It’s rare for a wine writer to receive gratitude for conducting a judging focused on an already-famous grape, but Merlot could still use a PR agent nearly two decades after being miscast in the Oscar-winning Sideways. “Thank you for holding a Merlot-focused tasting,” a vintner wrote. “One movie did so much damage to a wonderful varietal.” Another replied, “Very cool to … [Read more...] about Northwest Merlot remains memorable in talented hands
Northwest wine
Platinum Awards factor into scholarships for future growers, winemakers
GRANDVIEW, Wash. — For decades, there has been an ongoing debate among winemakers as to the true value of the awards given to wines that have been submitted for judging. One organization here in the great Northwest has dedicated its mission to turning those medals into promising careers by furthering the education of students in viticulture and enology programs in … [Read more...] about Platinum Awards factor into scholarships for future growers, winemakers
Northwest vineyards open 2022 vintage on dry side
For those in the Pacific Northwest who believed the month of March was by and large on the chilly side, the data says otherwise. What’s more worrisome, underscored by acclaimed climatologist Greg Jones, is that the first three months of 2022 have continued the region’s widespread drought. “Precipitation for the month of March over the west largely continued the ongoing … [Read more...] about Northwest vineyards open 2022 vintage on dry side
Maryhill Winery climbs atop Platinum Awards all-time leaderboard
KENNEWICK, Wash. — Maryhill Winery in Goldendale, Wash., moved atop the all-time leaderboard for the Platinum Awards after judges in 2021 elevated seven of its gold medal bottlings to the next level, providing Craig and Vicki Leuthold with 95 career Platinums. When the Leutholds recruited New Zealand-born winemaker Richard Batchelor to the Pacific Northwest from Napa giant … [Read more...] about Maryhill Winery climbs atop Platinum Awards all-time leaderboard
Sniff, Sip, Swirl: Let’s Talk About Northwest Wines grows its following
One of the myths of our time is that those of us of a certain age — say past 45 — are technophobes. Closer to the truth is that we love technology: But we want it to serve us, not turn us into servants. As evidence, I’d offer a 16-month-old Facebook page created by a couple who are, by actuarial tables, well into the second half of their lives, Kieran and Sherri … [Read more...] about Sniff, Sip, Swirl: Let’s Talk About Northwest Wines grows its following