BENTON CITY, Wash. — Stephanie Cohen had a sense back in eighth grade that her career would be tied to fermentation. She remembers thinking during a tour of a Belgian brewery that the brewing process was “the coolest thing.” It led to thoughts of becoming a winemaker and starting down the path that’s taken her near the top of Red Mountain. That vision as a teen growing up … [Read more...] about Rising Star: Stephanie Cohen shines atop Red Mountain at Col Solare
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The Wines that Made Us: Charlie Hoppes, Wine Boss and a 1980s Kiona Cab
RICHLAND, Wash. — The Charlie Hoppes we all know now, the one who soared through the ranks at Château Ste. Michelle, who started Fidélitas, the Wine Boss … was nearly Boeing-engineer Charlie Hoppes. A Plane Boss, at best. He majored in economics, with a minor in accounting at Eastern Washington University, determined to become a Charlie Hoppes you’d trust with your money, … [Read more...] about The Wines that Made Us: Charlie Hoppes, Wine Boss and a 1980s Kiona Cab
In memoriam: A toast to some we lost during 2023 vintage
Richard Henry “Dick” Shaw, who felt most comfortable in the boardroom or riding in a farm truck, was behind some of Washington’s top-scoring wines and its best values with his 3,500 acres of vineyards. The Tacoma native saw the 2023 vintage come to a close before he died Oct. 27 at age 84 in Richland of congestive heart failure, with his wife, Wendy, by his side. The Shaws … [Read more...] about In memoriam: A toast to some we lost during 2023 vintage
Paul Champoux to stage tasting of 100-point wines by Quilceda Creek
PROSSER, Wash. — For those curious to taste a 100-point wine, storied grower Paul Champoux will have six of them lined up for a unique fundraising experience featuring Cabernet Sauvignon by famed Quilceda Creek Vintners. The affable Champoux playfully yet appropriately refers to it as a “600-point tasting.” Champoux has donated single bottles of the 2002, 2003, 2005, … [Read more...] about Paul Champoux to stage tasting of 100-point wines by Quilceda Creek
Seven Hills Winery uses Carménère from Walla Walla Valley to win Great Northwest Invitational
HOOD RIVER, Ore. — Bobby Richards of Seven Hills Winery grew up in the Willamette Valley, and yet his passion as a Walla Walla Valley winemaker is Merlot. Turns out he’s got a flair for Carménère too, using the lesser-known Bordeaux grape to win best of show at the 11th annual Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition — an international judging staged this fall for West … [Read more...] about Seven Hills Winery uses Carménère from Walla Walla Valley to win Great Northwest Invitational