Washington Wine Round-up March 15th to 21st 2014

A belated round up of stories on Washington wine from March 15^th to March 21^st. Read previous round-ups here.

From around the world…

The Drinks Business.com writes that Oregon is on the verge of something exciting.


From around the country...

Fox Business.com writes about Starbucks expanding its wine sales.

Forbes writes about wines with an Irish soul with a callout to Two Mountain Winery.

The LA Times writes about the Broadley Vineyards Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir.

The Orange Coast writes about the 2012 Owen Roe The Kilmore Pinot Noir.


From around the blogosphere...

Great Northwest Wine writes about 14 Hands Winery opening in Prosser. They also write about Walla Walla Valley wine legends gathering for a celebration, Ste. Michelle becoming the U.S. importer for Spain’s top winery, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oregon winemaker trading cards, and Elk Cove purchasing a 69-acre vineyard.

Grape Collective writes about EFESTE’s Upright Merlot. They also write about Gamay in the Columbia Gorge.

Northwest Wine Anthem writes about exploring Pinot Noir beyond the Willamette Valley.

The Zinfandel Chronicles writes about the Quilceda Creek Spring 2014 Release Party. Tom also writes about the 2007 Force Majeure Collaboration Series III and 2007 Betz Family Syrah La Côte Rousse.

WA Wine PR gives Taste Washington recommendations.

Wine Peeps writes about 2007 Washington Cabernet Sauvignon revisited.

Lucha Vino compares a Washington GSM Blend vs. Chateauneuf du Pape.

Wineeyak writes about five vines in the Yakima Valley appellation.

Best of New Orleans.com writes about the J. Daan Rouge.

Table Talk Northwest writes about Taste Washington seminars.

Straight.com writes about wine growers in Portland.


From the locals...

The Seattle Times writes about Walla Walla Valley’s 30^th anniversary.

The Bellingham Herald writes about Rhone blends.

The Olympian writes that beer and wine legislation brings change to farmers markets.

The Yakima Herald writes that Governer Inslee to sign law expanding sale of wine in growlers.

The Everett Herald writes that white wines have a vital role in Washington.

KOMOnews.com writes about Washington Wine Month. They also write about an Oregon winery selling wine in a can.

The News Tribune writes about 14 Hands opening a tasting room.

Oregon Live writes about Elk Cove purchasing Goodrich Road Vineyard. They also write about Devision Wines and five things to get you through the week until wine season in Washington County.

KXL FM writes about the Travel Channel featuring Oregon wines.

Boise Weekly writes about Pinot Gris.

Seattle Weekly writes about the Two Vintners Syrah.

The Walla Walla Union Bulletin writes about the Walla Walla Valley’s early days.

KULR News writes about TRIDEC plans to attract the wine industry in Washington.


That's all folks!

Tonight! March Virtual Tasting - Tamarack Cellars Firehouse Red 2012

The March Virtual Tasting is tonight! The wine is the Tamarack Cellars 2012 Firehouse Red Red Wine. This wine retails for $18 and is widely available. The tasting will take place tonight (Wednesday March 26th) from 7-8pm Pacific.

What you need to do to participate is:

1. Buy this month’s wine from the winery or a local retailer (see below)

2. Tweet your comments about the wine on Twitter between 7 and 8pm Pacific on the specified date using the hashtag #firehousered. For those on Twitter, follow me @wawinereport.

Join us!

March Pic of the Vine

Forget groundhogs; toss the tulips; dodge the opening pitch. The first sign of spring for Washington wine folk is surely Taste Washington, the two-day event that caps a grand Washington Wine Month. Resident Washington Wine Report photographer Richard Duval offers this image captured at one of the many wine soirees he covers all year long. “Nothing says spring quite like an open bottle poised above many glasses waiting to be filled,” he said.

