What's been a nightmare on many levels for the British Columbia wine industry is turning out to be somewhat of a godsend for growers in Washington state — especially with news that the 2024 harvest in the Evergreen State is projected to surpass 200,000 tons, up from the 159,500 tons picked in 2023. And some of these young relationships between British Columbia winemakers, … [Read more...] about Lightning Rock Winery in British Columbia helps blaze trail to Washington vineyards
Grapes
Exploration of Grüner Veltliner, other varieties adds spice to Idaho wine industry
NAMPA, Idaho — The wine industry is dependent on consumer tastes and whims. What makes responding to market trends so difficult is that it takes three to seven years before the first vintage with a different grape variety goes from planting to pouring for a consumer. With this long lead time, it’s a challenge Idaho winemakers and grape growers embrace every day as they make … [Read more...] about Exploration of Grüner Veltliner, other varieties adds spice to Idaho wine industry
Hybrid grapes provide delicious option amid climate change
If you were offered a glass of Baco Noir or a crisp Seyval Blanc with your dinner, would you know what was being poured? An estimated 20% of wine grapes in North America are hybrids, traditionally French-American hybrids. The remaining 80% are vitis vinifera — Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, etc. When colonizers arrived on the East Coast of what would become the … [Read more...] about Hybrid grapes provide delicious option amid climate change
Pinot Blanc earns attention in Oregon, British Columbia
In the last few years, I’ve tasted delicious examples of Pinot Blanc, and I wish more of them came across my panels at the competitions I judge across the country. Pinot Blanc, a common vitis vinifera variety, is often overlooked. It’s a white mutation of Pinot Noir, which helps explain why Oregon winemakers have achieved success with it. This decade has seen increased … [Read more...] about Pinot Blanc earns attention in Oregon, British Columbia
Paul Champoux to stage tasting of 100-point wines by Quilceda Creek
PROSSER, Wash. — For those curious to taste a 100-point wine, storied grower Paul Champoux will have six of them lined up for a unique fundraising experience featuring Cabernet Sauvignon by famed Quilceda Creek Vintners. The affable Champoux playfully yet appropriately refers to it as a “600-point tasting.” Champoux has donated single bottles of the 2002, 2003, 2005, … [Read more...] about Paul Champoux to stage tasting of 100-point wines by Quilceda Creek