PROSSER, Wash. — When Josh and Lisa Lawrence became part-owners of Desert Wind Winery and its production facility in Prosser, it seemed merely a matter of time before they would shift the winemaking for their Gård Vintners wines. On Monday, the Lawrence family announced that Matías Kúsulas has taken over as head winemaker for both Gård and Desert Wind. The Chilean, with a … [Read more...] about Matías Kúsulas replaces Aryn Morell as Gård Vintners winemaker
Washington wine
Fire destroys distillery at Westport Winery Garden Resort in Washington
ABERDEEN, Wash. — A year ago, the Roberts family of Westport Winery Garden Resort earned headlines during the pandemic for using their Ocean's Daughter Distillery to produce hand sanitizer for law enforcement and first responders. This morning, Blain, his wife, Kim, and their daughter, Carrie, are picking up the pieces after a fire destroyed their young distillery Saturday … [Read more...] about Fire destroys distillery at Westport Winery Garden Resort in Washington
Fries family departs Washington wine industry with Desert Wind sale
PROSSER, Wash. - Less than three years ago, the Fries family owned a combined 1,017 acres of grape vines in Washington state and Oregon while producing 120,000 cases of wine under brands in each state. This week brought news that the Fries family has sold all of its holdings in Washington — Desert Wind Winery in Prosser and 470 acres of vineyards on the Wahluke Slope — to a … [Read more...] about Fries family departs Washington wine industry with Desert Wind sale
Fidelitas promotes Will Hoppes, Mitch Venohr as part of transition
RICHLAND, Wash. - Charlie Hoppes, one of Washington state’s most decorated and popular winemakers, will now spend more time with fans of Fidelitas Wines and less time at his computer and in the cellar. His new title is director of winemaking and vineyards. At the same time, Hoppes promoted his son, Will, 29, into the role of managing director of Fidélitas and named longtime … [Read more...] about Fidelitas promotes Will Hoppes, Mitch Venohr as part of transition
New Alliance of Women in Washington Wine already stands at 200 strong
For these members of the wine industry, March 1 — the start of Women’s History Month — was an ideal day to announce the launch of The Alliance of Women in Washington Wine. The group’s stated mission is to inspire, educate and advance women in the Washington wine industry, and its inaugural President is Tiffany Britton, winemaker/owner of Brainstorm Cellars in West … [Read more...] about New Alliance of Women in Washington Wine already stands at 200 strong