Sean P. Sullivan - Washington Wine Report Note: Site has moved to www.northwestwinereport.com

The December issue of Wine Enthusiast has an article I wrote on young, up-and-coming Washington winemakers. You can read the article here. Additionally, the Winter edition of Washington Tasting Room magazine has an article I wrote on the year in Washington wine. You can read this article here.

With harvest a quickly fading memory, vineyard managers turn their attention to preparing the vines for a long winter’s sleep. And while winter vineyards might not resound with the vivid colors of summer, there is something alluring about slumbering rows amidst a blanket of white.

Resident photographer Richard Duval captured such a scene at Benson Vineyards in picturesque Lake Chelan. “A bit of sun brought some warm color to the vineyard rows standing like sentries on this chilly day,” he noted. “A near-perfect example of how proper winter prep will lead to the greens of spring.”

Click on the picture to see a larger image. Enjoy!

Wine Enthusiast magazine’s Top 100 lists for 2015 have been released. The magazine has three lists that related to wine: Top 100 Best Buys, Top 100 Cellar Selections, and the Enthusiast 100. Northwest wines are well represented on each list, as indicated below (click on the links to see the entire list). The Washington reviews were from yours truly and the Oregon reviews from my colleague Paul Gregutt.

Enjoy!

Top 100 Best Buys

100. Milbrandt Traditions Pinot Gris Columbia Valley 2014 $13
95. Acrobat Pinot Gris Oregon 2014 $13
90. For A Song Riesling Caliche Lake Vineyard Ancient Lakes 2013 $11
87. Willamette Valley Vineyards Riesling Willamette Valley 2014 $14
72. Mercer Pinot Gris Yakima Valley 2014 $13
63. Pacific Rim Sweet Riesling Columbia Valley 2014 $11
60. Deer Creek Pinot Gris Rogue Valley 2014 $14
51. Hogue Gewurztraminer Columbia Valley 2014 $10
49. Lujon Chardonnay Willamette Valley 2013 $15
28. Chateau Ste Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2013 $15
23. Foris Dry Gewurztraminer Southern Oregon 2014 $14
13. Goose Ridge g3 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2012 $15
8. Sokol Blosser Evolution White America NV $1

Top 100 Cellar Selections:

98. Seven Hills Ciel du Cheval Red Wine Red Mountain 2012 $45
94. Baer Arctos Red Wine Columbia Valley 2012 $43
87. Corliss Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2010 $85
83. Den Hoed Andreas Cab Sauv Wallula Vineyards Horse Heaven Hills 2010 $80
74. Woodward Canyon Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon Washington 2012 $99
69. Archery Summit Arcus Estate Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 2012 $100
66. Figgins Estate Red Wine Walla Walla Valley 2012 $85
55. Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2012 $140
51. Domaine Serene Recolte Grand Cru Chardonnay Dundee Hills 2011 $125
45. Bergstrom Silice Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains 2012 $65
39. DanCin Chasse Chardonnay Dundee Hills 2013 $29
35. Reynvaan Foothills Estate Reserve Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2012 $65
32. Trisaetum Riesling Ribbon Ridge Estate Ribbon Ridge 2014 $28
21. The Eyrie Vineyards Original Vines Reserve Chardonnay Dundee Hills 2012 $45
12. Gramercy Cellars Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2012 $85
10. Domaine Drouhin Edition Limitee Pinot Noir Dundee Hills $85

The Enthusiast 100

87. Latta Grenache Upland Vineyard Snipes Mountain 2012 $40
71. Avennia Arnaut Syrah Boushey Vineyard Yakima Valley 2012 $50
59. Betz Pere de Famille Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2012 $72
51. Gramercy Cellars Syrah Columbia Valley 2012 $40
33. EFESTE Evergreen Riesling Ancient Lakes 2013 $20
26. Baer Star Red Wine Columbia Valley 2012 $32
13. Ponzi Chardonnay Aurora Vineyard Willamette Valley 2012 $60
8. Cayuse God Only Knows Grenache Walla Walla Valley $90
3. Trisaetum Riesling Wichman Estate Dundee Hills 2014 $28

The November/December issue of Vineyard & Winery Management magazine has an article I wrote on the growth of the Northwest wine industry. You can read the article here.

See a list of other publications, most with downloadable links, here.

Enjoy!

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

From around the country…

Wine Spectator writes about how wines age under screwcaps.