Duval has been a busy photographer of late. You will find his 6.5’ x 26’ mural of a vineyard image at the newly refurbished Columbia Winery tasting room; the Spring issue of Washington Tasting Room Magazine carries his story and photographs of three days in the Wenatchee valley; and he photographed the wines for the recent article in Wine Enthusiast magazine on Washington Rhones I co-authored with Paul Gregutt.

Click on this month's picture for a larger image.

Taste Washington Cometh!

With spring finally upon us, it can only mean one thing – and no it’s not three more months of rain in the Northwest. It’s Taste Washington!

This year’s annual event takes place in Seattle on March 29^th and 30^th. For those who have never attended – and those who have – it’s a great opportunity to taste an enormous selection of Northwest wines in one location. To wit, this year’s event includes 226 wineries and 68 local restaurants.

As in recent years, Taste is in a two day format this year. Each day begins with a series of educational seminars that are ticketed separately. I have the pleasure of moderating two seminars this year, one on Saturday called ‘An Old Vine’s Tale’ which explores the role of vine age in wine quality and another on Sunday titled ‘The Rise of the Rhones,’ which will look at the recent Rhone trend in the Northwest. Both seminars have a stellar lineup of panelists and wines and I invite you to join us.

The seminar lineup on Saturday also includes ‘The Allure of the Exotic’ which will be looking at less common varieties grown in Washington. Other seminars include ‘Northstar Blending Experience’ and ‘Playing Matchmaker – Pairing Food & Wine to Your Palate.’ Panels on Sunday include ‘Washington vs. the World 2014’ – a comparative tasting of some of Washington’s best wines versus top wines from around the world. The lineup of wines here is beyond stellar and if I weren’t elsewhere, this is where I would be. Other seminars include ‘Chef vs Somm Smackdown’ and ‘A Winemaker, Brewer, and Distiller Walk Into A Bar.’ See the complete list of seminars, the panelists, wines being poured, and ticket details here.

Following the seminars each day is the Grand Tasting with the same lineup of wines poured on Saturday and Sunday. For people attending both days, it’s an opportunity to increase their exploration.

There are a lot of different strategies for approaching Taste Washington. One is to take a ‘walk and wander’ approach. Another is to be more systematic. There are a lot of ways to do the latter: focus in on a particular variety, such as Syrah or Petit Verdot; focus in on wineries you are unfamiliar with; or even just pick a letter of the alphabet. It’s also a great opportunity to do vintage comparisons with red wines from at least 2008 through 2012 being poured. See a program brochure with the list of wines being poured here to help create your strategy as well as get a lay of the land.

As always, given the large number of wines being poured, I highly recommend using the spit/dump buckets during the event and also planning to have a designated driver from the event or taking a cab or Uber.

I should also note that Taste Washington includes a new event this year, a 'Red & White' party on Thursday March 27th. This event will be pouring wines from magnum and is being held at the Chihuly Glass Garden.

Below is a list of wines that I recommend trying (shown in italics) as well as some of the wines that I am hoping to have a chance to sample (shown in normal font) of the many, many hundreds of top quality wines being poured. Feel free to leave your own list in a comment.

Happy Washington Wine Month!

Note: I have assisted the Washington Wine Commission with coordinating various aspects of this year’s seminars.

Róses ­ - Always one of the best places to see the latest releases of róses

Cairdeas Cinsault Róse Yakima Valley 2013
Cote Bonneville Estate Cabernet Franc Róse 2013
Seven Hills Dry Róse Columbia Valley 2013
Tranche Cellars Pink Pape Dry Róse Yakima Valley 2013

Whites – A first look at some of the 2013 white wines, which have just been released.

