In tough times, we continue the search for good, inexpensive wines.
After a long wait, the 2011 harvest is underway in Washington State. Over the coming weeks, I will provide periodic updates on what is picked, where, and when as well as thoughts on the growing season from the state’s growers and winemakers.
TONIGHT! September's Virtual Tasting is tonight from 7-8pm. Read about how to participate here.
Today’s Fresh Sheet – new and recent Washington wine releases – includes wines from Purple Star Wines, Pandora Cellars, Laurelhurst Cellars, and Pomum Cellars.
Today’s Fresh Sheet – new and recent Washington wine releases – includes wines from Purple Star Wines, Pandora Cellars, Laurelhurst Cellars, and Pomum Cellars.
Reminder: September's Virtual Tasting is this Wednesday from 7-8pm. Read about how to participate here.
As I wrote in a previous post, the November ballot in Washington State features another liquor privatization initiative, Initiative 1183. I am interested in hearing the thoughts of people across the three tiers - wineries, distributors, and restaurateurs - on what they see as the positives and/or negatives for their industries and for consumers about the proposed changes. I am particularly interested in the changes related to the wine industry, specifically:
As I wrote in a previous post, the November ballot in Washington State features another liquor privatization initiative, Initiative 1183. I am interested in hearing the thoughts of people across the three tiers - wineries, distributors, and restaurateurs - on what they see as the positives and/or negatives for their industries and for consumers about the proposed changes. I am particularly interested in the changes related to the wine industry, specifically:
Reminder: September's Virtual Tasting is this Wednesday from 7-8pm. Read about how to participate here.
Pictures from last week's trip to eastern Washington where harvest is getting underway. Includes shots from Red Willow, Evergreen, Wahluke Wine Company, Clifton Hills, Cave B, and Canoe Ridge. Click on the pictures for larger images. Enjoy!
Pictures from last week's trip to eastern Washington where harvest is getting underway. Includes shots from Red Willow, Evergreen, Wahluke Wine Company, Clifton Hills, Cave B, and Canoe Ridge. Click on the pictures for larger images. Enjoy!
A round-up of stories on Washington wine from September 15th to 21st 2011.
From around the country…
ESPN writes about Drew Bledsoe of Doubleback.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes about good wine under $10 with a callout to House Wine.
The Chicago Daily Herald writes about rediscovering Chardonnay with a callout to Airfield Estates.
From around the country…
ESPN writes about Drew Bledsoe of Doubleback.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes about good wine under $10 with a callout to House Wine.
The Chicago Daily Herald writes about rediscovering Chardonnay with a callout to Airfield Estates.
Below is Part II of a report from the Walla Walla Valley including wines from Cayuse Vineyards, Leonetti Cellar, Reynvaan Family Vineyards, Gramercy Cellars, and Corliss Estates. Download a .pdf version of this report here. Read Part I here.
Cayuse Vineyards
Walking through Cayuse Vineyards with Christophe Baron, both his passion and his attention to detail become immediately clear. As he walks and talks about his vineyards Baron picks up any small item that does not belong there, anything that is out of place.
It is this attention to detail that has made Baron’s wines among the best in the world. It is this attention to detail that, again, led Baron to bury canes at his vineyards last year. While he had to cut many of his vines back to the ground this spring due to last November’s freeze, Baron still looks to produce a fairly full crop again this year due to this precaution. In contrast, many vineyards in the rocks region of the Walla Walla Valley were, again, completely wiped out.
Cayuse Vineyards
Walking through Cayuse Vineyards with Christophe Baron, both his passion and his attention to detail become immediately clear. As he walks and talks about his vineyards Baron picks up any small item that does not belong there, anything that is out of place.It is this attention to detail that has made Baron’s wines among the best in the world. It is this attention to detail that, again, led Baron to bury canes at his vineyards last year. While he had to cut many of his vines back to the ground this spring due to last November’s freeze, Baron still looks to produce a fairly full crop again this year due to this precaution. In contrast, many vineyards in the rocks region of the Walla Walla Valley were, again, completely wiped out.
What follows is a section of Part II of the 2011 Walla Walla Valley report. Look for the full report in an upcoming post. Read Part I here.
