Episode 45 | Doug Tunnell of Brick House and the Ribbon Ridge AVA
Doug Tunnell
Winemaker & Grower, Brick House Vineyard
In this episode, you’ll meet Biodynamic winemaker Doug Tunnell of Brick House Vineyards, whose fascinating life has led him to produce some of the country’s most celebrated Pinot Noir.
Visit the Brick House Vineyard website
Ribbon Ridge AVA: Selected favorites
We recount part one of our epic trip to the Willamette Valley with a focus on the Ribbon Ridge nested-AVA, including several of the favorite wines, wineries, and winemakers we encountered, complete with must-try bottle recommendations, including:
Brick House — 2017 Evelyn’s Pinot (Pommard/Dijon clone): A nose that includes toffee and baking spices, and flavors of soy sauce, tomato paste, baked red fruits, tobacco, and shiitake mushroom.
Beaux Freres —The Beaux Freres Pinot Noir: Bright red strawberry and Creme Brûlée aromatics, followed by a deep, earthy expression of plum and dark cherries. Beaux Freres website
Utopia Vineyards — 2015 Dijon clone 777: Savory, rich, dark expression of pinot whose tannins have developed beautifully over time and are probably at peak. Utopia Vineyards website
Trisaetum Winery — 2017 Pashey Blanc de Blancs, Ribbon Ridge Estate: Fresh citrus and stone fruits on the nose, with a palate that displays enticing flavors of vanilla crème, apricot, and granny smith apple. Trisaetum website
Ayers Vineyard & Winery — 2016 Pioneer Dijon 667 Clone: Caramel nose, followed by a bright red cherry palette and a savory mid-palette featuring herbs, smoke, and wood. Ayers Vineyard website
Eminent Domaine — 2018 Estate Pinot Noir: Black cherry, black tea, baked fruits, and medium tannins. Eminent Domaine website
Visit the Ribbon Ridge AVA Winegrowers website
Episode 44 | Greg & Shae Frichette: Red Mountain’s winemaking power-couple
Greg and Shae Frichette
Winemakers, Frichette Winery
In this episode, we chat with Greg and Shae Frichette, a husband and wife winemaking duo. Hear how they changed their lives with a flip of a coin that landed them in the fabled Red Mountain AVA of Washington State where they planted an estate vineyard. We’ll also open some bottles of Frichette so you know what to expect from this iconic region. Plus, we discuss the new Alliance of Women in Washington Wine and make a few buying highlights from some of its members.
Visit Frichette Winery’s website
Frichette wines featured in this episode:
2018 Red Mountain Malbec: Deep, dark purple color with blackberry and blueberry on the nose. On the first sip, you may be overwhelmed by the boldness of the blackberry flavors which quickly take a turn to a ripe raspberry, and finally a hint of caramel on the finish.
2018 Punctual: This Cabernet Franc dominant blend features blueberry and caramel on the nose. On the palate: dark cherry, ripe raspberry, olive, and baking spices with a hint of caramel on the long finish.
2018 Quintessence Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon: The biggest, boldest wine from the Frichette 2018 vintage. Big blackberry and baking spices on the palate with a hint of caramel on the finish.
Alliance of Women in Washington Wine: Selected favorites
Goose Ridge Winery 2016 Syrah: Aged in a mix of French and American oak barrels, so you kind of get the best of both worlds there.
Cascadian Outfitters wines-in-a-can series: All good quality and portable for all your hiking trips, like the fun Cascadian Rainbow Rose Bubbles, with the Rainbow sasquatch on the label!
Columbia Winery 2018 Cabernet Franc: Sourced from the Alderridge Vineyard of the Horse Heaven Hills AVA.
Smak Wines: 2020 Spring Rosé
Make an individual donation to the Alliance
Episode 43 | The Louis M. Martini legacy and where Cabernet Sauvignon is king
Michael Eddy & Brenae Royal
Winemaker & Monte Rosso Vineyard Manager, Louis M. Martini
Winemaker Michael Eddy and Vineyard Manager Brenae Royal from California’s revered Louis M. Martini winery are preserving the legacy of one of California’s most esteemed wineries. Learn how Michael became only the fourth Director of Winemaking in the history of Louis M. Martini, and how Brenae became vineyard manager in record time at one of the oldest and most desirable Napa valley growing sites, the famed Monte Rosso Vineyard.
