com
Barons V WineryMatthew LosoWinemaker
Favorite Varietal or Blend:Cabernet Sauvignon
Favorite Wine & Food Pairing: Foie gras & 2000 Rieussec
Top Wines To Taste Now:2003 Cabernet Sauvignon•2005 Cabernet Sauvignon •
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon•
What I Like Most About Washington Wine: I believe strongly in our region compared to others in the world. With our high desert arid climate we are in full control of vine maturation, enabling us to achieve complex physiologically mature grapes that are able to likely someday surpass most of the world’s greatest growing regions.
Tasting Room: 18506 142nd Ave. NE, Woodinville
www.baronsv.com
Cave B Estate WineryAlfredo “Freddy” Arredondo Winemaker
Favorite Varietal or Blend:Washington Malbec and Tempranillo
Favorite Wine & Food Pairing: Barrel Fermented Chardonnay with Roasted Chicken & Sunchoke Puree
Top Wines To Taste Now:2009 Cuvee du Soleil•2010 Tempranillo •2011 Sauvignon Blanc•
What I Like Most About Washington Wine: 18 varieties of grapes in our vineyards, gorgeous cliffs overlooking the Columbia River Gorge, elegant acidity in our whites and beautiful structure and color in our reds. Washington wine rocks!
Tasting Room: 348 Silica Rd NW, Quincy
www.caveb.com
Chandler Reach Estate WineryLen ParrisOwner/Winemaker
Favorite Varietal or Blend:Cabernet Sauvignon
Favorite Wine & Food Pairing: Cab. Sauvignon & Ribeye, garlic red potatoes, green beans
Top Wines To Taste Now:
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon•
2007 Cabernet Franc •
2008 Ventoso•
What I Like Most About •Washington Wine: If a person has the time to visit the different wine regions of Washington, they will experience a wide range of wines, styles, personalities. Washington is blessed to have such a rich resource. I love it!
Tasting Room: 9506 West Chandler Road, Benton City
www.chandlerreach.com
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movers, shakers & Winemakers WashingtonOF movers, shakers & Winemakers WashingtonOF
Columbia WinerySean HailsWinemaker
Favorite Varietal or Blend:Cabernet Sauvignon
Favorite Wine & Food Pairing: Grilled Wild Salmon & Columbia Wycoff Vineyard Chardonnay
Top Wines To Taste Now:2009 Columbia 50th •Anniversary “Limited Edition” Cabernet Sauvignon2008 Columbia Winery Merlot •2009 Columbia Red Willow •Vineyard Syrah
What I Like Most About Washington Wine: It’s exciting to see the growth of the Washington wine industry and the national acclaim Washington wines are receiving. I feel very fortunate to be part of it all!
Tasting Room: 14030 Northeast 145th Street, Woodinville
www.columbiawinery.com
Davenport CellarsJeff JirkaOwner/Winemaker/Jack-of-all-Trades
Favorite Varietal or Blend:Bordeaux Blends
Favorite Wine & Food Pairing: 2008 R.H.D. and herb crusted pork tenderloin with a triple berry red wine reduction
Top Wines To Taste Now:2011 Snowflake•2008 R.H.D. •2008 Continuity•
What I Like Most About Washington Wine: Think Australia - think Shiraz. Think California - think Cabernet. Think Washington - think variety! We have top notch fruit, top notch winemakers and top notch wines.
Tasting Room: 19501 144th Ave. NE, Suite B600, Woodinville
www.davenportcellars.com
Desert Wind WineryMark CharginWinemaker
Favorite Varietal or Blend:Just about any red wine
Favorite Wine & Food Pairing: Pizza and red wine. That’s amore!
Top Wines To Taste Now:
2009 Ruah•
2009 Malbec•
2009 Tempranillo•
What I Like Most About Washington Wine: The climate. Hot enough for Bordeaux reds and cool enough for Chardonnay. I can have my cake and eat it, too.