As the first modern day winery in the Walla Walla Valley, Leonetti Cellar celebrates its 34th vintage this year. During this time, the winery’s history of success and accolades is nearly unparalleled. The new releases continue to build on Leonetti’s elite reputation.
Chris Figgins assumed head winemaking responsibilities from his father, Gary Figgins, in 2000. Since that time he has completed the winery’s transition to using all estate fruit from the Walla Walla Valley for its wines. The results thus far have been impressive.
As the first modern day winery in the Walla Walla Valley, Leonetti Cellar celebrates its 34th vintage this year. During this time, the winery’s history of success and accolades is nearly unparalleled. The new releases continue to build on Leonetti’s elite reputation.Chris Figgins assumed head winemaking responsibilities from his father, Gary Figgins, in 2000. Since that time he has completed the winery’s transition to using all estate fruit from the Walla Walla Valley for its wines. The results thus far have been impressive.
September's Virtual Tasting wine will be the 2009 Boomtown Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine retails for $15 and is widely available. The tasting will take place Wednesday September 28th from 7-8pm Pacific.What you need to do to participate is:
1. Buy this month’s wine from a local retailer or from the winery.
2. Post your comments/tweets on the wine between 7 and 8pm using the hashtag #boomtown. For those on Twitter, follow me @wawinereport.
Hope you will join us!
A round-up of stories on Washington wine from September 8th to 14th 2011.
From around the world…
Indian Wine Academy writes about Washington wine.
Sommelier India writes about the Washington Wine Commission visiting.
From around the world…
Indian Wine Academy writes about Washington wine.
Sommelier India writes about the Washington Wine Commission visiting.
For those who missed last Friday's Weekday show on KUOW 94.9FM, here is a link to the show. Mike Veseth, author of the book Wine Wars and the blog The Wine Economist, Richard Kinssies of Seattle Wine Outlet, and I discuss Washington wine and touch on some global wine trends.
From the linked page above, select one of the 'Listen to Weekday' options to hear the show.
Enjoy!
From the linked page above, select one of the 'Listen to Weekday' options to hear the show.
Enjoy!
What follows is a Focus Report on Betz Family Winery. Download a .pdf version of this report here. Read previous Focus reports here.
The Washington wine world was stunned last spring when industry icon Bob Betz announced the sale of Betz Family Winery. Some foresaw the winery’s demise in a storyline that went like this - quality would go way down, production would go way up, and prices would soar.
New owner Steve Griessel, who purchased the winery with his wife Bridgit, acknowledges hearing those concerns. “I think there’s a lot of fear,” Griessel says. “People think, ’Who are these people? Are they going to screw this thing up?’” The answer to the first question is Steve and Bridgit Griessel. The answer to the second question is no.
The Washington wine world was stunned last spring when industry icon Bob Betz announced the sale of Betz Family Winery. Some foresaw the winery’s demise in a storyline that went like this - quality would go way down, production would go way up, and prices would soar.New owner Steve Griessel, who purchased the winery with his wife Bridgit, acknowledges hearing those concerns. “I think there’s a lot of fear,” Griessel says. “People think, ’Who are these people? Are they going to screw this thing up?’” The answer to the first question is Steve and Bridgit Griessel. The answer to the second question is no.
Note: I will be speaking on Weekday on KUOW 94.9 FM today at 9am about globalization of the wine industry and Q13 at 5:30pm about the Seattle Metropolitan Top 100 list. Tune in!
Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the polls, another liquor privatization initiative is on the ballot this November.
Initiative 1183 is brought to you by the same folks who brought you Initiative 1100 one year ago. It is, in some respects, a greatly simplified and streamlined version of 1100. The concise description of the initiative reads as follows:
Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the polls, another liquor privatization initiative is on the ballot this November.Initiative 1183 is brought to you by the same folks who brought you Initiative 1100 one year ago. It is, in some respects, a greatly simplified and streamlined version of 1100. The concise description of the initiative reads as follows:
Note: I will be speaking on Weekday on KUOW 94.9 FM this Friday at 9am about globalization of the wine industry and Q13 that same day at 5:30pm about the Seattle Metropolitan Top 100 list. Tune in!
A round-up of stories on Washington wine from September 1st to 7th.
From around the world…
Hospitality Biz India writes about the Washington Wine Commission seeking Indian importers.