Explore and visit Louis M. Martini
Wine storage tips & our Washington Cabernet Sauvignon picks
We examine the aging, maturation, and drinking of Cabernet Sauvignon. When exactly is the right time to open those big, bold reds? Plus, we’ll list some of our favorite Cabs from Washington state.
Photographs courtesy of Louis M. Martini
Episode 42 | 2020—What a Year.
2020 and our Best Of in Wine
Don’t let 2020 kick you as you head out the door into 2021. We drank a lot of wine this year (didn’t we all?) and here’s our Best Of in Wine.
Yes, yes, we could have included DOZENS to this list like Cayuse, Horsepower, Passing Time, Force Majeure, etc. etc. but some of these beauties aren’t widely purchasable or they need to lay down for a while. So, this represents what came out of our wine cellar and online shopping that you can grab up too!
Plus, events, tasting rooms, virtual events, COVID, and more.
Top Tasters
Best White Wines—Two Vintners 2019 Grenache Blanc (WA) and Devision Vintners 2019 Sauvignon Blanc (WA)
Best Rosé—Sashay Wines 2019 Rosé by Shae Frichette (WA)
Best Orange Wines—Troon Vineyard 2019 Kubli Bench Amber (OR) and Two Vintners 2019 “From Mars” (WA)
Best “Unusual” Wine—Sabelli-Frisch 2018 Lanterna Flame Tokay (CA)
Best Pinot Noir—Joseph Swan Vineyards 2011 Pinot Noir Trenton Estate (CA) and Big Table Farm’s 2017 Sunnyside Pinot Noir (OR)
Best Syrah—Big Table Farm, 2016 Funk Estate Vineyard Syrah (OR) and Devison Vintners 2018 Beneath the Stones (WA)
Best Rhone Style Blends—2017 Clos St. Michel Chateauneuf-Du-Pape (FR) and Cairdeas Winery, the 2017 Caislean an Papa (WA)
Best “Right Bank” (Merlot/Merlot dominant)—2015 Chateau Rouget Pomerol (FR) and 2015 CheckMate End Game (BC)
Best Dessert Wine—Vista Alegre 40 year Tawny Port and Tildio Winery, 2018 Estate Port (WA)
Episode 41 | Tony Rynders: Master of Oregon Pinot Noir
Tony Rynders
Winemaker, Panther Creek Cellars
Panther Creek Cellar’s winemaker Tony Rynders has had a fascinating journey as a vintner, one that’s taken him from the Pacific Northwest to California and back again. Along this path, he’s garnered one of the more stellar reputations in the industry for creating award-winning Pinot Noir and unique white blends highly prized by fans of wines from Oregon state’s terroir. Dave & Sandi will discuss wineries with a presence in both Washington and Oregon, and reveal some of the wineries with cross state boundaries between Washington and Oregon, highlighting how our shared AVA’s (American Viticulture Area) inspire collaboration. Plus, they discuss their tasting notes of Panther Creek Cellars’ three single-vineyard Pinot Noirs and the Winemaker’s Cuveé.
Visit Panther Creek Cellars website
Episode 40 | Chef Aaron Tekulve redefines expectations at Surrell
Chef Aaron Tekulve
Owner and Chef of Surrell on Madison
Chef Aaron Tekulve is one of Seattle’s up-and-coming culinary superstars, and his new restaurant Surrell on Madison is not stopping because of COVID19. In fact, it’s one of the bright spots in the city’s dining landscape. Join us to hear his journey from rock drummer, to working at some of Seattle’s most celebrated restaurants, and to hosting red-hot pop-ups around town. Today, Chef Aaron pairs Washington wines with his unique brand of cuisine in a setting made safe for socially distanced dining.
We also share our fabulous dining experience and what you can expect from an evening with this rising star Chef.
Make reservations or order take-out at Surrell
Episode 39 | Auction of Washington Wines 2020 Honorees
Auction of Washington Wines 2020
Since its inception in 1988, the Auction of Washington Wines has raised more than $50 million, benefitting Seattle Children’s and Washington State University Wine Science Research. Events hosted by AWW give wine lovers the chance to support the Washington wine industry and families in our communities around the region. The 2020 Auction of Washington Wines events will take place August 13-15, so check out the best of Washington wine and get your virtual bids ready here!