Ancestry Cellars Reunion Chardonnay Columbia Valley 2012
Array Cellars Dijon Clone Chardonnay Otis Harlan Vineyard Columbia Valley 2011
Auclair Sauvignon Blanc Red Mountain 2013
Avennia Oliane Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley 2012
Castillo de Feliciana Vino Verano Columbia Valley 2012
Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling Washington 2013
Cotes de Ciel Roussanne Red Mountain 2013
Cor Cellars Albacor White Blend Columbia Gorge 2013
Fidelitas Optu White Wine Columbia Valley 2012
Forgeron Cellars Chardonnay Columbia Valley 2012
JM Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Red Mountain 2013
Nefarious Estate Viognier Lake Chelan 2012
Novelty Hill Stillwater Creek Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley 2012
Syncline Scintillation Sparkling Wine Columbia Gorge NV (Not to be missed!)
Woodward Canyon Chardonnay Washington State 2012

Reds – An interesting mix of vintages displayed at this event

Andrew Will Sorella Red Wine Horse Heaven Hills 2011
Avennia Sestina Red Blend Columbia Valley 2011
Barrister Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley 2011
Betz Family Winery Pere de Famille Columbia Valley 2011
Buty Columbia Rediviva Horse Heaven Hills 2009
Cadence Camerata Red Blend Red Mountain 2010
Chateau Ste. Michelle Artist Series Meritage Columbia Valley 2010
Chinook Cabernet Franc Yakima Valley 2011
Cloudlift Cellars Halcyon Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills 2011
Col Solare Red Blend Columbia Valley 2009
Columbia Crest Reserve Malbec Horse Heaven Hills 2011
Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley 2011
Dusted Valley Petite Sirah Wahluke Slope 2011
Double Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills 2011
EFESTE Upright Merlot Red Mountain 2010
Eight Bells Sangiovese Red Willow Vineyard 2011
Fall Line Winery Artz Red Blend Red Mountain 2010
FIGGINS Estate Red Blend Walla Walla Valley 2010
Gramercy Cellars Lagniappe Syrah Columbia Valley 2010
Kevin White La Fraternite Red Blend Yakima Valley 2012
L’Ecole No 41 Ferguson Red Blend Walla Walla Valley 2011
Mackey Concordia Red Blend Columbia Valley 2009
Mark Ryan Long Haul Red Blend Red Mountain 2011
Matthews Claret Columbia Valley 2010
Memaloose Idiot’s Grace Dolcetto Columbia Gorge 2012
Lauren Ashton Cellars Cuvee Arlette Red Blend Columbia Valley 2011
Owen Roe Chapel Block Syrah Red Willow Vineyard Yakima Valley 2011
Proper Wines Estates Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2012
Savage Grace Cabernet Franc Rattlesnake Hills 2012
Saviah Cellars Une Vallee Red Blend Walla Walla Valley 2010
Soos Creek Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2011
Southard Syrah Wahluke Slope 2011
Waitsburg Cellars Three Red Blend Columbia Valley 2012
Walla Walla Vintners Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley 2012

America's Róse Revolution

Well, with months of dreary winter weather behind us and, yes, months of dreary spring weather still in front of us here in the Pacific Northwest, it’s time to celebrate the beginning of spring. And nothing rings in the start of the season quite like the release of the new vintage of róses.

There has been a true róse revolution in the Northwest of late for both winemakers and consumers. On the winemaker side, there was long a focus on saignée-style wines where winemakers bled tanks during fermentation and used juice designated for red wine production (if you are trying to determine if this is the case, alcohol level can often be your guide; look below 14% for wines specifically made for róse). These wines were often more cash flow oriented than a deliberate attempt to make high quality wine. The result was often dark, sweet, higher alcohol, and lower acid wines, sometimes made from grapes that just weren’t a good fit for róse (Note: If the grape hasn’t been used extensively for róse elsewhere in the world, the chances of it working here in the Northwest are probably not high).

In recent years, the focus has clearly shifted with many winemakers now using grapes grown specifically for róse, resulting in higher acid, more flavorful wines. There is also a lot of experimentation with varieties used as the wines below indicate. The result has been a steep increase in the number of quality pink wines released each year.