Tasting Room: 2258 Wine Country Road, Prosser
www.desertwindwinery.com
Elevation CellarsSteven StuartWinemaker
Favorite Varietal or Blend:Monolith, Red Bordeaux Blend from Columbia Valley
Favorite Wine & Food Pairing: 2010 Imperium & Seastar Restaurant’s Appetizer Tower
Top Wines To Taste Now:
Elevation Cellars 2008 •Monolith
Elevation Cellars 2009 •Cabernet Sauvignon
Elevation Cellars 2010 •Imperium Riesling
What I Like Most About Washington Wine: ..... is sharing it with good friends and great food.
Tasting Room: 19495 144th Ave. NE, A-115, Woodinville
www.elevationcellars.com
Eye of the Needle WineryBob & Lauren BullockProprietors / Negociants / Master Blenders
Favorite Varietal or Blend:Sangiovese & Italian blends
Favorite Wine & Food Pairing: Alsacean varietals with Pacific Rim Seafood
Top Wines To Taste Now:
Harvest White•
the EYE, red blend•
Syrah•
What I Like Most About Washington Wine: Each AVA cultivates distinct characteristics, making it exciting for us to create blends that showcase what WA wines have to offer.
Tasting Room: 19501 - 144th Ave. NE, Bldg. D, Suite 1200, Woodinville
eyeoftheneedlewinery.com
Forgeron CellarsMarie-Eve GillaWinemaker/Managing Partner
Favorite Varietal or Blend:Chardonnay
Favorite Wine & Food Pairing: Blue Cheese & Late Harvest Riesling
Top Wines To Taste Now:2010 Zinfandel•2011 Ambiance •2009 Cabernet Sauvignon•
What I Like Most About Washington Wine: Washington’s diverse geography and four distinct seasons brings out each varietals best characteristics. I’m always eager to see what rewards the next harvest will bring.
Tasting Room: 33 West Birch, Walla Walla; 14344 Woodinville-Redmond Road, Woodinville
www.forgeroncellars.com
Four Lakes WineryKarl KoesterWinemaker, Grower
Favorite Varietal or Blend:Bordeaux Blends
Favorite Wine & Food Pairing: Red Wine & smoked oysters
Top Wines To Taste Now:
2009 TNT Bordeaux Blend•
2010 Trinity Red Blend •
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon•
What I Like Most About Washington Wine: I love the seasons for growing wine here. The vines get quiet and rest during the winter, then come to life in spring with a renewed power and intensity.
Tasting Room: 4491 Wapato Lake Road, Manson
www.fourlakeswinery.com
Gamache Vineyards & Gamache Vintners Winery
Bob & Roger GamacheOwners
Favorite Varietal or Blend:Bordeaux Varietals
Favorite Wine & Food Pairing: New 2008 Nicolas Blend with a juicy Ribeye Steak
Top Wines To Taste Now:2008 Malbec•2009 Merlot •2009 Cabernet Franc•
What I Like Most About Washington Wine: The strength of the flavor profile of Washington State wines, and the dedication to excellence that the viticulturists and enologists are committed to.
Tasting Room: 505 Cabernet Ct., Prosser
www.gamachevintners.com
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movers, shakers & Winemakers WashingtonOF movers, shakers & Winemakers WashingtonOF
Long Shadows VintnersGilles NicaultDirector, Winemaking and Viticulture
Favorite Varietal or Blend:Rhone Blends
Favorite Wine & Food Pairing: Syrah-Braised lamb shank with Sequel Syrah
Top Wines To Taste Now:2005 Saggi Red Wine•2003 Feather Cabernet •Sauvignon2004 Chester Kidder Red Wine•
What I Like Most About Washington Wine: Since my arrival here in 1994, I have enjoyed being part of an up-and-coming wine region with a diversified terroir and a huge potential for top quality wines.
Tasting Room: 1604 Frenchtown Road, Walla Walla
www.longshadows.com
Maryhill WineryCraig & Vicki Leuthold Owners with mascot, Mr. Potter
Favorite Varietal or Blend:(Craig) Cabernet Sauvignon, (Vicki) Marvell, a GSM blend
Favorite Wine & Food Pairing: (Craig) Cabernet & steak, (Vicki) Marvell & roasted lamb, (Mr. Potter) cheese & sausage from any wine drinkers on the terrace
Top Wines To Taste Now:2010 Les Collines Vineyard •Cabernet Sauvignon2010 Marvell (Grenache, Syrah, •Mourvedre) Hattrup Farms2009 Tavola Rosso (Sangiovese/•Cab blend)
What I Like Most About Washington Wine: The huge diversity and great value. Every year the wines from Washington State just keep getting better. We are proud to be a part of it.