The Sacramento Bee writes about Willamette Valley Pinot Noir.

The Miami Herald writes about eleven wines for fall comfort foods, with a callout to Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris and Stoller Chardonnay.

Philadelphia Magazine writes about Naked Wine telling a local brewer they can’t sell ‘Naked’ beer.

St. Louis Dispatch writes about a state native making wine in the Willamette Valley.

Wine Business writes about the 2015 harvest in Oregon. They also write about Ghost Hill Cellars new winemaker.


From the blogosphere…

Northwest Wine Anthem writes that 40 is the new awesome at Willamette Valley Vineyards.

Great Northwest Wine writes about a Seattle native starring in the ‘Uncorked’ TV series. They also write about the Tri-Cities Wine Festival, Oregon Pinot Noir for Thanksgiving, and a warmer 2015 for the Walla Walla Valley.

Examiner.com writes about new releases from Columbia Winery.

Washington Wine Blog writes about No Girls. Owen also writes about Airfield Estates and Tamarack Cellars.

MyNewOreleans.com writes about Washington wine.

Write for Wine writes about The Estates Wine Room in Pioneer Square.

Wild 4 Washington Wine writes about wine 101.

Wild Walla Walla Wine Woman writes about Goose Ridge’s Tall Sage.

Wagon Wine writes about decanting wine.

Uncorked Adventures writes about the 2005 McCrea Grenache.


From the locals…

Seattle Metropolitan writes about the Cloudlift Cellars Petit Verdot.

The Seattle Times writes that Northwest Pinot Gris is a hit with readers. They also write about the Wine Science Center.

The Columbian writes about Galeotti's Wine Cellar.

Oregon Wine Press writes that an objection might scuttle Jackson Family's purchase in McMinnville.

The Statesman Journal writes about Willamette Valley Vineyards being listed on NASDAQ.

The Yakima Herald writes about Walla Walla Vintners.

Oregon Live says the wine industry will survive climate change but will have to change.

KEPR TV writes about the Tri-Cities Wine Festival.


That's all folks!

Bins are stacked. Pickers have moved on. Leaves are turning color as vines prepare for winter. Resident photographer Richard Duval captured this last action of harvest at a Red Mountain vineyard earlier this month. A colorful end to a most colorful season.

Click on the picture to see a larger image. Enjoy!

A round-up of stories on Northwest wine from October 22^nd to 31^st. Read previous round-ups here.

From around the country…

Wine Spectator talks with Ken Wright.

The Washington Post recommends Tenet Wines.

Shanken Daily News writes about growth at Ste. Michelle.

Springfield Business Journal writes about Oregon wine.

Dallas Morning News writes about four rivers and nine wineries in Oregon.

San Francisco Gate writes about Yakima Valley craft beverages.


From the blogosphere…

Great Northwest Wine writes about Full Pull Wines. They also write about McCrea and Cuneo joining forces and Willamette Valley wineries renewing their food drive.

The Examiner writes about glamping in the Willamette Valley. They also write about Cougar Crest.

Wagon Wine focuses on fruit.

Washington Wine Blog writes about Delmas.

Uncorked Ventures Blog writes about the Methven Family Pinot Gris. They also write about the 2004 Zerba Cabernet.

Wild 4 Washington Wine writes about the Stottle Malbec.

Woodinville Wine Update writes about upcoming events.

Zinfandel Chronicles writes about new releases from Stottle.


From the locals…

Seattle Metropolitan recommends the Carter Lamour Chardonnay (article by yours truly).

Oregon Live writes about a winery recovering stolen barrels.

Oregon Wine Press writes about the acquisition of Chehalem Mountain. They also write about the sale of Celilo Vineyard, a Clark County Coup, a love of Pinot, and a Southern Oregon adventure.

The Seattle Times writes about holiday wine. They also write about Washington wine history.

The Daily Sun News writes about a study of Yakima Valley grape contributions.

Boise Weekly writes about Chardonnay.

The Bellingham Herald writes about the Great Northwest Invitational.


That’s all folks!

While for some wineries the 2015 harvest season is at its end, others are still crushing and pressing fruit. Resident photographer Richard Duval captured this old-fashioned hand press hard at work at Auclair Winery in Woodinville's Warehouse District. Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Enjoy!

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

From around the country…

Wine Spectator writes that not all wet years in Oregon are created equal.