Consumers have taken notice. Where once many disregarded these wines as cheap, low quality, semi-sweet wines (yes, I’m looking at you white zinfandel!), consumers are now craving róses. The demand has grown so steeply that supply literally cannot keep up. Many top róses in the Northwest, including a number of the wines below, are snapped up and gone within a matter of weeks or a couple months at most. Sometimes they are gone loooooong before the weather turns warm here. So when you see róses on the shelf but don’t think the grey weather quite matches up with the pink wine, do not hesitate!

This brings us to the next step in America’s Róse Revolution - because this change is not just happening here in the Northwest. For many people, these wines are indicative of spring and summer, iconic wines even. But don’t sell róses short. As I often say with sparkling wine, you wouldn’t just drink Cabernet Sauvignon on one day a year would you? Similarly, while róses are no doubt perfectly matched to the warm summer weather (all six weeks of it here in the Pacific Northwest), these are great year-round wines so drink them that way. The only caveat I would add is that, like with a number of white wines, I am inclined to drink most róses within a year or so of their release to see them at their best, though there are exceptions.

So welcome spring and the continuation of America's new love affair with with róse. While the weather here in the Northwest might look the same, at least we can look at it through róse-colored glasses.

NB: I don't have a review of the Seven Hills Winery 2013 Róse as of yet but when I tasted this wine at an event earlier this year I was quite impressed. It's the winery's first (!) róse and is already sold out at the winery. I'll get a review up when I have a bottle in hand but by then it might well be gone from the shelves. If you see a bottle, give it a look. 

Balboa Winery Róse of Syrah Eidolon Estate Vineyard Walla Walla Valley 2013 $20
 (Excellent) A single vineyard róse from down in The Rocks for $20? Yes! A very pretty pale strawberry color, it’s lightly aromatic with cherry and strawberry. The palate is dry and full bodied with a rich, rounded feel but without ever seeming overweighted. It’s tart and citrusy with an orange peel finish. NB: Shows some precipitate. 13.3% alcohol. Sample provided by winery.

Bergström Wines Pinot Noir Róse Willamette Valley 2013 $25
 (Excellent) A very pretty pale salmon color. The aromas are exuberant with watermelon, strawberry, and spice. The palate is medium-plus bodied and drinks dry with a lot of richness to the fruit flavors and a clean, lingering finish. A thoroughly delicious bottle of wine. 13.4% alcohol.

Sleight of Hand Cellars The Magician’s Assistant Cabernet Franc Róse Blackrock Vineyard Yakima Valley 2013 $18
(Excellent) Pale copper colored. A moderately aromatic wine with abundant peppery spices along with mineral notes. The palate drinks dry with a seamless, drawn out feel. 100% Cabernet Franc. Aged four months in stainless steel and neutral French oak. 12.90% alcohol. 225 cases produced.

Julia’s Dazzle Pinot Grigio Róse Horse Heaven Hills 2013 $16
A very pretty pale pink color. It’s lightly aromatic with notes of red apple, wet stone, and watermelon. The palate drinks just about dry with a rich, full mouthfeel complementing the generous fruit flavors, showing some of the warmth on the finish. (Wine Enthusiast review to be published in an upcoming issue).

Renegade Wine Co. Róse Columbia Valley 2013 $11(Good/Excellent) A directly appealing wine with notes of bubblegum, strawberry, and watermelon. The palate drinks almost bone dry with tart, mouthwatering acidity, losing just a touch of concentration in the middle. A perfect summer wine at a case purchase price. NB: Last year’s vintage of this wine was gone by May. Don’t expect this year’s to last past April. 79% Syrah, 14% Cinsault, and 7% Counoise. 12.5% alcohol. 3,000 cases produced.

Northwest Wine Round-up March 8th to 14th 2014

A round up of stories on Northwest wine from March 8^th to March 14^th.  Read previous round-ups here.

From around the world…

The Prince George Citizen writes about wines from the Columbia Valley.
       

From around the country...

