The awards program for the regional wineries of the year as selected by Great Northwest Wine are based on blind tastings, visits, accolades and other considerations. A Winery of the Year must have completed five vintages. For a Winery to Watch, the criteria for the ownership/winemaking program is five commercial vintages or fewer. 2023 Washington Winery of the YearAbeja … [Read more...] about How the regional winery awards are selected by Great Northwest Wine
Abeja Winery and Inn: 2023 Washington Winery of the Year
WALLA WALLA, Wash. — When talking about the premier producers in the Pacific Northwest who work with the nation’s three most popular varieties — Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot — any serious buzz must include Abeja Winery & Inn. Ken and Ginger Harrison set the standard for a destination winery when they launched Abeja in 2000 across a century-old farmstead. … [Read more...] about Abeja Winery and Inn: 2023 Washington Winery of the Year
Malbec in Northwest continues to build on its elevated stature
KENNEWICK, Wash. — If anyone has gathered 111 examples of Malbec grown in the Pacific Northwest for a judging dominated by winemakers, drop us a note. Otherwise, Great Northwest Wine Magazine made some history on Feb. 23 when it staged an overview of Malbec for a panel dominated by Columbia Valley winemakers. Out of the 110 entries, the panel judged 15 examples as … [Read more...] about Malbec in Northwest continues to build on its elevated stature
Ray’s Boathouse toasts 50 years with Ste. Michelle via historic tasting
SEATTLE — This summer’s 50th anniversary of Ray’s Boathouse prompted co-owner Douglas Zellers to toast Ste. Michelle Wine Estates by carefully pulling corks on some rare bottles, starting with the first red wine it ever released — a 1967 Pinot Noir. “A few years ago, with the anniversary coming up, I knew I wanted to do something retro,” Zellers said. “I thought … [Read more...] about Ray’s Boathouse toasts 50 years with Ste. Michelle via historic tasting
Brian Carter Cellars: 2023 Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year
WOODINVILLE, Wash. — Those with the good sense to tastefully follow the work of Brian Carter know he’s been behind some of Washington’s most delicious wines since the Mount St. Helens vintage of 1980. It wasn’t until he launched his eponymous brand in 2000 that he truly began to make a name for himself. And in Carter’s soft-spoken way, his wines routinely announce themselves … [Read more...] about Brian Carter Cellars: 2023 Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year