Chris Upchurch, Executive Winemaker at DeLille Cellars & Upchurch Vineyards

In Washington state, the names Chris Upchurch and DeLille Cellars rarely need an introduction. Chris is a wine-making legend and if you are new to his wines, you are in for a premium tasting experience. In this episode, he shares the stories about his part in founding the distinguished DeLille Cellars, his family’s sustainable vineyard and Upchurch label and his thoughts about the history and future of Washington’s wine industry.

Visit DeLille Cellars
Visit Upchurch Vineyard
Visit Maison DeLille Wine Lounge

Taste Washington 2018

Taste WA is the most EPIC wine event in the state and we only had time to attend the two-day Grand Tasting—VIP, of course. How did we survive with 230 wineries in attendance? Focus! Our mission was to taste wines and get to know wineries we were not as familiar with … and eat all the food. We highlight our favorites so check out the list below to explore these Washington beauties yourself.

Upchurch family at the Vineyards (from left to right, Kelsey, Chris and Theodora)

DeLille Cellars, Woodinville, WA members’ room

DeLille Cellars, Woodinville, WA 20th Anniversary

Incredible DeLille Cellars tasting line-up of 90 and up point wines.

Taste WA 2018 wine barrel wall

Jones of Washington at Taste WA 2018 by Victor Palencia

JB Neufeld wines at Taste WA 2018. Old Goat is amazing and so is the label.

Owen Roe wines at Taste WA 2018 are beautifully designed.

Gorgeous cake at Taste WA 2018

Eleven Winery from Bainbridge at Taste WA 2018 has a gorgeous line-up.

MERF Wines at Taste WA 2018 by David Merfeld. Probably the “coolest” wine branding.

Scrumptious creamery at Taste WA 2018 by Shug’s Soda Fountain & Ice Cream.

It doesn’t get badassier than this. Structure Cellars at Taste WA 2018, baby!

Kiona Vineyard wines at Taste WA 2018—providing some of the best fruit in WA and some of the best wine.

Awesome packaging from Two Mountain Winery—2017 Rosé at Taste WA 2018.

Wines we loved at Taste WA 2018

Alexandria Nicole Cellars

2015 Jet Black Syrah
We hope Washington State gets its butt in gear and allows more wine on tap because this one was ON TAP. We also enjoy the bottled version.

Visit Alexandria Nicole Cellars

Ambassador Wines of Washington

2104 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon  |  2014 Estate Syrah
Both are from Red Mountain and the Syrah is (winery notes): Blackberry, cranberry, dried blueberry, Christmas spice, and a bit of worn leather and fresh vanilla. Just a touch of smoke, game and a slight touch of maple. A lot of rich fruit on the palate, which pairs nicely with a smoky, sweet spice. Full bodied with a perfectly structured finish.

Visit Ambassador Wines of Washington

Archeus

2015 Native Hand Syrah  |  2014 Four Birds Red Bordeaux Blend  |  2014 Scotsman Syrah

Visit Archeus

Barons Winery

2016 Sauvignon Blanc  |  2102 Cabernet Sauvignon  |  2013 Petit Barone Red Bordeaux Blend
The Sauvignon Blanc and Cab Sauv are both 90 pt wines. The Petit Barone is a great wine for the cost and we talk about it in Episode 4.

Visit Barons Winery

Barrister Winery

2014 Cabernet Franc
Barrister is located in Spokane and we still love their Cabernet Franc, as discussed in Episode 3.

Visit Barrister Winery

Basel Cellars

2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
This is one of the first vintages from Basel Cellars’ new winemaker, Dirk Brink. We are digging his style so look out for more coming this Fall.

Visit Basel Cellars

Buty Winery

2016 Merlot & Cabernet Franc
This winery, owned by Nina Buty, has us pretty excited. This one is jammy and elegant.

Visit Buty Winery

Cadence

2014 Bel Canto Red Bordeaux Blend
50% Cabernet Franc 38% Merlot, 12% Petit Verdot
Drink now or cellar for up to 15 years. We still have the first vintage in the cellar!

Visit Cadence

Cave B Estate Winery

2014 Caveman Red
This was the wine that first got Dave excited about Washington wine, so it was a pleasure to try the new vintage and realize that they’re still making a sub-twenty dollar wine that is this satisfying.

Visit Cave B Estate Winery

Cooper Wine Company

2015 Carménére
This is a waiting list-kind-of-wine. It will be worth it. And while you are waiting, check out the other amazing wines.

Visit Cooper Wine Company

Cote de Ciel

2014 Sangiovese
The 2014 season saw record breaking heat and created ideal conditions for this wine. Long and elegant finish, this one.

Visit Cote de Ciel

Elephant Seven Winery

2017 Blue Mountain Vineyard Viognier  |  2016 Grenache  |   2014 Yellow Bird Sarah
We love these guys who get their inspiration from the Elephant 6 Music Collective. Check out the detailed tasting banter on Episode 6 Bonus.

Visit Elephant Seven

Elsom Cellars

2011 Logan Malbec  |  2011 Isabella Red Blend 
The Logan Malbec is incredible and that the NEWEST release is a 2011. Good things come to those who wait.

Visit Elsom Cellars

Gård Vintners

2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
Get your Gård on and check out the detailed tasting banter on Episode 7 Bonus.

Visit Gard Vintners

JB Neufeld

2014 Old Goat Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
One of our favorite labels and wine of Taste WA 2018. It’s really, really good.

Visit JB Neufeld

Jones of Washington

2016 Estate Sauvignon Blanc
Beautiful Sauvignon Blanc and a consistent line-up from winemaker, Victor Palencia. Solid quality at great prices.

Visit Jones of Washington

Kiona Vineyards

2016 Red Rhone Blend  |  2015 Heritage Red Bordeaux Blend
Great wine from a highly regarded vineyard. The Red Rhone Blend is amazing.

Visit Kiona Vineyards

Martedi Winery

2014 Sangiovese
Martedi’s Sangiovese is one of the very best examples of this varietal in WA, if we do say so ourselves.

Visit Martedi Wines

MERF Wines

2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
MERF wines have good distribution at chain wine and spirits stores, grocery outlets and restaurants. We’ve enjoyed the Chardonnay as well!
Visit MERF Wines

Owen Roe

2015 Chapel Block Syrah  |  2015 Cabernet Sauvignon  |  2015 Rose Mystica Cabernet Franc
Solid line-up and some of our favorite branding and design.

Visit Owen Roe

Palencia Wine Company

2017 Monarcha Winery Pinot Noir  |   2013 El Viñador Cabernet Sauvignon
Strong line-up Mr Palencia! The El Viñador is bold with black cherry and chocolate and beautiful tannins.

Visit Palencia Wine Company

Structure Cellars

2015 “Foundation” Cabernet Franc
Solid line-up but Cab Franc was a stand out. Complex flavors, bold and smooth tannins.

Visit Structure Cellars

Upchurch Vineyard

2015 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Stand out wine of the Taste WA 2018. (93-95 points) Wines are member’s only so if you don’t currently have a membership or looking to add another, this would be an incredible one to choose.

Visit Upchurch Vineyard

Upsidedown Wine

2017 Rose of Nebbiolo  |  2014 Estate Red Rhone Blend  |  2015 Estate Red Bordeaux Blend
We’re really excited about Upsidedown as one of the wineries to watch for 2018. Buy their wine and giveback on every bottle sold!

Visit Upsidedown Wine