Your 2020 Honorees
Honorary Chair, Karen MacNeil is considered America’s foremost wine presenter, author of the international best-seller, “The Wine Bible, “Emmy winner as host of the PBS series “Wine, Food and Friends with Karen MacNeil” and the first Food and Wine Editor of USA Today. She has also earned the distinguished title of “Wine Professional of the Year” from the James Beard Foundation. And TIME Magazine has called her “America’s Missionary of the Vine.” It’s a true honor to have her join us on Decanted.
Learn about wine from Karen
Honorary Vintner, Mark McNeilly, founded the Mark Ryan Winery in 1999, starting as a self-taught winemaker with a few tons of fruit in a friend’s garage. Mark Ryan Winery has earned critical national and international acclaim, due to Mark’s winemaking expertise and utilizing some of Washington’s finest fruit. He has created destination tasting rooms in Woodinville and Walla Walla and has made significant contributions to the Washington wine community for the past 20 years.
Visit Mark Ryan Winery
Honorary Grower, Rob Mercer, was born and raised in Prosser and the Horse Heaven Hills area, where his family has farmed for generations, leading to the first wine grape plantings in 1972. Rob and his team grow 25+ varieties over 3,000 acres in the Horse Heaven Hills and Columbia Valley AVAs and provide fruit for a multitude of wineries in Washington state, including his seven brands.
Taste the Mercer wines
Episode 38 | Anna Maria Ponzi: Pinot Girl to President
Anna Maria Ponzi
Owner, President and Sales & Marketing Director of Ponzi Vineyards | Author of Pinot Girl: A Family. A Region. An Industry.
Anna Maria Ponzi is at the helm of one of Oregon’s most influential and celebrated wineries. Her new memoir, Pinot Girl: A Family. A Region. An Industry. is a heartfelt account of the hard work, persistence, ingenuity, and collaboration it took to help establish this now famed wine region.
In this episode, she shares stories about the first harvest, what she learned working on the farm, leaving for college and returning home to run the family business.
Maria’s parents, Dick and Nancy Ponzi and other pioneering wine families were on a mission to grow the best Pinot Noir and risked it all to pursue their vision. They blazed a trail for the Oregon wine industry and its place on the global stage. Anna Maria, along with her sister and winemaker Luisa, have continued their parents’ legacy and firmly engraving their mark with award-winning vintages and a thriving community of fans.
2020 also marks the 50th anniversary of Ponzi Vineyards and she tastes through 3 bottles you should check out!
Shop Ponzi Vineyards
Uplevel your Oregon wine region knowledge
Take your Oregon wine industry geek-dom to the next level. Dave and Sandi provide a brief overview of its wine pioneer history, why its called Nested AVAs, some facts behind their bottle labeling, their most produced varietals and … did you know that Oregon had its own “Judgement of Paris?” Tune in to hear the results!
Willamette Valley AVA and its Nested AVAs
- Chehalem Mountains AVA
- Ribbon Ridge AVA (inside the Chehalem Mountains AVA
- Laurelwood District AVA (new)
- Tualatin Hills AVA (new)
- Dundee Hills AVA
- McMinnville AVA
- Yamhill-Carlton AVA
- Eola-Amity Hills AVA
- Van Duzer Corridor AVA
Southern Oregon AVA’s Nested AVA
- Umpqua AVA and its Nested AVAs
- Elkton AVA
- Red Hill Douglas County AVA
- Rogue Valley AVA and its Nested AVA:
- Applegate Valley AVA
Northern Oregon AVA’s Nested AVAs
- Columbia Valley AVA and its Nested AVA:
- Walla Walla Valley AVA & its Nested AVA:
- The Rocks District AVA
- Walla Walla Valley AVA & its Nested AVA:
- Columbia Gorge AVA
Eastern Oregon AVA and Nested AVA
- Snake River Valley AVA
Episode 37 | Andrew Latta exemplifies the Rhône in Washington
Andrew Latta
Owner | Winemaker, Latta Wines
Born and raised in Kentucky, Andrew Latta began his adventure into the wine world waiting tables. Andrew’s passion for wine skyrocketed and he became a sommelier and a wine director at a five-star-resort in Phuket, Thailand. Later, he went on to study winemaking in Walla Walla and stayed in Washington and landed the distinguished position of working side-by-side with Charles Smith for nearly 10 years. Today, he is the owner and winemaker at Latta Wines where he produces some of the best examples of Rhône style wines in Washington state.