From around the country…
The Washington Post writes about screwcaps with a callout to Hogue Cellars.
LA Weekly talks with Jean-Francois Pellet of Pepper Bridge and Amavi Cellars.
A round-up of stories on Washington wine from September 1st to 7th.
From around the world…
Hospitality Biz India writes about the Washington Wine Commission seeking Indian importers.
From around the country…
The Washington Post writes about screwcaps with a callout to Hogue Cellars.
LA Weekly talks with Jean-Francois Pellet of Pepper Bridge and Amavi Cellars.
The following post was written by Carrie Simon. Simon is the founder of Washington Wine 9, a custom trip planning service for travelers to Washington State’s wine country.
The season’s not over yet! In fact, one might argue it is just beginning! With harvest around the corner, this is the time of year wine country kicks into full gear – all hands on deck!
Indeed, more often than not it is hands, not feet, involved in harvest. Often when grapes are harvested they are +/-50 degrees Fahrenheit. Stomping them will freeze your toes in no time! Yet even visitors who want to experience harvest hardware - de-stemmers, crushers, fermenting tanks and more - have one big challenge to overcome: no one knows when harvest will arrive until the moment it does! In other words, there tends to be a lot of waiting around, especially in years like this when harvest is later than usual; only Mother Nature knows when exactly harvest will begin.
The season’s not over yet! In fact, one might argue it is just beginning! With harvest around the corner, this is the time of year wine country kicks into full gear – all hands on deck!Indeed, more often than not it is hands, not feet, involved in harvest. Often when grapes are harvested they are +/-50 degrees Fahrenheit. Stomping them will freeze your toes in no time! Yet even visitors who want to experience harvest hardware - de-stemmers, crushers, fermenting tanks and more - have one big challenge to overcome: no one knows when harvest will arrive until the moment it does! In other words, there tends to be a lot of waiting around, especially in years like this when harvest is later than usual; only Mother Nature knows when exactly harvest will begin.
A round-up of stories on Washington wine from August 22nd to 31st.
From around the country…
The Washington Post writes about Washington Riesling.
Wine Spectator writes about the 2011 growing season.
The Cannon Beach Gazette writes about K Vintners.
St. Louis Today writes about Chenin Blanc with a callout to Hestia Cellars.
From around the country…
The Washington Post writes about Washington Riesling.
Wine Spectator writes about the 2011 growing season.
The Cannon Beach Gazette writes about K Vintners.
St. Louis Today writes about Chenin Blanc with a callout to Hestia Cellars.
It seems you can’t name anything in this country without tripping over someone who has something obliquely similar and whose lawyers threaten trouble (US Olympic Committee versus Olympic Cellars anyone?). I mean seriously folks, stop the madness! Such it is that Grand Rêve Vintners – one of the most exciting wineries to emerge from Washington recently – has changed its name to Force Majeure Vineyards.
Below is a summary of posts for August 2011.
Summary of Posts for July 2011
Maison Bleue – The Stuff of Dreams
Tasting Note Database updated
2011 Auction of Washington Wines
Washington wine round-up July 22nd to 31st 2011
Fresh Sheet August 10th 2011
Summary of Posts for July 2011
Maison Bleue – The Stuff of Dreams
Tasting Note Database updated
2011 Auction of Washington Wines
Washington wine round-up July 22nd to 31st 2011
Fresh Sheet August 10th 2011
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Editor
Sean P. Sullivan is the editor of Washington Wine Report and a contributing editor at Wine Enthusiast magazine, covering Washington and Idaho. He has been writing about and reviewing Washington wine since 2005.
2021-2022 Tour Guide
Blog Archive
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2011
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September
(18)
- Five Wines Under $15 - A Look at Second Label Wines
- 2011 Harvest Report - September 29th Edition
- Fresh Sheet September 28th 2011
- Soliciting Winery, Distributor, and Restaurateur t...
- Wine Country Porn
- Washington Wine Round-up September 15th to 21st 2011
- Walla Walla Valley Report 2011 Part II
- Leonetti Cellar - Walla Walla Valley's founding wi...
- September Virtual Tasting - 2009 Boomtown Cabernet...