Wine Enthusiast writes about Ste. Michelle Wine Estates purchasing property in the Eola-Amity Hills (article by yours truly).

Forbes writes about Union Wine Co.


From around the blogosphere...

Great Northwest Wine writes about Preston Wine Cellars 1976 Pinot Noir. They also write about Chateau Ste. Michelle announcing its 30th anniversary concerts, Savor Northwest Wine Competition results, Oregon Chardonnay Symposium, and Ste. Michelle purchasing Oregon vineyards.

Jameson Fink writes about the Bergström rosé.

Write For Wine writes about Efeste.

Jaunted.com writes about Washington wines on Alaska Airlines.

Wineeyak writes about getting the “Dirt” on Yakima Valley Soils.

The Zinfandel Chronicles writes about Betz Family Winery’s winter release party. Tom also writes about EFESTE’s Sauvage.

Wine Peeps writes about Avennia.

Blue Collar Wine Guy writes about March… The Original “Washington Wine Month”.

Lucha Vino compares Washington Sangiovese v. Chianti Classico.

Table Talk Northwest writes about pairing wine, food, and water. They also write about nine things not to do at Taste Washington.

Woodinville Wine Update writes about upcoming events.


From the locals...

The Oregonian writes about celebrating Oregon’s subappellations. They also write about Ste. Michelle Wine Estates purchasing vineyards for Erath.

The Seattle Times writes about Taste Washington.

Puget Sound Business Journal writes about Alaska Airlines serving wines made for altitude.

The Herald writes about Cabernet Sauvignon pushing to the top.

KOMO News talks Washington Wine Month with Greg Harrington of Gramercy Cellars. They also write about Willows Lodge.

The Spokesman Review writes about the movie ‘Cement Suitcase’.

The Tri-City Herald writes that Kennewick reports interest in grape waste treatment plant.

The Statesman Journal gives five wineries to check out.

The Union-Bulletin writes about local wineries support of Seattle Children’s Hospital. They also write about Walla Walla gaining acclaim as a wine destination.

The Basin Business Journal writes about industry awards.

Portland Business Journal writes about Oregon wine starring in a Travel Channel road trip.

Seattle Weekly writes about the Result of a Crush Red Table Wine.


That's all folks!

Old school! Recent print publications

The March issue of Wine Enthusiast has an article on Washington Rhone-style wines I co-authored with Paul Gregutt. Read the article here. The March/April issue of Edible Seattle has another article I authored on Washington Rhone-style wines. See a list of newsstand locations here.

Enjoy!

March Virtual Tasting - Tamarack Cellars Firehouse Red 2012

The March Virtual Tasting wine is the Tamarack Cellars 2012 Firehouse Red Red Wine. This wine retails for $18 and is widely available. The tasting will take place on Wednesday March 26th from 7-8pm Pacific.

What you need to do to participate is:

1. Buy this month’s wine from the winery or a local retailer (see below)

2. Tweet your comments about the wine on Twitter between 7 and 8pm Pacific on the specified date using the hashtag #firehousered. For those on Twitter, follow me @wawinereport.

To make it more convenient for people to purchase the wines used in our Virtual Tastings, we are teaming up with a locally run, on-line wine shop, ImpulseWine.com. Instead of having to search for the wine you can order the wine from Impulse and, if you live in the King County area, have it delivered to you free of charge. Just click the link below and select the "Free Delivery Within King County" option in the shipping portion of the checkout process. Please note that King County residents must place orders by end of day on Saturday March 22nd in order to have the wine delivered in time for the tasting.

Click here to order the Tamarack Cellars Firehouse Red from ImpulseWine.com

Note: Washington Wine Report does not have any financial relationship with Impulse Wine and does not receive any profits from sales.

Northwest Wine Round-up March 1st to 7th 2014

A round-up of stories on Northwest wine from March 1st to 7th 2014. Read previous round-ups here.

From around the world…

Decanter writes about Cabernet Sauvignon becoming Washington’s top grape.