Andrew’s second label, Kind Stranger, is inspired by turning toward others around us. Proceeds from these wines benefit Mary’s Place at the local level and globally, the International Rescue Committee.
Shop and visit Latta Wines
Contribute and make a difference John June Lewis, Sr. Scholarship Fund
Learn more and donate Northwest Community Bail Fund
Rhône Valley and Washington
Dave and Sandi describe the terroir of the Rhône Valley in France, the varietals and flavor profiles that make vino enthusiasts obsess over these wines. There are top Washington and Oregon producers who’ve taken inspiration and planted on similar terrain to capture the essence and beauty of this famed style.
Photography by Matt Sumi
Episode 36 | Peter Devison’s journey to Washington winemaking
Peter Devison
Owner | Winemaker, Devison Vineyards
Originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Peter Devison has journeyed around the globe to develop his skills as a winemaker, including stints in the service industry in British Columbia, an education in Enology, Christchurch, New Zealand, where he ended up working several harvests and eventually to Eastern Washington, where he entered our wine scene working for notable names like Vin du Lac, Tsillan Cellars, Waterbrook, Precept, Willow Crest, Alder Ridge Wines, Cadaretta and EFESTE. Peter has now joined with his wife Kelsey, a force in wine sales, marketing, and importing, to create their own Devison Vintners label.
Shop Devison Vintners
Special code for Decanted listeners: Use DECANTED at checkout for 10% off wines! (Valid until 6/21/20) The Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc and Beneath the Stones are … superb.
Great deals on Washington Wine abound
As a result of the Covid19 crisis, many wineries are finding creative ways to overcome the estimated 75% drop in revenue due to the interruption of regular tasting room operations. Many are offering unheard of deals, enhanced distribution and pick-up, special tasting packages, live Zoom tastings and education, by appointment winery visits, and innovative media outreach to entice consumers. Let’s show our wonderful industry our love by supporting your favorite wineries!
Episode 35 | Passing Time’s winning team
Damon Huard & Chris Peterson
Managing Partner | Winemaker
The Passing Time team is a winning combination. Damon Huard and Dan Marino—former Miami Dolphins quarterbacks—partnered with alluded winemaker, Chris Peterson with the goal to make some of the best Cabernet Sauvignons in Washington. Damon and Chris joined us in the studio and shared their journeys to wine, their connection with Horse Heaven Hills and why Passing Time needs to be in your cellar and on your table.
Visit and shop Passing Time
How you can support Washington State wineries
It’s tempting to think that we may be able to go back to business-as-usual in a couple of months, but the wine industry is likely going to have to continue to innovate how they sell their product, for a little longer. Wineries are offering curb-side pick ups, free or discounted shipping, hosting virtual tastings to connect to their fans, giving back to our first responders and partnering with chefs. Ordering online and shipping direct has never been easier and ensures essential vino to get us through this pandemic.
Episode 34 | Living a Legacy: Jason Gorski of DeLille Cellars
Jason Gorski
DeLille Cellars | Director of Winemaking and Viticulture
DeLille Cellars has been celebrated since its inception in 1992. Their Bordeaux and Rhone-style blends have earned them over 180 wines scored at 90+ points, totaling over 500 individual 90+ scores from leading critics, and was one of the first five wineries in Washington State to receive Robert Parker’s 5-star/Outstanding rating.
Jason Gorski leads the winemaking and viticulture helm at the new production facility and gorgeous tasting room in Woodinville, WA. He has earned numerous national and local awards, including a coveted position on the 2018 Wine Spectator Top 100 list for the 2015 Signature Syrah and recognition from Wine & Spirits “Top 100 Wineries of the World” awards for both 2017 and 2018.
Jason is guiding the legacy of DeLille with skill, attention to the detail and care for the people that help ensure DeLille will continue to be a leader in Washington’s and the world’s wine scenes.
Visit and shop DeLille Cellars
Bordeaux Basics
The region of Bordeaux is located in the southwest of France on the Atlantic coast. Near the city of Bordeaux, two rivers meet and form the Gironde estuary that flows out to the Atlantic. These rivers divide the landscape into three areas, the Left Bank, the Right Bank and the Entre Deux-Mers (between two rivers) which is situated in the middle of the two waterways.