The Wall Street Journal writes that Oregon vineyards attract out of state buyers. They also writes at home with Oregon vineyard owners.

The Washington Post writes about Finn River’s Spirited Apple Wine.


From the blogosphere…

Drinks International writes about Washington’s identity crisis.

Great Northwest Wine writes about Washington wrapping up an early harvest. Rob Griffin reflects on a warm vintage. They also write about Ghost Hill Cellars naming a new winemaker, The Rocks District, and take a look inside the Great Northwest Wine competition.

Fermentation writes why Oregon is the most dynamic wine region in America.

Zinfandel Chronicles writes about dinner at the Herbfarm. They also write about Stottle.

Woodinville Wine Update writes about upcoming events.

AgInfo.net looks at Yakima Valley wine.

Washington Wine Blog talks with Dan Wampfler of Dunham Cellars. They also write about Rasa.


From the locals…

Oregon Live gives an homage to Cole Danehower.

Seattle Metropolitan recommends the Syncline Grenache-Carignan (article by yours truly).

The Seattle Times writes about Nebbiolo.

Capital Press writes that a warm winter is in store for Washington.

The Columbian writes about the Southeast Wine Collective in Portland.

The Bend Bulletin writes about fall release wines.

The Tri-City Herald writes about the Clore Center focusing on Yakima Valley wines.

KGWTV writes about thieves hitting a Portland winery five times in six months.

KEPTV writes that Portland winemakers are fed up after a string of burglaries.

KNDO writes about a new study showcasing the Yakima Valley’s impact on the Washington wine industry.

KOMO News writes about thieves stealing $100K worth of wine barrels in Portland.

KTVZ shows the thieves on videotape rolling wine barrels.


That's all folks!

Playing catchup, a mega round-up of stories on Northwest wine from August 15^th through September 30^th. Read previous round-ups here.

From around the world…

Decanter writes about an Oregon producer filing a lawsuit over pesticide drift.

Harper’s UK writes about UK marketing efforts helping to boost exports of Oregon wine.

Canada Metro writes about Oregon wine.

The Drinks Business writes about Chehalem Wines.

Windsor Square (Toronto) asks what Washington’s signature variety is.

The Montreal Gazette writes about the Kung Fu Girl Riesling.


From around the country…

Wine Spectator writes about a new project from Christophe Baron. They also write about Dunham Cellars one year later and about Judy Jordan buying two Willamette Valley properties.

The Press Democrat writes about Ted Baseler and the Pacific Northwest migration.

The LA Daily News writes about wining and dining in the Willamette Valley.

D Magazine writes about the Stoller Family Rose. They also write about Washington wine.

Shanken Daily News writes about Oregon on the rise. They also write about Precept’s Washington portfolio driving growth.

The Chicago Daily Herald says to let Washington State Riesling be your go-to for any cuisine.

Zagat gives five wine picks from Charles Smith.

Forbes writes about Amazon selling wine. They also write about The Allison.

The San Jose Mercury News writes about non-traditional red blends, with a callout to Buty.

The Reading Eagle writes about a trip to Oregon.

CNN writes about 10 up and coming wine regions, with a callout to Walla Walla.

Durham Region says Washington State produces excellent wine.

The Wall Street Journal write about the quest for well-priced domestic Pinot Noir.

Fortune writes about Passing Time.

SC Times writes about Jones of Washington.

Dayton Business Journal writes that the Northwest abounds with great wine.

The San Francisco Chronicle writes about rose with a callout to Charles and Charles and K Vintners. They also write about the purchase of Chehalem Mountain Vineyard.

Sports Illustrated writes about Passing Time.

USA Today Charles Smith’s new Seattle facility.

The Washington Post writes about five Oregon wines to try.

The Lacrosse Tribune writes about the Two Vines Shiraz.

Duluth News Tribune writes about Walla Walla wineries.

Architectural Digest writes about Charles Smith’s new Seattle facility.

Upstart Business Journal writes about pairing lawyers and wine.


From the blogosphere…

Jameson Fink talks with Seven Hills Winery. He also write about the Raptor Ridge Tempranillo and the Brick House Chardonnay. 

