When Pete Hedges, longtime winemaker for Hedges Family Estate, decided to retire this spring, the family kept the winery all in the family by promoting Sarah Goedhart to head winemaker. Goedhart, daughter of founders Tom and Anne-Marie Hedges, came to work at the Red Mountain winery in 2005, creating a job for herself as gardener and cook. Just before the 2006 harvest, she … [Read more...] about Winemaking stays in family at Hedges Family Estate
Washington wine
Washington winemakers prep for early harvest
As Washington's wine grapes ripen at an alarming rate, winemakers across the state are scrambling to install new equipment, bottle new wines or even get in one last vacation before the 60-day sprint through harvest takes place. "It's all a little scary," said Rob Griffin, owner/winemaker of Barnard Griffin in Richland. "I'm trying to get new equipment installed and the last … [Read more...] about Washington winemakers prep for early harvest
Charles Smith turns Seattle into his personal playground
SEATTLE - In a move that could change the course of the Seattle wine industry, Walla Walla's Charles Smith has landed in Georgetown in a huge way. On Saturday, Smith opened his Charles Smith Jet City winery near the north end of Boeing Field. The 32,000-square-foot facility is in a 51-year-old former Dr Pepper bottling plant - ample room for him and his crew to produce … [Read more...] about Charles Smith turns Seattle into his personal playground
Gordon Estate gets behind hydroplane races with Roostertail wines
PASCO, Wash. — Gordon Estate Winery owner Jeff Gordon can reel off a stream of memories from watching unlimited hydroplane racing in the Pacific Northwest, so he and his family are helping to celebrate and support the 50th anniversary of the Tri-City Water Follies with a couple of limited-edition releases of their Washington wine. “During the 50-year run, I … [Read more...] about Gordon Estate gets behind hydroplane races with Roostertail wines
After 40 years, Seattle’s Pike & Western still going strong
SEATTLE - It's been nearly 40 years since Michael Teer first walked into Pike & Western Wine Shop, and his enthusiasm for Washington wine has not waned. If anything, he's more excited than ever about what is happening. "It was always a focus," Teer told Great Northwest Wine. "When it comes to American wine, we are 98 percent Washington and Oregon. That's tied with … [Read more...] about After 40 years, Seattle’s Pike & Western still going strong