Tasting Room: 9774 Hwy. 14, Goldendalewww.maryhillwinery.com
Craig & Vicki with Mr. Potter, their Great Pyrenees
Northwest Cellars WineryBob DelfOwner
Favorite Varietal or Blend:Carménère; most of our blends are unconventional and award-winningFavorite Wine & Food Pairing: Dark chocolate & red wine, the 2 basic food groups
Top Wines To Taste Now:2009 Malbec•2009 Carménère•
2011 Viognie• r
What I Like Most About Washington Wine: We make some of the best wines in the world here, and at relatively affordable prices. “Napa makes great auto parts, Washington makes great wine.”
Tasting Room: 11909 124th Ave. NE, Kirkland; 120 N Stevens, Spokane
www.northwestcellars.com
Obelisco EstateDoug LongOwner/Winemaker
Favorite Varietal or Blend:Cabernet Sauvignon
Favorite Wine & Food Pairing: Beef Bourguignon & our ‘09 Cabernet Sauvignon
Top Wines To Taste Now:2009 Red Mountain Estate •Electrum Cabernet Sauvignon2009 Red Mountain Estate •Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Red Mountain Syrah•
What I Like Most About Washington Wine: Having grown grapes and made wine in the Napa Valley since the middle 70’s it so refreshing to be in a grape growing area that has such a diversity of grapes and wine making styles as Washington. Tasting Room: 19495 144th Ave. NE, #B-220, Woodinville
www.obelisco.com
Page CellarsJim PageWinemaker/Owner
Favorite Varietal or Blend:Cabernet Sauvignon
Favorite Wine & Food Pairing: Filet & Cabernet
Top Wines To Taste Now:
2007 Preface Cabernet•
2007 Klipsun Vineyard Syrah•
2008 Libra (Proprietary Blend)•
What I Like Most About Washington Wine: I like the power and depth of the fruit. The wines have a tendency to be muscular. I love Red Mountain AVA fruit. The Merlot sometimes doesn’t even know it’s a Merlot and thinks it’s a Cab.
Tasting Room: 19495 144th Ave. NE #B-205, Woodinville
www.pagecellars.com
Palouse WineryGeorge & Linda KirkishWinemakers
Favorite Varietal or Blend:George Loves the one he is with, Linda’s favorite is the Cab
Favorite Wine & Food Pairing: Linda’s Syrah and Elk, George Lamb and Petite Syrah
Top Wines To Taste Now:
2011 Riesling•
2008 Cab Sauv•
2009 Syrah•
What I Like Most About Washington Wine: Linda: The extreme variety we are blessed with, I’m not sure Washington has found any grape it can’t grow. George: Big fruits equal big flavors
Tasting Room: 12431 Vashon Hwy SW, Vashon
www.palousewinery.com
Robert Karl CellarsJoe GunselmanOwner/Winemaker
Favorite Varietal or Blend:Gunselman Bench Cabernet Sauvignon
Favorite Wine & Food Pairing: Lamb & Inspiration (our Reserve Red Wine)
Top Wines To Taste Now:
2008 Gunselman Bench •Cabernet Sauvignon
2009 Merlot •
2008 Inspiration•
What I Like Most About Washington Wine: I moved to Washington state because of my belief the best grapes in the world are grown here. Fifteen years later, I’m still convinced!
Tasting Room: 115 W. Pacific Ave., Spokane
www.robertkarl.com
Seven Hills WineryCasey McClellanWinemaker/Founder
Favorite Varietal or Blend:Cabernet Sauvignon
Favorite Wine & Food Pairing: Our Cabernet Sauvignon & pasture finished NY Steak from Blue Valley Meats in Walla Walla
Top Wines To Taste Now:2009 Pentad, WW Valley•2009 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, •Vintage Red Wine2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, •Seven Hills Vineyard
What I Like Most About Washington Wine: Aside from its fruitful, balanced wine style I like Washington because it’s a newer wine growing region where there is still plenty to discover with our climate, soil and varietals.