Great Northwest Wine writes about whether the Walla Walla Valley is Washington or Oregon (including a podcast with yours truly), Stoller adding winemakers, the passing of Cole Danehower, Oregon’s bumper crop in 2014,

 Seven Hills Winery. They also write about Washington Merlot, Gordon Estate, Washington Grenache, Co Dinn, Red Mountain’s new director, Naked Wines new label, Auclair Winery, Freddy Arredondo at Cave B, grieving the passing of Eric Dunham, Dunham Cellars, a new study of Walla Walla Valley vineyards, Jones of Washington, Baer Winery, a wildfire destroying a Lake Chelan winery, Tertulia Cellars, and the Auction of Washington Wines.

Seattle Refined writes about Seattle’s urban wineries. They also write that Georgetown and SoDo are now wine neighborhoods.

Wine-searcher.com writes about Willamette Valley Vineyards offering an investment opportunity, that 2015 could be another record year for Washington, and that 2015 could redefine Oregon’s wine industry.

Snooth writes about Willamette Valley Chardonnay.

Lucha Vino writes about Washington Mourvedre vs Monastrell.

Go Local PDX writes about Sokol Blosser.

Palate Press writes about five Oregon wineries with restaurants.

Paste writes about Woodinville wineries.

Go Local Worcester writes about Hedges.

Table Talk writes about harvest beginning at Ste. Michelle.

Vinography writes about Vinum Ferus.

Wild 4 Washington Wine gives a September update.

Write for Wine writes about Columbia Crest. Margot also writes about Charles Smith’s Jet City facility.

The Examiner writes about wine tasting at the foot of the Cascades.

Woodinville Wine Update writes about a new tap room at Village Wines.

Zinfandel Chronicles writes about the 2006 Cayuse Flying Pig. Tom also writes about the Fall Force Majeure releases, Betz Fall releases, Lauren Ashton Roussanne, and the 2004 Woodward Canyon Old Vines Cabernet.


From the locals…

Seattle Metropolitan (articles by yours truly) writes about Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling, the Gorman Old Scratch Cabernet, Hogue Gewurztraminer, Milbrandt Pinot Gris, Two Vintners Syrah, and Mercer Sauvignon Blanc.

The Yakima Herald writes about the early harvest. They also write that the grape crop could set another record, the fast and furious harvest, and that the math of wine grapes is not always easy.

The Register Guard writes about Oregon’s record breaking year in 2014. They also write about Abacela and say the Oregon won’t become the Napa of the north.

The Seattle Times writes about Walla Walla. They also write about Dick Boushey.

The Tri-City Herald writes about inexpensive reds.

Oregon Live asks whether 2014 was Oregon’s best year. They also write about the rise of Oregon winemaking, that forsaking the status quo leads to success, and the best of the best of the Willamette Valley.

KPLU says so many wines, so little time.

The Portland Business Journal remembers Cole Danehower. They also write about Argyle opening a new tasting room and how climate change could hike the price of your Pinot Noir.

The Statesman Journal writes about Willamette Valley Vineyards raising $6M. They also write that harvest starts with the bar set high and about a new Elton winery.

Good Fruit Grower writes about Derek Way, previously of Sagemoor, moving to China. They also say to embrace wine diversity, selling lesser known wines, tannins from vine to wine, and the growth of the Washington wine industry.

The Puget Sound Business Journal writes about the Auction of Washington Wines raising a record amount of money.

The Yakima Herald writes about King County cracking down on tasting rooms. They also write about fortified wines.

The News Register writes about drought in Oregon. They also write about the early harvest.

The Bellingham Herald writes about Coach House Cellars. They also write about Winter’s Hill Estate, wildfires, North Central wineries, and La Chanterrelle.

The Mail Tribune writes about the Southern Oregon wine industry.

The Columbian writes about Oregon’s record breaking year in 2014. They also write about crush and a Battle Ground vineyard.

Capital Press writes that Oregon’s harvest is off to an early start. They also write about Cody Wright, Washington’s early harvest, Wilridge, and Vitis Ridge.

KMRT writes that Oregon is expecting a historic year.

KING 5 writes about a tour through Washington’s first vineyards (with video). They also write about The Rocks.

WSU News says students and grapes converge on the new Wine Science Center. They also write about a donated wine sorter and about the growing Washington wine industry.

The Ballard News Tribune writes about Carter-Lamour.

KNDO writes that smoke from wildfires isn’t keeping tourists away. They also write that Yakima Valley tourism is expected to grow this fall.

The Mercer Island Reporter writes about rosé.

Oregon Wine Press writes about reducing pests using thermaculture. They also write about David Hill celebrating 50 years, Panther Creek, catering in wine country, and the Burgundy challenge.