We talk about the Big Six Bordeaux red varietals, the newly incorporated grapes due to climate change and the predominant white varietals. Bordeaux is famous for dry reds but they produce the finest dessert wines known as, “liquid gold” and we describe the general primary flavor profiles found in the region.
Episode 33 | Critic’s Choice: Sean P. Sullivan and Dr. Owen Bargreen
Sean P. Sullivan & Dr. Owen Bargreen
Sean P. Sullivan & Dr. Owen Bargreen, two of Washington State’s most revered reviewers, know what makes the Washington wine scene great. Sean has been exploring and reporting on his Washington Wine Report since 2005 and is a contributing editor at Wine Enthusiast Magazine. He also writes for Seattle Metropolitan, Washington Tasting Room, Washington State Wine and Touring Guide, and other publications.
Dr. Owen Bargreen, a Level 2 Sommelier in the Court of Master Sommeliers, is the founder and executive editor of the Washington Wine Blog, one of the most in-depth and well-organized resources for Washington, Oregon and California wine scenes. He’s been writing about wine for more than ten years, has reviewed thousands of wines from around the world, and also contributes reviews to International Wine Report.
Sean and Owen share how they taste and review wines, the best ways to expand your palate, current Washington wine trends and the most prevalent threat to wine . . . “cork taint.”
Explore the best of Washington, Oregon and California wine at Washington Wine Blog
Get to know an expert’s guide to Washington wine at Washington Wine Report and learn more about how Sean tastes wine in his article, How I taste wines for review at Wine Enthusiast.
Are all wine enclosures what they’re corked up to be?
“I look at cork taint as an existential threat,” says Sean Sullivan as recounts that approximately 3-6% of all wine has 2,4,6-tricloroanisole, a.k.a, TCA or cork taint.. There is no perfect enclosure for a wine bottle but technology provides winemakers with options to help eliminate this pesky mold. It is a common misconception that TCA forms from improper storage or from holding onto a wine for too long. In fact, TCA will be present at the time of bottling if the cork is inflected.
We discuss a few TCA-free options like technical cork (DIAM), synthetic cork (Nomacorc), screw top and the glass top. There is a romance with traditional cork, but next time you’re at a winery, ask if they use cork alternatives.
Sean P. Sullivan’s photograph is copyrighted and courtesy of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
Episode 32 | The Cellar Muse: Tanya Morning Star Darling
Tanya Morning Star Darling
Cellar Muse | Official Bourgogne Wines Ambassador
Tanya is an official Bourgogne Wine Ambassador, a faculty member at the Northwest Wine Academy, and educator for the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, Wine Scholar Guild and the Certified Specialist of Wine courses. Additionally, through Cellar Muse, she offers focused, 2-hour wine Masterclasses and exclusive study trips to France, Italy and Napa Valley.
If learning about wine, and all of its complexities seems challenging and intimidating, we assure you, you’re not alone. We realized that taking this journey of wine would be more meaningful with tangible knowledge under our belts. We enrolled in the Portland-based Wine & Spirits Archive WSET 2 certification course held at the Northwest Wine Academy. It was here that we first met, Tanya Morning Star Darling and experienced the exceptional way she connects with her students.
Level up your wine knowledge with Cellar Muse
Our guide to notable Pacific NW wine events
Washington State’s wine industry offers its enthusiasts a vast array of events that bring thousands together all the way to intimate, exclusive experiences. February and March specifically keeps us on our toes on a weekly basis. We give your an overview of the more notable 2020 events in our state along with two must-do internationally known ones on Oregon and Vancouver B.C.
So, get out your calendar and follow along!
Episode 31 | Brian Carter: The Perfect Blend
Brian Carter
Brian Carter Cellars
Brian Carter is one of the most influential winemakers in Washington and specifically known as the ‘Blend King.’ Brian has a 40-year career, including having spent time at the legendary Chateau Montelena in California (Judgement of Paris!). Brian Carter Cellars has been a fixture Woodinville since establishing his winery in 2006 and is expanding to the waterfront in Vancouver, WA. He has recently garnered the 2018 ‘Winery of Distinction’ at the 23rd Northwest Wine Summit and many ‘Best of Category’ and ‘Best of Show’ awards.
