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
Featured wines
Audience for Syrah grows among Oregon winemakers, growers
We tend to think of Oregon as Pinot Noir country. Rightly so. The 2016 Oregon Vineyard and Winery Census Report showed more than 45,000 tons of the red Burgundian grape were harvested last year. Wine lovers might be surprised to learn the No. 2 red grape in Oregon is Syrah, just ahead of Cabernet Sauvignon. We tend to think of Washington when we think of Syrah because the … [Read more...] about Audience for Syrah grows among Oregon winemakers, growers
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
Red Mountain wine continues rise in prominence
Red Mountain, a little hill on the eastern edge of Washington's Yakima Valley has fast become the premiere location for growing red wine grapes in Washington (sorry Walla Walla). At just 4,040 acres, it is Washington's smallest American Viticultural Area, and it's the third smallest in the entire Pacific Northwest (after Ribbon Ridge in Oregon's Willamette Valley at 3,350 acres … [Read more...] about Red Mountain wine continues rise in prominence