The News Tribune writes about Chelan wineries feeling the effects of wildfires.

Eugene Daily News writes about Oregon vintners experimenting with Italian varieties.

The Seattle Weekly asks whether east coast wineries will embrace Washington wines.

The Portland Tribune writes about the growth of the Oregon wine industry.

Growing Produce writes about Washington’s early harvest.

Lake Oswego Preview writes about Bill Fuller.

The Guardian writes about Oregon’s first black winemaker.

The CDA Press writes about wine camp. Read part two.

The Spokesman Review writes about local vintners crafting wines with local crops.

The Kitsap Sun writes about assessing a vintage.

NR Today writes about the Southern Oregon Wine Institute.

KPTV writes about Oregon’s warm growing season and early harvest.

KEPRTV writes about grapes arriving at the Wine Science Center.


That's all folks!

In a triumphant return, a round-up of articles on Northwest wine from October 1^st to 14^th 2015. Read previous round-ups here.

From around the world…

Australia Business Insider recommends visiting the Willamette Valley.


From around the country…

Wine Spectator writes that Charles Smith makes it in Seattle.

The Wall Street Journal writes about what goes on in a wine tasting room through the eyes of Chateau Ste Michelle.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune writes about the 2013 Charles & Charles Cabernet-Syrah.

Anchorage Press writes about Merlot with a callout to Chinook.

The Modesto Bee writes about red blends with a callout to Sagelands.

The Augusta Chronicle writes about Hedges 2011 Estate wine.

The Colorado Gazette says Washington offers wine for any budget.


From the blogosphere…

Vindulge writes about what Cole Danehower did for her as a wine writer.

Great Northwest Wine writes about Washington closing in on its hottest vintage ever. They also write about white wines from the Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition and succulent Syrah.

The Wild Walla Walla Wine Woman writes about the 2012 Sleight of Hand Spellbinder.

Financialbio.com writes about an insider buy of Willamette Valley Vineyards stock.

Wagon Wine writes about the movie American Wine Story.

Washington Examiner writes about screwtop wines at a state dinner.

Write for Wine writes about the Taste of Tulalip.

Zinfandel Chronicles writes about the 2008 Betz La Cote Rousse.

Northwest Wine Anthem writes about Durant Vineyards.

Wild 4 Washington Wine writes about Dunham Cellars.


From the locals…

Seattle Metropolitan writes about the Airfield Estates Viognier and Late Harvest Riesling (recommendations by yours truly).

The Seattle Tmes writes about Lewis and Clark Valley making a wine comeback.

KEPR TV writes about a friendly winery wager to benefit wildfire victims.

The Lake Oswego Review writes about David Hill.

Good Fruit Grower writes about the art of talking about tannins.

The Bellingham Herald writes about Washington Chardonnay.

The Seattle Times writes about Lewis and Clark Valley.

KIMA TV writes about Catch the Crush in Yakima Valley.

The Yamhill News Register writes that a warmer than average winter is expected.

KVEW TV writes about Catch the Crush.

The Yakima Herald writes about Wineglass Cellars closing their winery. They also write about Washington Chardonnays continuing to gain in popularity.

Capital Press writes about eastern Oregon growers adapting to years of drought.


That’s all folks!

Our weekly Harvest 2015 Pic of the Vine comes from the Yakima Valley. Resident photographer Richard Duval captured a colorful morning’s harvest of Sangiovese at Paradisos del Sol, led by winegrower Paul Vandenberg.

Click on the picture to see a larger image. Enjoy!

Resident photographer Richard Duval captured winemaker Kevin Correll of Barrage Cellars strapping down two tons of Cabernet Franc grapes just picked from Yakima's famed Red Willow vineyard! Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Enjoy!

The September/October issue of Vineyard and Winery Management Magazine has an article I wrote on Washington's new Wine Science Center. You can read the article here (Note: Opens .pdf). Additionally, as previously noted, the September issue of Seattle Metropolitan contains this year's Top 100 Washington wines article.

Our weekly Pic of the Vine, Harvest 2015 as captured by resident photographer Richard Duval is of Syrah from Force Majeure's estate vineyard. Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Enjoy!