On this episode, Brian describes why it’s important to recognize a balanced wine and provides a fascinating education on native vs commercial yeast and their impact. He describes his love of sight blending, his current food and wine pairing favorites and more.
Visit Brian Carter Cellars
Champagne (… and beyond) 101
Get ready for the New Year with sparkling wines! During this month of celebration, we want you to learn more about Champagne and other sparkling wines. We quickly breakdown the types of sparkling wines out there in the world and the Traditional Method for making Champagne. And we help you understand the sparkling styles you’ll find on bottle labels and what they mean.
Get Kramer Vineyards 2018 Celebrate Müller-Thurgau
Hand harvested, foot crushed, and pressed. Delicate aromatics with flavors of lime, green apple, passion fruit, white peach, and a hint of grass and minerality. Truly unique!
Get Montinore Estate NV Vivacé
Beautiful white wine blend of estate-grown Gewürztraminer, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Gris and Riesling
Get Lucien Albrecht Cremant D’Alsace, Brut Rosé
Consistently good and pairs with a wider variety of food.
Get Barbier Louvet, L’Héritage du Serge Brut Premier Cru Champagne
A full bodied Brut. with a golden color and ripe apple aromatics. A great Champagne for the price.
Learn more about André Jacquart Brut Expérience 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs Champagne
André Jacquart is a true “grower Champagne” – run by the 5th generation, the Domaine encompasses 24 hectares of vines in the Côte de Blancs. This 100% Chardonnay is vinified in a combination of stainless steel and old oak barrels. The wine is aged for 5 years on the lees before disgorgement.
Thank you, Taub Family Companies for sending us samples of sparkling wine from Champagne,the Loire Valley, Alsace, Italy and Spain.
Episode 30 | Charlie & Will Hoppes: A Red Mountain Legacy
Charlie & Will Hoppes
1st and 2nd generation winemakers, Fidelitas | Wine Boss
This episode is Part 2 about the heralded Red Mountain AVA and the generational stories that carry these wines into the future.
2019 marked Charlie Hoppes’ 32nd vintage in Washington State—and a wine making enterprise he and his son, Will Hoppes, now share together. Charlie has a storied journey having worked with Mike Januik, Waterbrook Winery, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Col Solare, and Three Rivers Winery before founding Fidelitas on Red Mountain.
Will heads up the Woodinville tasting room and he joined his father this year in the vineyards and cellar. Together, they are building a multi-generational team whose best vintages are yet to come.
Visit Fidelitas on Red Mountain
Visit Fidelitas in Woodinville
Red Mountain: A premier wine destination
Plan your trip to the Red Mountain wine destination here. Don’t miss Episode 29 for Part 1 where you’ll hear about our stay at The Lodge at Columbia Point, our interview with one of the people who started it all, John Williams, along with 3rd generation winemaker Tyler Williams. Plus our wineries to check out on your trip like the French inspired estate, Hedges Family Vineyards, Hightower and Tapteil.
Visit Hamilton Cellars
Visit Anelare
Visit Upchurch Vineyard
Visit Frichette Winery
Visit Purple Star
Thank you, Erin Osborne, President of Osborne Northwest Public Relations, a boutique PR agency specializing in lifestyle and hospitality public relations. AND thank you to Alicia Brown, the Executive Director of The Red Mountain AVA Alliance for helping to arrange the weekend’s events.
Episode 29 | Red Mountain’s vine pioneers—then and now
Tyler and John Williams
3rd and 1st generation winemakers | Kiona Vineyards & Winery
This episode is Part 1 of 2 about the heralded Red Mountain AVA and the generational stories that carry these wines into the future.
To pinpoint the origins of Red Mountain, you’ll need go back as far as 1961. That’s when GE employees John Williams and Jim Holmes met and struck up a friendship around their mutual appreciation of wine. By 1965, they had begun a side education with Washington wine legend Dr. Walter Clore, who planted the seed in their heads that Red Mountain was prime vineyard material.
By 1972, John and Jim had purchased land on Red Mountain, ignoring the jibes of those that thought they were crazy. Looking back, it did seem like a leap to invest in what resembled a dusty desert only suitable for growing sagebrush. Fortunately for wine lovers, they didn’t listen to the nay-sayers and planted the first Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling and Chardonnay on the mountain.
