PORTLAND — The Pacific Northwest wine industry is brimming with success stories, and Ken Wright continues to write new chapters. Earlier this month, the iconic Oregon winemaker shared a few pages of his history to help celebrate the rebirth of Panther Creek Cellars — the brand he launched in 1986 upon his arrival to the Willamette Valley. “It was not an easy road at all,” … [Read more...] about Ken Wright renews association with Panther Creek Cellars
featured
Winemaking stays in family at Hedges Family Estate
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 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
Boxed wines get classy
With more and more premium wines being distributed in bag-in-a-box formats, buying boxed wines comes with way less shame than it did just a decade ago. But what if you don't want the typical package sitting on your counter? What if you want something a bit more classy? Fortunately, there are now accessories to accommodate your tastes, and we're going to take a look at two of … [Read more...] about Boxed wines get classy
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