Tasting Room: 212 North 3rd Ave, Walla Walla
www.sevenhillswinery.com
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movers, shakers & Winemakers WashingtonOF movers, shakers & Winemakers WashingtonOF
Stottle WineryJosh StottlemyerProprietor/Winemaker
Favorite Varietal or Blend:Malbec
Favorite Wine & Food Pairing: Stottle Malbec & Wild Mushroom Ravioli with Spicy Pomodoro Sauce
Top Wines To Taste Now:
2011 Stottle Viognier•
2008 Stottle Sangiovese •
2009 Stottle Malbec•
What I Like Most About Washington Wine: World class vineyards and wineries without the attitude, just good people making great wine. We are all friends here enjoying the fruits of our labor.
Tasting Room: 2641 Willamette Dr. NE, Ste. C, Lacey; 3400 Harbor Ave, Ste. 113, Seattle; 24180 Highway 101, Ste. B, Hoodsport
www.stottlewinery.com
Swiftwater CellarsLinda TrottaWinemaker
Favorite Varietal or Blend:Champagne
Favorite Wine & Food Pairing: Spicy Thai noodles with a dry Riesling
Top Wines To Taste Now:
2009 SWC Pinot Noir •(Willamette Valley)
2011 No9 Riesling •
200• 8 SWC Proprietary Red (Cab Sauv based blend)
What I Like Most About Washington Wine: The diversity. Not only do a number of varieties grow well in the state, but each individual AVA contributes its unique characteristics to the wines.
Tasting Room: 301 Rope Rider Drive, Cle Elum
www.swiftwatercellars.com
Winemaker Linda Trotta and Consulting Winemaker Tony Rynders
Tapteil Vineyard & WineryJane & Larry PearsonOwners/Growers/Winemaker
Favorite Varietal or Blend:Cabernet Sauvignon
Favorite Wine & Food Pairing: Grilled lamb & Cabernet Sauvignon
Top Wines To Taste Now:
2009 Tapteil Cabernet •Sauvignon, Red Mountain
2010 Tapteil Merlot, Red •Mountain
2010 Syrah, Spilya Vineyard•
What I Like Most About Washington Wine: The exceptional overall quality of Washington wines. Quality derived from grapes grown in what are proving to be some of the best terroirs in the world.
Tasting Room: 20206 E 583 PR NE, Benton City (Red Mountain AVA). www.tapteil.com
Walla Walla VintnersJudah PiraVineyard Manager
Favorite Varietal or Blend:Cabernet Franc and Viognier
Favorite Wine & Food Pairing: Cabernet Franc with anything that swims
Top Wines To Taste Now:2010 Walla Walla Valley Merlot•2009 Sagemoor Cabernet •2009 Bello Rosso•
What I Like Most About Washington Wine: The great climate for growing grapes and also the great climate for growing wineries. Many winemakers are able to share expensive equipment and save their money for the grapes and barrels—this helps small Washington wineries succeed.
Tasting Room: 225 Vineyard Lane, Walla Walla
www.wallawallavintners.com
Walla Walla VintnersWilliam vonMetzgerWinemaker
Favorite Varietal or Blend:Malbec or Grüner Veltliner
Favorite Wine & Food Pairing: Bello Rosso and duck confit
Top Wines To Taste Now:2009 Sagemoor Cabernet •Sauvignon2010 Walla Walla Valley Merlot •
2010 Walla Walla Valley Syrah•
What I Like Most About Washington Wine: WA offers the best of both worlds. It pairs a tradition of producing world class wines with a pioneering spirit to create something the world has never seen before. The microclimates open endless possibilities to a winemaker’s artistic interpretation.
Tasting Room: 225 Vineyard Lane, Walla Walla
www.wallawallavintners.com
Westport WineryCarrie, Dana, Kim and Blain RobertsGeneral Manager, Winemaker, Co-owners
Favorite Wine & Food Pairing: Smoky Nor’wester (our Super Tuscan Sangiovese) with Chicken Cordon Cougar Gold from our restaurant
Top Wines To Taste Now:Maritime Moscato•Swimmer’s Petit Sirah•Red Sky at Night Raspberry •Chocolate
What I Like Most About Washington Wine: The pioneers and rock stars of viticulture are our growers. Getting to know them personally shows us why they are famous with their dedication and intelligence.