The September issue of Seattle Metropolitan magazine which contains this year's Top 100 Washington wines is now available on-line. You can read the introduction to the article here. As in recent years, the list is broken down into various sub-lists. These are:

Top 10 wines
Top Bordeaux-style blends
Top Grenache
Top Syrah
Top Merlot
Top Cabernet Sauvignon
Top White Wines
Top Malbec
The Wild West
Top Red Blends
Wines with a Sense of Place
Cellar-worthy Reds
Bubbles, Dessert, and Methodology

Enjoy!

Our weekly Pic of the Vine, Harvest 2015 as captured by resident photographer Richard Duval comes from an early morning pick of Merlot grapes at Sagemoor Vineyard. Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Enjoy!

Harvest has begun with a bang as the unseasonably warm weather this growing season has accelerated the ripening process. It's a time of great anticipation and frenzied energy both for wineries and for contributing photographer Richard Duval. He plans to criss cross wine communities from Whidbey to Walla Walla with camera at the ready this harvest - so much so that we're shifting the Pic of the Vine to a weekly post throughout harvest and crush.

"For the next six weeks, I'll capture scenes of joy and a bit of anxiety as winemakers and growers hustle to beat the clock and bring in grapes," Duval said.

Today's image is of freshly harvested Tempranillo, captured August 31st from Dineen Vineyard in Yakima Valley. Click on the picture to see a larger image. Enjoy!

The September issue of Seattle Metropolitan magazine is now in stores and features this year's list of the Top 100 Washington wines.

A few words about how I compiled the list this year. As stated in the article, wineries were allowed to send in a maximum of five wines, one in each of the following categories: one $15 or less; one $25 or less; one $25–$50; one $50 or higher; and one white wine of any price. Alternately, if wineries were submitting in only one category, they could submit two wines. Wines were then rated and were subsequently ranked in various sublists based on score, price, and overall excitement about the wine.

Due to the large number of submissions - more than 1,000 wines - and also the high quality of the 2012 vintage, there were a (very) large number of exceptional wines that did not make this year's list. This year simply has an embarrassment of riches in Washington.

The list will be available on-line shortly. Enjoy!

A round-up of stories on Northwest wine from August 1^st to 14^th 2015. Read previous round-ups here.

From around the country…

Wines & Vines writes about Washington wineries gearing up for harvest.

Asbury Park Press writes about Pursued by Bear.

Wine Spectator writes about wineries fighting back on Illinois lawsuits. They also write about Willamette Valley Vineyards filing a suit over herbicide drift.

The Bradenton Herald (Florida) recommends wines with a callout to Charles & Charles.

Forbes recommends the Abacela Albarino.

Wine Business.com writes about Bill Fuller’s return to winemaking. They also write about the start of harvest in Washington.


From the blogosphere...

Jameson Fink gives a podcast about Passing Time. He also writes about cool Oregon Pinot Gris.

The Daily Meal writes about Grochau Cellars. They also write about Charles Smith’s new Seattle facility.

Great Northwest Wine writes about the Picnic and Barrel Auction. They also write about new ownership at Bainbridge Vineyards, Hamilton Cellars, Basalt Cellars, a new Washington wine connection to China, the historically early wine grape harvest, and Panther Cellars.

Write for Wine writes about seven Washington Cabernets.

Seattle Refined gives updates on the Washington wine world.

Zinfandel Chronicles gives 2015 mailing list power rankings. Tom also writes about the 2006 Cayuse En Chamberlain Syrah and the 2003 Betz Pere de Famille.

Lucha Vino compares a Syrah from Washington to one from Hermitage.

Woodinville Wine Update writes about Washington Wine Month.

Wild 4 Washington Wine writes about Hedges.

Uncorked Ventures writes about a week in Walla Walla. They also write about the Amity Vineyards Dry Gewurztraminer.

The Examiner writes about a Yakima Valley wine road trip.


From the locals…

Northwest Public Radio writes about wild yeast.

The Bellingham Herald writes about Woodward Canyon. They also write about Matthews Winery.

Oregon Wine Press gives news briefs.  They also write about going LIVE, Merlot and behold, Walla Walla Valley’s Community College culinary competition, and Naked Winery.

The Yakima Herald writes about Thurston Wolfe. They also write about the early grape harvest.

Pamplin Media writes about minority winemakers.

The Tri-city Herald writes about Australia looking to import Washington wine.

Seattle Metropolitan recommends Tenet Wines. They also write about the Eroica Gold (both articles by yours truly).