Kiona has been making wine since 1980 with John’s son Scott who followed his father as Vineyard Manager and Winemaker. Scott’s sons also joined the family business, with JJ taking the role of Director of Operations and most recently, Tyler taking on every aspect of winemaking.
Visit Kiona Vineyards
Red Mountain: Your next wine destination
Red Mountain is 15 minutes away from Richland, WA and may be the smallest AVA is Washington, but it’s full of more adventures and award-winning wines than visitors can experience in one day. Listen to our journey through this prized wine growing region’s must-see tasting rooms, nearby restaurants and the stories that started it all.
Plan your trip to Red Mountain wineries here.
Visit Hightower Cellars
Visit Hedges Family Estate
Visit Tapteil Vineyards
Book your stay at The Lodge at Columbia Point
Thank you, Erin Osborne, President of Osborne Northwest Public Relations, a boutique PR agency specializing in lifestyle and hospitality public relations. AND thank you to Alicia Brown, the Executive Director of The Red Mountain AVA Alliance for helping to arrange the weekend’s events.
Episode 28 | Winemaker Kerry Shiels joins the best of Washington for a cause
Kerry Shiels
Côte Bonneville | DuBrul Vineyard
Kerry gained experience in all areas of winemaking in California, Argentina and Australia before coming home to her family roots at DuBrul Vineyard. Fruit from this prestigious acreage and her gift of finesse delivers a bold elegance to her Côte Bonneville and Train Station labels. Kerry talks to us about her upcoming wines, her love the Mosel region of Germany and the ultimate wine cruise she has planned for YOU!
Visit Côte Bonneville
The Auction of Washington Wines set record-breaking generosity
Auction of Washington Wines celebrated its 32nd annual weekend of charitable wine events August 15 – 17, 2019, raising over $4.5 million and hitting a new milestone for the second year in a row.
Over 200 winemakers, vintners and growers attended the events over the course of three days to celebrate, pour wines and offer wine-focused auction lots to help achieve this goal. “The Washington wine industry and its community are the perfect pair for this annual event, which had a new, palpable energy this year that attracted a vibrant audience, including veteran attendees and newcomers alike,” said Executive Director of AWW, Jamie Peha.
Press Release—Auction of Washington Wines
Photography @Andrea Johnson & courtesy of Côte Bonneville
Private Barrel Auction lightening interviews
The Auction of Washington Wine’s Private Barrel Auction is an exclusive event that showcases the best Washington winemakers to raise money for Seattle Children’s and WSU Viticulture and Enology program. We whisked away Chris Peterson, Kevin White and Erica Orr down to a dimly lit cellar room at Novelty Hill Januik for lightening interviews. One question on the top of our minds— ”What does being a part of the Auction of Washington Wine mean to you?”
Chris Peterson
Avennia | Liminal Wine | Passing Time
Chris was named the 2017 “Winemaker of the Year” by Seattle Magazine and has helped to raise Washington’s national recognition within the industry. His most notable position was working alongside Chris Upchurch at DeLille Cellars for eight years until he co-founded Avennia.
Learn more about the new and exciting, Liminal
Buy directly from Avennia
Kevin White
Kevin White Winery
Kevin was named “Winemaker to Watch” in 2015 and “Best Emerging Winery” in 2018 by Seattle Magazine. You understand why at first taste. He focuses primarily on Rhone varietals like Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedré from the higher elevation vineyards in the Yakima Valley AVA.
Buy directly from Kevin White Winery
Erica Orr
Baer Winery | Orr Wines
Erica earned her Master’s Degree from UC Davis and a biochemistry degree from UC Berkeley and has been working in the wine industry since 1998. Erica has been an independent winemaking consult working with wineries like Baer Winery, Mark Ryan, Guardian Cellars and Sparkman—garnering aclaim for her knowledge and talent.
Buy directly from Baer Winery
Find Orr Wines
Episode 27 | Where Washington and Spain meet
Javier Alfonso
Idilico | Pomum Cellars
Javier Alfonso grew up in Spain’s Ribera de Duero on a small family vineyard. Find out his journey from one of the best wine regions in the world to a winemaker and grower in Washington State. Hear how he thought he left his childhood vineyard life behind for an aerospace engineering, only to have it call him back. He also shares the long process of getting his Spanish Tempranillo clones into the US and how the demand for clay amphoras has left a world-wide wait list.