Tasting Room: 1 South Arbor Road, Aberdeen
www.WestportWinery.com
Whidbey Island Vineyard & Winery
Greg Osenbach Owner/Winemaker
Favorite Varietal or Blend:Sangiovese
Favorite Wine & Food Pairing: Short Ribs with Tagliatelle & Sangiovese
Top Wines To Taste Now:
Island White Estate Blend•
2010 Sangiovese •
2010 Primitivo•
What I Like Most About Washington Wine: Washington’s diversity of climate and soil, and the freedom of its’ young industry offer endless opportunities to craft great food wines unique to the world of winemaking.
Tasting Room: 5237 Langley Rd, Langley
www.whidbeyislandwinery.com
Woodward CanyonRick SmallOwner/Director of Production
Favorite Varietal or Blend:Right Bank Bordeaux
Favorite Wine & Food Pairing: Red wine & sheep’s milk cheese
Top Wines To Taste Now:2010 Erratic (our newest red)•2009 Estate Reserve Walla •Walla Red 2011 Washington State •Chardonnay
What I Like Most About Washington Wine: I love how wines from Washington work so well with food. I love to grow food, cook food and eat food and Washington wines enjoyed with local food makes for a perfect meal.
Tasting Room: 11920 W. Highway 12, Lowden
www.woodwardcanyon.com
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movers, shakers & Winemakers WashingtonOF
Charlie & Eugene Lybecker Winemaker & Whinemaker
Top Wine To Taste Now:
• 2011 Nellie Mae - blend of Viognier and Roussanne
Likes Most About Washington Wine: It’s awesome. Small producers are making amazing wines here.
Tasting Room: 2480 Totem Pole Rd, Manson
www.cairdeaswinery.com
Cairdeas WineryScott GreenbergOwner/Winemaker
Top Wine To Taste Now:
• Convergence Zone Cellars 2010 Virga
Likes Most About Washington Wine: It’s a convergence of high quality at a reasonable cost.
Tasting Room: 18800 142nd Av. NE (Suite 5B), Woodinville
www.czcellars.com
Convergence Zone Cellars
Shane HowardWinemaker
Top Wine To Taste Now:
• Pondera 2009 Prima Donna
Likes Most About Washington Wine: Concentrated wines that are well balanced, distinct and downright delicious!
Tasting Room: 19501 144th Ave. NE, #B400, Woodinville
www.ponderawinery.com
Pondera WineryBob HarrisOwner/Winemaker
Top Wine To Taste Now:
• 2010 Par La Mer
Likes Most About Washington Wine: Washington has so many “garagistes” turning out world class wines.
Tasting Room: 19495 144th Ave. NE #235, Woodinville
www.robertramsaycellars.com
Robert Ramsay Cellars
Alphonse de KlerkWinemaker
Top Wine To Taste Now:
• Rolling Bay Winery 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon
Likes Most About Washington Wine: Climate, soil, terroir, passion, people, authentic
Tasting Room: 10314 Beach Crest Drive, Bainbridge Island
www.rollingbaywinery.com
Rolling Bay WineryClaude & Claudia GahardOwners
Top Wine To Taste Now:
• Trillium Creek Syrah
Likes Most About Washington Wine: Claude turns Eastern WA wines into French Style. He only makes low sulfite wines.
Tasting Room: 17812 G. Street, Lakebay
www.trilliumcreekwinery.com
Trillium Creek Winery
Ed WickleinProprietor/Winemaker
Top Wine To Taste Now:• Vortex Cellars 2010 CM²Likes Most About Washington Wine: The range of growing conditions allows us to work with many great varietals, creating some of world’s best wines.
Tasting Room: 19501 144th Ave NE, Suite D-500A, Woodinvillewww.vortexcellars.com
Vortex CellarsDavid LeClaireFounder
Likes Most About Washington Wine: Washington wines are generally made to be a statement – unique, expressive, and reflect the personality of the winery – versus mass-produced wines stripped of character made to appeal to the masses.
www.wineworldspirits.com
Wine World & Spirits