WOODINVILLE, Wash. - When Chris Peterson decided to get into the wine business, he was the first person to go through Walla Walla Community College's now-vaunted winemaking program, then he landed at one of Washington's greatest wineries. Today, Peterson co-owns Avennia, one of the hottest young producers in Washington, and now works with two retired National Football League … [Read more...] about Chris Peterson’s journey from DeLille to Avennia
Podcast
Dundee Hills grape grower pioneers Oregon olive oil
DAYTON, Ore. - Here in the northern Willamette Valley, the Pinot Noir pioneers of the '60s and '70s were thought to be crazy. It was too cold and wet to grow wine grapes here. A half-century later, Oregon's ability to grow and craft world-class wine is well established. Now, second-generation wine grower Paul Durant is taking the same attitude that Dick Erath, David … [Read more...] about Dundee Hills grape grower pioneers Oregon olive oil
Cellar 503 curates wines for Oregon-obsessed fans
PORTLAND - A hobby that turned into an obsession ultimately led an entrepreneur to get into the growing Oregon wine scene by launching a wine club called Cellar 503. Carrie Wynkoop, who grew up in the Pacific Northwest, started Cellar 503 in November and has quickly found a willing and growing audience for the wines she selects from across Oregon. We recently chatted with … [Read more...] about Cellar 503 curates wines for Oregon-obsessed fans
Two Washington wines, one vineyard, two winemakers, one family
RICHLAND, Wash. - Talk around the dinner table at one household here in the heart of Washington wine country can vary from "How was your day?" to "How's that fermentation going?" Jessica Munnell is the head winemaker for Mercer Estates in Prosser, and she also co-owns the small Wautoma Wines label. Meanwhile, her husband, Juan Muñoz-Oca, is the head winemaker at Columbia … [Read more...] about Two Washington wines, one vineyard, two winemakers, one family
Bunnell Family Cellar, Washington’s master of the Rhône
PROSSER, Wash. - Ron Bunnell didn't start out with the thought of focusing on Rhône varieties - or even being in the wine industry. But today, the owner and winemaker for Bunnell Family Cellar in this Yakima Valley town arguably produces among the best Syrahs, Grenaches, Petite Sirahs and Rhône-style red blends in the Pacific Northwest. We recently traveled to Prosser to … [Read more...] about Bunnell Family Cellar, Washington’s master of the Rhône