Visit Idilico and Pomum Cellars
Albariño blind tasting challenge: Washington vs. Rias Baixas
Albariño is one of the many great white wines you should be drinking this summer. Learn how it’s unique and what foods make it sing. Then we reveal the results of our Albariño blind tasting! We wondered, could Washington State hold up to the the Albariño masters of the world, Rias Baixas in Spain, and how different or similar would we be in comparison?
Learn more about Rias Baixas Albariño or find where to buy
Thank you, Stefanie Schwalb, Senior Content Manager at GREGORY + VINE for providing selections of Albariño from Rias Baixas.
FOOD PAIRING & RECIPE
Sole with Albariño sauce
Ingredients
- 2 whole sole
- ½ onion
- bay leaves
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 glass of Albariño wine
- olive oil
- freshly squeezed lemon juice
- salt
Method
Clean the sole, cut the fillets and set the bones aside. In a pan, mix the fish bones with 1 glass of Albariño wine, ½ an onion, 1 bay leaf and 1 clove of garlic and gently cook on low for 15 minutes before draining through a sieve.
Put the fillets in the oven with a few drops of oil and lemon juice. Let them cook for 5 minutes on medium heat and then pour over the Albariño stock.
When the stock starts to simmer, remove the fish from the oven and serve.
Find more Albariño food pairings here.
Episode 46 | Drew Voit of Harper Voit Wines and Willamette Valley AVA
Drew Voit
Winemaker, Harper Voit Wines
In this episode, we’re pleased to welcome winemaker Drew Voit, whose career in Oregon’s wine scene has made him sought after by both consumers and wineries alike for his skill in producing notable wines from the Willamette and beyond.
Visit the Brick House Vineyard website
Willamette Valley AVA: Selected favorites
In part two of our epic trip to the Willamette Valley, we get deep into the heart of this AVA and learn that Pinot Noir, and stunning white wines from this region, come in many unique forms, including the don’t-miss wineries and wines we discovered there:
Bells Up — 2020 Jupiter Pinot Noir (Chehalem Mountains AVA): Nearly equal parts heritage clone Pommard and Dijon clone 667– Jupiter showcases aromatics of caramel and red flowers, with guava and pomegranate on the palate. Bells Up Winery
Lenné Estate Winery — 2017 South Slope Select Pinot Noir (Yamhill-Carlton AVA): Pommard and Dijon 115 clones go into this excellent Pinot Noir, with a savory expression that includes notes of black cherry and vanilla mocha, wood, and a grounded earthiness. Purchase at Lenne’s website
Roots — 2012 Racine (Yamhill-Carlton): Savory, rich expression of Pinot Noir with bright fruit and mellow tannins. Buy here
Stoller Family Estate — 2017 Reserve Pinot Noir: Ripe bing cherry and cola notes with bright acidity and elegant tannins that can be enjoyed now or added to the cellar. Purchase at Stoller’s website
Domaine Roy & fils — 2019 Iron Filbert Vineyard Chardonnay: Aromatics of lemon verbena and Mellon, with bracing acidity and mineral tang that are incredibly well-balanced on the palate. Available via Domaine Roy’s website
Shea Wine Cellars — 2018 Homer Pinot Noir: A blend of the “best barrels” in their cellar. Beautiful tannins, blue and dark red fruit, floral notes, a velvety finish. Buy at Shea Wine Cellars
Domaine Serene — 2018 ‘Evenstad Reserve’ Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley): (NOTE: The Grace Vineyards Pinot was no longer available on their website, so we’ve substituted this excellent selection in its place) Aromas of dried cherry, dark chocolate, and saddle leather on the nose. On the palate, ripples of composed tannins and savory characters of cherry tobacco, ground cloves, and allspice. Domaine Serene
Bethel Heights— 2017 Justice Vineyard Pinot Noir: Tart cherry and soy sauce on the nose and Black cherry, blackberry, tobacco, with cocoa powder and fine-grained tannins on the palate. Buy at Bethel Heights
Harper Voit — 2016 Antiquum Vineyard Pinot Noir: A smokey char on the nose and Black cherry, cinnamon, cocoa, and a bit of spice on the palate. Purchase from Harper Voit
Discover Willamette Valley AVA wines