The Prince George Citizen (British Columbia) writes about great wines from the Columbia Valley.


From around the country…

USA Today writes about the 10 best wine destinations with a shout out to Walla Walla.

Wines & Vines writes about Washington’s record harvest.

From the blogosphere…

WineEYak writes about the cataclysmic events that formed Yakima Valley’s soils.

Winophilia (Stephen Tanzer) writes about New Age Rieslings from Washington.

Great Northwest Wine writes that the Horse Heaven Hills is the driving force behind Washington’s growth. They also write about Allen Shoup being inducted into the Washington Wine Hall of Fame, 2013’s record Cabernet production, red blends, Oregon planning for another warm vintage, and the Oregon winery restriction sparking comments on The Rocks AVA petition (great read).

Wild 4 Washington Wine writes about Maryhill. William also writes about the Waterbrook 2011 Malbec.

Northwest Wine Anthem writes about Maryhill. They also write about Sarah Powell.

Zinfandel Chronicles writes about the Force Majeure release party. Tom also writes about the 1999 Woodward Canyon Cabernet.

Grape Collective writes about Hedges Family Estate and Wine Spectator. They also write about the Kiona Lemberger.

Table Talk Northwest writes about Washington wine month. Jamie also writes about what makes Red mountain such a special place.

Woodinville Wine Update writes about spring events.

Wine & Dine Walla Walla writes about a new generation at Woodward Canyon.

Snooth asks which wine in Walla Walla? They also write about what’s hot in Washington and the state of Washington in 2014.

Wine Peeps writes about Walla Walla visiting Seattle.

Sips & The City writes about Taste Washington.

Capital Press writes that February was wet in Oregon but not wet enough.


From the locals…

KOMO News talks Washington wine month with Paul Zitarelli of Full Pull Wines.

The Statesman-Journal writes about Sokol Blosser Winery.

The Walla Walla Union Bulletin writes about Tertulia Cellars. They also write about Allen Shoup of Long Shadows being named to the Washington Wine Hall of Fame.

The Yakima Herald writes about the tasting room opening for 14 Hands. They also write about Drew Bledsoe of Doubleback talking with the Yakima Rotary.

The Bellingham Herald writes about a new wine grape record.

The Yakima Herald writes about Washington’s record year.

Ashland Daily Tidings writes about Southern Oregon wines.

Wenatchee World writes about Palencia Wines.

The Oregonian gives a Wednesday wine roundup.

Writing for the Spokesman-Review, Eric Degerman and Andy Perdue write that Cabernet is king in Washington.

The Mail Tribune writes about Troon winemakers starting a custom venture.

WSU News writes about combating the stink bug invasion.


That's all folks!

Cabernet Sauvignon crowned king in 2013 Washington grape report

It’s official. With the release of the 2013 grape production data from the USDA on Monday, Cabernet Sauvignon is now the most produced wine grape variety in Washington. Cabernet leapfrogged up from its long-held position of third behind Chardonnay and Riesling. Those two grapes have for years traded places for the top spot.

42,600 tons of Cabernet Sauvignon were produced in 2013, up a staggering 19% from 2012. Cabernet Sauvignon made up one fifth of Washington’s production in 2013, which set a record of 210,000 tons. Overall production was up by 12% from 2012, with most of this increase due to additional plantings coming on-line.

Cabernet’s ascension corresponded with the scales in Washington tipping from whites (49% of production in 2013) to reds for the first time*. This is indicative of an increased focus on red wines in Washington as these wines continue to establish their identity in the marketplace.

While grape production was up in 2013 in Washington, so was the cost per ton, which averaged $1,110 across all varieties. This was an increase of $70 from 2012. Grenache – which still has limited, though growing, plantings in the state – commanded the highest price at $1,889 per ton. Though some of the average price differences from 2012 to 2013 were minor, it’s notable that prices increased for all reported grape varieties with the exception of Viognier (surprising), Chenin Blanc (less so), and the catchall ‘other white varieties.’ This is a sign of the recovery of the economy as well as increased demand for Washington fruit. Expect these increasing prices to eventually start to be passed on to consumers.