KIRO writes about Woodinville residents filing complaints over ‘rogue’ tasting rooms.

KING 5 writes about the Auction of Washington Wines honoring DeLille. They also write about Charles Smith’s new winery facility in Seattle and how Ste. Michelle got its start.

KNDO also writes about Australia importing Washington wines. They also write about the early grape harvest.

The Seattle Times writes about older Washington wines.

The Yakima Herald writes about Woodward Canyon.

The Idaho Statesman says to plan a trip to Walla Walla.

Thurston Talk writes about Westport Winery selecting a new head winemaker.

The Mail Tribune writes about custom crush: the next generation.

Seattle Magazine writes about its wine issue.

The Spokesman Review writes about Matthews Winery.

The Seattle Times writes about Charles Smith’s new Seattle facility.

The Statesman Journal writes about where to wine, dine, and recline in the Willamette Valley.

Oregon Live writes about Trisaetum.


That's all folks!

Harvest has begun in Washington with Treveri Cellars - a sparkling wine producer - bringing in 18 tons of Chardonnay from the Zillah area this morning. Christian Grieb, winemaker and senior vice president of sales at Treveri, reported that the grapes were at 18.6 Brix. "Some of the berries were already showing some amber color to them!" he exclaimed. "Quite shocking considering this is August 7th."

This is the earliest Grieb's father ever recalled picking fruit in 30 years of winemaking in Washington. "Consider that Mumm just started picking on July 31st," Grieb said. "It's almost California-like this year." The same vineyard Treveri received fruit from today was picked on September 5th last year, almost a full month later. Other sites the winery works with are two to three weeks ahead of 2014, which was also a warm year (see 2015 Growing Degree Days here). Let the harvest season begin!

Picture courtesy of Treveri Cellars.

A round-up of stories on Northwest wine from July 22^nd 2031^st 2015. Read previous round-ups here.

From around the world…

The Guardian writes about the top 10 bike friendly wine routes, with a callout to the Willamette Valley.


From around the country…

Wine Spectator writes about Charles Smith’s new Seattle winery facility. They also write about Courtney Lease of Wild Ginger.

Greenville News writes about Pinot Camp.

T Magazine writes about what to do in Seattle through the eyes of Charles Smith.

The Napa Valley Register writes about Jackson Family’s West Burgundy Wine Group.

The San Luis Obispo Tribune writes about Willamette Valley’s growing prominence.


From the blogosphere…

Seattle Eater writes about Charles Smith’s Jet City facility.

Great Northwest Wine writes about Forgeron’s Anvil wines. They also write about Pike & Western, Gordon Estate, Charles Smith’s Georgetown facility, winemakers prepping for an early harvest, Hedges, and Ken Wright restoring his relationship with Panther Creek.

NW Wine Anthem writes about wine for the end of the world.

Aginfo.net writes about legends of wine.

Table Talk Northwest writes about Charles Smith’s new Seattle facility.

Seattle Refined writes about Charles Smith’s new Seattle facility.

Write for Wine writes about Chihuly and Ste Michelle.

Woodinville Wine Update writes about upcoming events. Shona also writes about the Winemaker Gala at the Auction of Washington Wines, the Winemaker Dinner Series and the Picnic and Barrel Auction.

Wagon Wine gives a news update and some bottle notes.

Vindulge recommends the Hedges Syrah with smoked pork ribs with Asian spice rub.


From the locals…

Seattle Metropolitan (article by yours truly) recommends the EFESTE 2014 Oldfield Vineyard Rosé.

The Stranger writes about Charles Smith’s new Seattle-area facility.

Seattle Weekly writes about Charles Smith’s new facility.

The Seattle Times writes about the Puget Sound appellation. They also write about 14 Hands.

WSU News writes about grapevine fungus.

The Statesman Journal writes about Willamette Valley Vineyards suing Five Cent Farm. They also write that farmers are seeing impacts from the hot, dry season.

The Spokesman Review writes about Merlot.

Oregon Live.com writes about urban winemakers heading to the hills. They also write about herbicide drift affecting Oregon growers.

KOMO News writes about the new Wine Science Center.

The Newberg Graphic writes about history as told by a wine insider.

The Portland Business Journal writes about the SE Wine Collective.

Capital Press writes that identifying grapevine fungus might help fight disease.

The Bellingham Herald writes about Thurston Wolfe.

The Squamish Chief writes about wine with a song.


That’s all folks!