- Washington Wine Round-up September 8th to 14th 2011
- Weekday on KUOW 'Wine Wars' Show
- Meet the Griessels! A Look at the New Owners of Be...
- Here we go again - Washington gears up for another...
- Washington Wine Round-up September 1st to 7th 2011
- Wine Touring Season Kicks Into Full Gear
- Washington Wine Round-up August 22nd to 31st 2011
- The ‘Great Dream’ becomes a Force Majeure: Grand R...
- Summary of Posts for August 2011
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September
(18)
Pages
Labels Cloud
14 Hands
2010 Initiatives
2020 Washington Merlot Challenge
2021 Washington Syrah Challenge
Abbey Page
Abeja
Adams Bench
Airfield Estates
Alder Ridge
Alexandria Nicole
Alternative Closures
aMaurice Cellars
Amavi
Ambassador
Ancestry
Ancient Lakes
Andrew Januik
Andrew Will
Anelare
Angel Vine
AntoLin
Apex Cellars
Ardor
Arlington Road Cellars
Array
Ash Hollow
Ashan
Auclair
Avennia
Baer Winery
Balboa
Barnard Griffin
Barons V
Barrage
Barrister
Beresan
Bergevin Lane
Betz Family Winery
Board Track Racer
Bonair Winery
Bookwalter
Boomtown
Boudreaux Cellars
Brian Carter
Bridgman
Bunchgrass Winery
Bunnell Family
Buried Cane
Buty
Cadaretta
Cadence
Cairdeas
Cana's Feast
Candy Mountain
Canoe Ridge
Canon del Sol
Cartel Wine Group
Cascade Valley Wineries
Castillo de Feliciana
Castle Rock Winery
Cave B
CAVU
Cayuse Vineyards
Cedergreen Cellars
Charles and Charles
Charles Smith Wines
Chateau Rollat
Chateau Ste. Michelle
Chelan Estate
Chelan Ridge
Chinook
City Limits
Cloudlift Cellars
Clubhouse Cellars
Co Dinn
Col Solare
College Cellars
Columbia Crest
Columbia Gorge
Columbia Winery
Concentric Wine Project
Cooper Wine Company
Corked Counter
Corked Wines
Corliss Estates
Corvidae
Corvus Cellars
Cote Bonneville
Cougar Crest
Covey Run
Covington Cellars
Crayelle Cellars
Cuneo Cellars
CZ Cellars
Darby
Daven Lore
DeLille
Delmas
Desert Wind
Distant Bay
DiStefano
Domaine Pouillon
Domaine Ste Michelle
Donedei
Double Canyon
Doubleback
Dowsett Family Winery
DuBrul Vineyard
Duck Pond Cellars
Duckhorn
Dumas Station
Dunham
Dusted Valley
Dynasty Cellars
Efeste
Eight Bells
El Corazon
Eliseo Silva
Elsom Cellars
Ensemble Cellars
Envious Cellars
Erath
Eritage
Estrin Estates
Eyrie
Fall Line
Falling Rain
Fidelitas Winery
Fielding Hills WInery
Figgins
Five Star Cellars
Fjellene
Flying Dreams
Flying Trout
For a Song
Force Majeure
Forgeron
Full Pull Wines
Furion Cellars
Gard Vintners
Giant Wine Co
Gifford-Hirlinger
Gilbert
Glencorrie
Goedhart
Golden Ridge
Goose Ridge
Gordon Brothers
Gorman
Gramercy Cellars
Grand Rêve
Grosgrain
Guardian
Hard Row
Harvest 2010
Harvest 2011
Harvest 2012
Harvest 2013
Harvest 2014
Harvest 2015
Harvest 2016
Harvest 2017
Harvest 2018
Harvest 2019
Harvest 2020
Hawks View
Haystack Needle
Heaven's Cave
Hedges Family Estate
Helix
Hestia Cellars
Hogue Cellars
Hoodsport
Hors Catégorie
Horse Heaven Hills
Horsepower Vineyards
Hyatt Vineyards
Idilico
Intrinsic
Isenhower Cellars
Jaine
Januik Winery
JB Neufeld
JM Cellars
Jones of Washington
Juliette's Dazzle
