In the past dozen years, Cabernet Sauvignon has developed into Washington's most important variety - perhaps its grape of destiny. Many of Washington's top winemakers view Cabernet Sauvignon as the greatest expression of the state's winemaking. And for good reason. The noble grape of Bordeaux grows beautifully in the Columbia Valley, ripening slowly and to perfection during … [Read more...] about Cabernet Sauvignon Washington’s most important grape
Featured wines
Washington Cabernet Franc rising
Among the red Bordeaux varieties grown in Washington, the two big players continue to be Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Yet Cabernet Franc continues to come up on many wine lovers' radars - and for good reason. Overall, Washington Cabernet Franc is the No. 4 red wine grape, behind Cab, Merlot and Syrah. In 2014, Washington grape growers harvested 3,300 tons, enough to make … [Read more...] about Washington Cabernet Franc rising
Cool down with delicious Northwest rosés
In the next week, temperatures will be rising dramatically across the Pacific Northwest as summer descends upon us. In Portland and Seattle, weather experts are forecasting temperatures well into the 90s. Meanwhile in Washington wine country, the mercury will easily hit triple digits and could reach as high as 113 (!). For us, this kind of extreme heat calls for dropping … [Read more...] about Cool down with delicious Northwest rosés
Red blends: No rules, just delicious wine
In the Old World, there are general rules. And sometimes specific rules. For example, in Bordeaux, winemakers may use up to six different red grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Carménère. No Syrah, no Tempranillo, no Grenache, no Sangiovese. In Chianti Classico, a Chianti isn't a Chianti if it has Sangiovese and Cabernet … [Read more...] about Red blends: No rules, just delicious wine
Tempranillo catching on throughout Pacific Northwest
Tempranillo has been around the Pacific Northwest for barely two decades, yet the zesty Spanish red variety is catching on quickly with winemakers, grape growers and consumers. The first Tempranillo in the Northwest went into the ground in 1993 when Mike Sauer planted a tiny bit at iconic Red Willow Vineyard in the western Yakima Valley. Two years later, Earl and Hilda Jones … [Read more...] about Tempranillo catching on throughout Pacific Northwest