Images from the WestWide Drought Tracker and the Western Region Climate Center backed up what folks living in Pacific Northwest wine country suspected — the month of May was warmer and drier than “normal” — whatever that is anymore. That combination sparked the 2023 vintage to take off after a slow start to the growing season, Greg Jones, the internationally acclaimed … [Read more...] about May’s heat pushes much of Northwest wine country ahead of hot 2015 vintage
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Riesling ice wine by Koenig Vineyards rules Idaho judging again
CALDWELL, Idaho — It was no shock to see the storied Riesling ice wine program at Koenig Vineyards win best of show in the 2023 Idaho Wine & Cider Competition — the third time in the past decade. This time, however, it wasn’t founder Greg Koenig who doted on those icy marbles of Riesling and took the voluptuous wine to bottle. Instead, it was James Nederend and his wife, … [Read more...] about Riesling ice wine by Koenig Vineyards rules Idaho judging again
Unique approach to ice wine leads to win for Nederend, Koenig Vineyards
CALDWELL, Idaho — There’s a rich tradition of exquisite dessert wines made with Williamson Vineyard Riesling at Koenig Vineyards, but it’s rare to see a multiple vintage expression of ice wine produced anywhere in the world, much less the Snake River Valley. This spring, the Koenig Vineyards nonvintage Riesling Ice Wine ($30) merited top awards at two Pacific Northwest … [Read more...] about Unique approach to ice wine leads to win for Nederend, Koenig Vineyards
An Idaho wine tops Cascadia International for 3rd straight year
RICHLAND, Wash. — For the third straight year, it was an entry from the Gem State that most bedazzled judges at this spring's Cascadia International Wine Competition as a Grenache by Idaho winemaker Will Wetmore for his Veer Wine Project in the Snake River Valley that stole the show. Wetmore didn't try to edit himself when he learned the news about his juicy and … [Read more...] about An Idaho wine tops Cascadia International for 3rd straight year
Grenache, Veer Wine Project steer toward greatness
CALDWELL, Idaho — Perhaps the most buzz-worthy grape variety in the Pacific Northwest these days is Grenache, and in talented hands, the wines from that juicy red native to the Rhône Valley go beyond great. Last fall, a 2018 Grenache grown in the eastern end of the Columbia Gorge for Mount Hood Winery finished as the No. 1 wine of the 23rd annual Platinum Awards, a Great … [Read more...] about Grenache, Veer Wine Project steer toward greatness