K Vintners
Kaella Winery
Kerloo
Kevin White
Kiona
Kontos Cellars
Kyra Wines
L'Ecole
Lake Chelan AVA
Lantz Cellars
Latitude 46 North
Laurelhurst Cellars
Lauren Ashton
Lawrelin
Leonetti Cellar
Liberty Bay Cellars
Liminal
Lobo Hills
Locati Cellars
Lodmell Cellars
Lone Birch
Lone Canary
Long Shadows
Lost River Winery
Magnificent Wine Company
Maison Bleue
Manu Propia
Mark Ryan Winery
Maryhill
McCrea Cellars
McKinley Springs
Mercer Estates
Merf
Michael Florentino
Milbrandt Vineyards
Modern Wine Project
Monesia's Song
Morrison Lane
Mosquito Fleet
Mountain Dome
Naches Heights
Naches Heights AVA
Napeequa Vintners
Native Sun
Nefarious
Nelms Road
Nicholas Cole Cellars
No Girls
Nodland
Northstar
Northwest Wine Round-up
Nota Bene
Novelty Hill
NW Totem Cellars
NW VIne Project
NxNW
Obelisco Estate
Olsen Estates
OS Winery
Otis Kenyon
Ott and Murphy
Owen Roe
Pacific Rim
Palencia
Palouse
Pamplin
Pandora
Parejas
Passion
Patterson
Paul Gregutt
Pendulum
Pepper Bridge
Phylloxera
Pic of the Vine
Plumb Cellars
Pomum Cellars
Pondera
Portteus
Pour Me
Powers
Proletariat Wine Company
Proper
Prospice
Puget Sound
Purple Star
Quilceda Creek
Ramseyer Vineyards
Randall Harris
Rasa Vineyards
Red Diamond
Red Mountain
Red Willow
Reininger
Renegade
Result of a Crush
Rex Hill
Reynvaan Family Vineyards
RiverAerie
Riverhaven Cellars
RMV Cellars
Robert Ramsay
Robison Ranch Cellars
Ross Andrew
Rotie
Royal Slope
Rulo Winery
Russell Creek WInery
Rusty Grape Vineyard
Ryan Messer
Ryan Patrick
Sageland Vineyards
Saint Laurent
Salida Wines
Salmon Harbor
San Juan Vineyards
Sandhill
Sapolil Cellars
Savage Grace
Saviah Cellars
Scarborough
Screwcaps
Seattle Area Wineries
Seufert
Seven Hills Winery
Shady Grove Winery
Sheridan
Silvara
Silver Bell
Silver Lake Winery
Sineann
Six Prong
Skylite Cellars
Sleight of Hand
Smasne Cellars
Snipes Gap Vineyards
Snipes Mountain
Snoqualmie
Sockeye
Sodovino
Sol Stone
somme de parties
sonoris
Soos Creek
Sparkman Cellars
Spindrift
Spokane Area
Spring Valley
Steele Wines
Stella Fino
Stevens Winery
Stomani Cellars
Stonecap
Stottle
SuLei Cellars
Sweet Valley Winery
Swiftwater
Syncline Cellars
Syrah
SYZYGY
Tagaris
Tamarack Cellars
Tefft
Tempus
Tenor Wines
Tero Estates
Terra Blanca Winery
The Burn of Columbia Valley
The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater
Three Rivers Winery
Thurston Wolfe
Tildio
Time & Direction
Townshend Cellar
Tranche
Treveri
Trust
Tulpen Cellars
Two Mountain
Two Vintners
Upland Estates
Va Piano Vineyards
Valdemar Estates
Viento Wines
Vin du Lac
Vinyl Wines
Virtual tasting
Virtue Cellars
W.T. Vintners
Wahluke Slope
Walla Walla Valley
Walla Walla Vintners
Walter Dacon
Washington Hills
Waterbrook
Waters
Waving Tree
White Bluffs
Whitestone
Whitman Cellars
William Church
Willow Crest
Wilridge Winery
Wind Rose Cellars
Wine Enthusiast
Wine Enthusiast Scores
WineGirl Wines
Wines of Substance
Woodhouse Wine Estates
Woodinville Wine Cellars
Woodinville WIneries
Woodward Canyon Winery
Yakima Valley
Yellow Hawk Cellar
Zerba Cellars
Zero One Vintners