After four straight years of record wine grape crops in Washington, growers expect the 2017 vintage to be down by as much as 10 percent. And early signs of veraison - when grapes start changing color - have started showing up right on time in vineyards, meaning harvest is on track to start in early September. "Our last estimate is down a bit, though we have plenty of crop … [Read more...] about Growers expect Washington wine grape crop to be smaller
Grapes
College Cellars vineyard instructor Joel Perez recruits technology
WALLA WALLA, Wash. — Grapes are swelling in the hot Walla Walla Valley summer, with the leafy canopies doing their best to shield the ripening fruit from the fiercest of the sun’s rays. It looks primordial, timeless. And indeed, grapes have been grown and crushed into wine for at least the past 6,000 years. But for 99.9% of that time, no drones have been … [Read more...] about College Cellars vineyard instructor Joel Perez recruits technology
2017 vintage tracking just ahead of cool vintages
May has been a cool and soggy extension of April and March in Pacific Northwest vineyards for the 2017 vintage. Greg Jones, a Southern Oregon University professor and one of the wine world’s leading climate scientists, cited growing degree days to indicate the 2017 vintage is on track to be among the coolest of the decade. “January through April accumulations are running … [Read more...] about 2017 vintage tracking just ahead of cool vintages
Boushey takes over Klipsun Vineyard management
Dick Boushey, one of Washington wine country's most celebrated grape growers, now is managing another of Red Mountain's top vineyards. On Monday, Boushey told Great Northwest Wine that he agreed to take over Klipsun Vineyard, which last week was sold to a Chicago company with several California wine properties. Terlato Wines International, a leading importer and marketer … [Read more...] about Boushey takes over Klipsun Vineyard management
Washington Syrah continues to grow in popularity
Washington Syrah continues to defy conventional wisdom. Across America, Syrah is a tough sale, thanks primarily to Australia Shiraz flooding grocery stores the past decade. Yet Syrah continues to grow in Washington. Last fall, Washington winemakers brought in more than 21,000 tons of Syrah, a record level for the state. Syrah certainly plays an important role in … [Read more...] about Washington Syrah continues to grow in popularity