The late Allen Shoup, a man of élan and prescience worthy of an autobiography, was too modest for that. While mine is a life with few regrets, his passing on Nov. 7, 2022 at age 79 meant I missed the opportunity to help share his remarkable story in long form with many chapters. I wanted it to be a book about him in his words. I couldn’t believe one hadn’t been … [Read more...] about Allen Shoup leaves long shadow across Washington wine industry
23 years and counting for Platinum Awards
The Great Northwest Wine editorial team and the Pacific Northwest wine industry have come a long way since we created the Platinum Awards back in 2000. These days, "Platinum” is a designation that gets tossed around by myriad competitions, but 23 years ago, we believed we were the first — and credit goes to event founder Andy Perdue for that. Alas, we were newspaper men and … [Read more...] about 23 years and counting for Platinum Awards
Rich Cushman’s affection for Grenache reflected in No. 1 wine of 2022 Platinum
Grenache, the darling of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the Southern Rhône, has long been a preferred drink for Columbia Gorge winemaker Rich Cushman. In the minds of Great Northwest Wine judges, the example Cushman crafted for Mt. Hood Winery from the 2018 vintage ranked as “The Best of the Best” — the No. 1 wine at the 23rd annual Platinum Awards. “I’ve always thought … [Read more...] about Rich Cushman’s affection for Grenache reflected in No. 1 wine of 2022 Platinum
A historical look behind at Platinum Awards
Andy Perdue, co-founder of GreatNorthwestWine.com, developed the Platinum Awards in 2000 as a way to determine some of the best wines of the Pacific Northwest. The 23nd annual Platinum Awards took place Oct. 26-28, 2022 at the Clover Island Inn in Kennewick, Wash. To accomplish this each year, Great Northwest Wine tracks more than 50 professionally judged wine competitions … [Read more...] about A historical look behind at Platinum Awards
100 Platinum Awards and counting for Maryhill Winery
Maryhill Winery’s tasting room offers an elevated view of the Columbia River and the opportunity to experience wines from the first producer to record 100 Platinum Award winners in the 23-year history of the judging. This fall, winemaker Richard Batchelor won eight Platinums — more than any other winery — which gave owners Craig and Vicki Leuthold a total of 103 since they … [Read more...] about 100 Platinum Awards and counting for Maryhill Winery