Seth and Audrey Kitzke, Upsidedown Wine | Kitzke Family Vineyards

A young duo is carving out vineyards and spectacularly crafted wines from Candy Mountain. If you haven’t heard of Candy Mountain, it’s not the place where Halloween sweets are churned out. This unique terroir in Richland, WA is the birthplace for the Seth and Audrey Kitzke’s family vines and will soon be granted AVA status.

In this episode, Seth opens up about his dream of being a professional snowboarder and his call to become a winemaker. He and his wife Audrey talk about the history of their label, Upsidedown Wine, giving back, their tasting room in Hood River, OR, and how they’ve built an engaging social media presence.

Watch Seth and Audrey’s Instagram story at @USdoingWine

Join the Movement and Drink Upsidedown

Upsidedown Wine gives back 20% of their net proceeds with every bottle sold. That’s generous for a boutique winery, but Seth and Audrey’s giving spirit is at the heart of this passion project. Become a member, and they are able to give back double. Sounds like a good deal—you get great wine from an emerging, talented winemaker and you can support organizations that fight human trafficking, help youth fight cancer, and animal rescue.

Join and Drink Upsidedown

2018 Wine Bloggers Conference, Walla Walla, WA

The Wine Bloggers Conference gathered citizen bloggers, industry writers, new media innovators, and wine industry members and has been going strong for 11 years. This year’s event was held at the iconic, Marcus Whitman Hotel and Conference Center located in Walla Walla’s historic downtown. Attendees dove deep into what makes the Walla Walla AVA one of the most desired growing areas in the world, dined with winemakers and chose from numerous learning sessions. In this packed episode, we share our experiences, tips for pairing food with bubbly, and recommendations of wines to try.* 

*See below for the wines we loved at the Wine Bloggers Conference

Upsidedown tasting room in charming Hood River, OR

Upsidedown Artist Series featuring artist, Stephanie Severance. 20% goes to partner organizations.

Sleek and chic tasting room in Hood River, OR

From grape to bottle. Check out the 2018 releases that give back to do good.

Seth Kitzke, winemaker for Upsidedown and Kitzke take us on a vineyard tour. He’s learned his craft from some of the best winemakers in Washington.

The Kitzke Vineyards grapes on Candy Mountain days before harvest.

Birds get snacky. Netting is necessary since there aren’t other vineyards to shoo them away to.

The granite deposits on Candy Mountain work their magic on the vines that thrive here.

Audrey Kitzke knows her priorities during a vineyard tour. Eat grapes. Drink wine.

Love is Louder than Cancer. www.theyoungandthebrave.com give back

It feels like home at Kitzke Family Vineyards tasting room. Literally.

Turk’s happy is was rescued by Seth and Audrey. Upsidedown Wine Rescue Rosé gives back to the Humane Society.

Turk helps Upsidedown make some wine, because they helped him. Give back and make a difference.

What is cuter than the Magical Wonders Behold PetNat unicorn label? Not much … perhaps Turk, their pup. ONLY for Club Members so, what are you waiting for?

Fight modern day slavery. Upsidedown Wine Instagram giveback to www.A21.com

Marcus Whitman Hotel—home of the 2018 Wine Bloggers Conference

The chic, old world charm of the Marcus Whitman Hotel

Our mystery winemaker dinner excursion led us by limo to a vineyard warehouse in the The Rocks AVA. The amazing hosts, Watermill Winery.

Bubble and Bites pairing exploration with Gloria Ferrer and let by NY sommelier, Sarah Tracy.

Cheeses of Europe and wine pairing with the #cheesetwins

Wines we loved from the 2018 Wine Bloggers Conference

Cà Maiol Lugana DOC ITALY

100% Trebbiano | Carefully selected grapes from the oldest vines of the Molino vineyard. The crushed grapes are then held in stainless steel tanks at a low temperature, a process called cryomaceration, to develop its flavor.
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2016 Bodegas As Laxas, Rias Baixas SPAIN

100% Albariño | Clear straw yellow color with green nuances. Fruity and floral aromas of apple, stone fruits, and apricot.
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Paco & Lola Albariño, SPAIN

Crisp with peach and nectarine flavors.
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2010 Gloria Ferrer Anniversary Cuvee

Blend | Rich and creamy with crème brûlée and stone fruit with a touch of ginger.
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2010 Bodegas LAN Gran Reserva, SPAIN

100% Tempranillo | Dark fruit, leather, spearmint with medium tannins that lead to a medium finish.
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2016 Bodegas LAN Edicion Limitada, SPAIN

100% Tempranillo | Black cherry, leather, rich earth, deep and satisfying with medium tannins and a long finish. (Could not find the 2016 readily available online)
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Gard Cellars 2015 Grand Klasse Reserve Roussanne

Inspired by the French Grand Cru wine, this is full-bodied and complex with a beautiful use of oak.
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L’Ecole No. 41 2017 Semillon

Flavors of apple and lemon and wonderfully balanced.
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Peter Yealands 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, NEW ZEALAND

Tropical fruit, crisp minerality
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