So what does Cabernet Sauvignon taking the top spot in Washington mean? It means that the variety - with a long trail of high scoring wines - has firmly established an identity in the state and growers, wineries, and consumers know it. People who are planting additional acreage are betting that this trend will only continue, and it's a safe bet. Don’t look for Cabernet Sauvignon to give up the top spot any time soon and expect the balance of Washington’s production to increasingly tilt red.

Read the full USDA report here.

* Correction - 2012 was the first year that Washington produced more red grapes than whites making 2013 the second year.

Image courtesy of appellationamerica.com. 

Northwest Wine Round-up February 22nd to 28 2014

A round-up of stories on Northwest wine from February 22nd to 28th. Read previous round-ups here.

From around the world…

Manila Standard writes about winery concerts with a shout out to Chateau Ste. Michelle.

Decanter writes about changes at Evening Land Vineyards.

China Post writes about Washington wine.


From around the country…

The News-Press recommends Northwest wines.

The Los Angeles Times recommends the McKinlay Pinot Noir.

The Sacramento Bee picks up a press release about a Horse Heaven Hills land auction.

The Gazette News writes that hidden gems exist in Oregon.

Forbes writes about how to win at wine without losing your shirt.

San Antonio Express writes about visiting Oregon.

Wine Spectator writes that (in fourth bullet point entry) red blotch poses a new threat to Washington vineyards. 


From the blogosphere…

Wine Folly writes about the Missoula Floods.

Great Northwest Wine writes about Desert Wind Winery. They also write about a second generation joining Woodward Canyon Winery, Washington Malbec, Alex Sokol Blosser taking over winemaking responsibilities at Sokol Blosser, and Herb Quady leaving Troon.

Palate Press writes about Oregon Chardonnay (good read).

Northwest Wine Anthem writes about the 2010 Avennia Sestina.

Huffington Post writes about climate change forcing the beverage market to adapt with a shout out to Long Shadows (Note: wines from Long Shadows are not all from the same vineyard as this article suggests or from the same ‘estate’ as the linked article says).

Woodinville Wine Update writes about upcoming events. Shona also writes about Maison DeLille opening in Kirkland March 1st.

Wine Peeps writes about Open That Bottle Night 2014.

Sips and the City writes about Seattle Wine & Food Experience.

Jameson Fink asks ‘Can Mourvèdre from Washington State Compete With France?’

Table Talk Northwest announces the results of its first annual wine awards.

WineEyak writes about three Yakima wineries to follow on Instagram.

The Zinfandel Chronicles writes about the 2009 Sleight of Hand Funkadelic Syrah.


From the locals…

The Seattle Time writes about Idaho wine.

The Register-Guard says to look for other grapes to supplant Pinot Noir as Oregon’s climate warms.

The Statesman Journal writes about Oregon Chardonnay coming into its own.

Oregon Live writes about the Elk Cove Rose. They also write about changes at Sokol Blosser and what we’ll be drinking in the future.

The Tri-City Herald writes about board elections at the Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers.

Capital Press writes that direct-to-consumer is key for Oregon. They also write about distributors’ advice for Oregon winemakers and Red Blotch.

KGW writes about a new app for Oregon winemakers.

KPLU writes about the Walla Walla Valley’s 30^th birthday.

The Yakima Herald writes about Whidbey’s Port.

OPB News writes about milestones in the Northwest wine industry.

The Union Tribune writes that spring marches on after moisture-impaired February. They also write that Woodward Canyon's new addition carries on a legacy.

The Whitman Pioneer writes about wineries offering opportunities for student musicians.

The Bellingham Herald writes about Horse Heaven Hills land to be auctioned. They also write about Whatcom wineries producing notable reds and whites.


That's all folks!