Editor’s note: This is the 17th in an occasional series on destination wineries of the Pacific Northwest. SPOKANE, Wash. - High above Washington's second-largest city is Arbor Crest Wine Cellars, a winery with more than 30 years of history. Arbor Crest launched as a Washington winery in 1982, becoming one of the first wineries in the Spokane area - and 29th in the state. … [Read more...] about Great Northwest Destination Winery: Arbor Crest Wine Cellars
Washington wine
Acclaimed wines begin in historic vines for Seven Hills Winery
MILTON-FREEWATER, Ore. — It was the first week in June, and Casey McClellan picked up a scent he’s known most of his life. “You smell that smell?” he asked. “It’s a unique time of year. That sweetness in the air means it’s full bloom. It’s just a beautiful, sweet note.” A walk through the historic plantings for the original Seven Hills Vineyard comes with signs noting the … [Read more...] about Acclaimed wines begin in historic vines for Seven Hills Winery
Washington Merlot: It’s the soil and a lot more
It's as though Merlot was made for Washington's Columbia Valley. In many areas of the world, including its native Bordeaux and particularly in California, Merlot would seem to play second fiddle to Cabernet Sauvignon. But Washington Merlot is pretty special. (All of this said, many great Merlots are made in Bordeaux, starting with Chateau Petrus.) Merlot is a sensitive … [Read more...] about Washington Merlot: It’s the soil and a lot more
Gordon Estate pauses harvest for annual blessing
PASCO, Wash. - For the past 15 years, the crew at Gordon Estate has paused early in harvest to reflect and give thanks for the bounty that has been provided. This week, the winery on a bluff above the Snake River near this Franklin County city took time out for its annual blessing ceremony. "We're around all year long working hard," said Jeff Gordon, owner of Gordon … [Read more...] about Gordon Estate pauses harvest for annual blessing
Washington Grenache is making a comeback
Once again, Washington Grenache is all the rage. Back in the 1960s, one of the first wines produced by American Wine Growers' new label, Ste. Michelle Vineyards, was a Grenache Rosé. "There were many critics back then who said Ste. Michelle Vineyards made the best rosé in America," said Bob Betz, founder and winemaker for Betz Family Winery in Woodinville. "A long time … [Read more...] about Washington Grenache is making a comeback