When Darel Allwine was in the U.S. Air Force, he was based in Germany for five years and had the chance to do a bit of wine touring in the Mosel and Weingau. He liked the white wines but never thought much more about it. In 1995, Allwine retired from the Air Force and landed in the Tri-Cities, a community in the heart of Washington wine country. He came here because family … [Read more...] about For Darel Allwine, Col Solare is about one wine
Tempranillo rising in Washington
One of the Old World's most famous and beloved grape varieties is little more than a footnote in Washington, but a thirst for Tempranillo is beginning to grow. The red grape of Spain's Rioja and Ribera del Duero regions is the fourth-most-planted grape variety in the world at more than a half-million acres of vines. That's enough for the Tempranillo Advocates Producers and … [Read more...] about Tempranillo rising in Washington
1st harvest at Erath’s Willakia Vineyard ‘something special’
DUNDEE, Ore. - With the first harvest barely in the cellar, Erath Winery's Gary Horner could not be more ebullient about the grapes he received from Willakia, his new estate vineyard. "The opportunity to do something special from there is pretty exciting," the longtime Erath winemaker enthusiastically told Great Northwest Wine. "It's insane, really." Ste. Michelle Wine … [Read more...] about 1st harvest at Erath’s Willakia Vineyard ‘something special’
Across Oregon wine country, winemakers thrilled with 2014 harvest
With wines safely tucked away in barrels and tanks, winemakers from across Oregon wine country took a deep breath after one of the most intense harvests on record to give an early assessment of the 2014 vintage. In the northern Willamette Valley, Stoller Family Estate started harvesting Aug. 27, picking Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for sparkling wine. Winemaker Melissa Burr … [Read more...] about Across Oregon wine country, winemakers thrilled with 2014 harvest
Sawtooth Winery’s Meredith Smith scaling new heights
NAMPA, Idaho - Meredith Smith never set out to be a winemaker. Even as she worked her way through a career in real estate development, making wine never crossed her mind. But in 2006, she realized she wanted something more from life. "I read somewhere to pay attention to what I pay attention to," she said. "A lot of it was wine." Today, Smith is one of the Gem State's … [Read more...] about Sawtooth Winery’s Meredith Smith scaling new heights