Chardonnay has been at or near the top of the heap in Washington wine country for the better part of 30 years. But how did it get to that position? The ubiquitous white wine grape's origins in Washington state are somewhat murky. According to The Wine Project, Ron Irvine's superb history of the Washington wine industry, the grape arrived in either 1963 or 1964. Washington … [Read more...] about Chardonnay plays an important role in Washington
Ancient Lakes important for Washington white wines
Since 2012, the Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley has been a federally designated American Viticultural Area - the 13th in Washington. Entirely within the vast, arid Columbia Valley, the Ancient Lakes is around the Columbia Basin towns of George and Quincy. It has a reputation as a cool growing area. It embraces this reputation, with some of the state's best Chardonnays, … [Read more...] about Ancient Lakes important for Washington white wines
Red Rhone blends a delicious Northwest trend
Among the most exciting developments in the Pacific Northwest wine country in recent years is the emergence of red Rhône blends, commonly called GSMs because of the three primary grapes in the blend: Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre. Dozens of examples of this style of red blend are popping up across the Northwest, particularly in Washington, where all three grapes are grown in some … [Read more...] about Red Rhone blends a delicious Northwest trend
Yakima Valley thrives as historical heart of Washington wine
The Yakima Valley is where the Washington wine industry got its start, as we like to say, "the cradle of the industry." There's a ton of history in this valley, including: Walter Clore, "the father of Washington Wine," lived and did much of his research here. His life is now celebrated at the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center in Prosser. William Bridgman, … [Read more...] about Yakima Valley thrives as historical heart of Washington wine
A dozen great Northwest wines
What makes a great Northwest wine? When we evaluate wines, we taste them under blind conditions, meaning we know neither the producer nor the price until the evaluation is complete. We think this is the fairest way to look at a wine, letting the wine speak for itself. We think this is the fairest way to look at a wine, letting the wine speak for itself. We look at flavor, … [Read more...] about A dozen great Northwest wines