Wine Varieties

Photo: Contributed

“Behind the Wine” is a new summer series taking you behind the scenes of the South Okanagan’s iconic wine industry.

Conveniently located south out of Penticton, just off of Highway 97, Farm Gate Winery is a fantastic one stop shop for all types of unique fruit wines and traditional grape wines.

“Across the street from the winery, there used to be a game farm with all kinds of exotic animals on display that you could visit,” explains Chris Batt, Assistant Winemaker for Farm Gate Winery. “The gate is still there, right across the highway from us, so they decided to name the winery after that.”

This is now Farm Gate’s third season of production and they have quite an impressive line up of fruit and grape wines to sample, and a fun and well stocked fruit stand to pop in and shop.

Batt is a new addition to the Farm Gate production crew, having joined the team last August. “I have known Peter Smits, the Owner and Winemaker for 17 years now,” Batt explains. “Pieter came to me one day and asked me to help out. He said there was plenty of work to do and he needed a hand. I came out from Edmonton, where I was living at the time to help out, and I just never went back.”

Now with almost a full year under his belt, Batt is excited to have experienced the majority of the wine making process.

“It’s been fabulous. Just a really great journey. I’ve gotten to see the whole process from crush to bottling, and now I’m loving getting to see people enjoy it. We’re still bottling the 2020 season wines but the first ones have been really exciting,” says Batt.

Farm Gate specializes in fruit wines, but also explores grape wines and has just recently launched a line of hybrid wines. Varieties include a mix of Pinot Gris grapes and either peaches, apricots or pears and then the grapes and fruit are fermented together.

“We use a lot of fruit that is grown in our own orchards right here,” Batt explains. “A favourite is our cherry wines, which we have all kinds of variations of.”

“I really enjoy making the hybrid wine. I enjoy the challenge of finding the perfect mix of the grapes and fruit while ensuring it is balanced well. We like a nice wine flavour with a hint of fruit to compliment it.”

One of Batt’s favourites is the Rainier Cherry Wine, which is similar to a white wine, ‘but with a great hint of cherry.’

What sets Farm Gate Wines apart is the abundance of fruit wine varieties, and their unique execution.

“Our fruit wines aren’t overly sweet or syrupy,” explains Batt. “We make them to be quite similar to traditional wines and try to please as many palates as possible.”

They also have a unique aesthetic, featuring an array of elephants in honour of the owner and winemaker, Pieter Smits mother, who loves elephants. Farm Gate wines also showcase a fun collection of labels which are decorated with exotic animals, like tigers, zebras and giraffes, that used to live at the game farm across the highway, and the customer’s favourite, cow labels.

Located in Kaleden, Farm Gate Winery, which is just five minutes south of Penticton, has a convenient roadside location that makes stopping in for a tasting nice and easy.

In addition, their exceptional deals on case lots make stocking up a great and tasty idea.

“We sell affordable $88 mixed cases. Each case comes with 12 different full sized bottles of wine, so you can try one of *mostly* everything,” Batt says.

Farm Gate is open seven days a week and has a fruit stand to buy some fresh, local fruit and snacks during your visit. If visiting isn’t an option, Farm Gate offers shipping across all of Canada.

With new 2020 wines still being bottled, ensure to follow Farm Gate Winery on Facebook and Instagram or check out their website for new and exciting offerings that are sure to please all palates!

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Tony Battaglene, chief executive of Australian Grape and Wine, the national body of grape growers and wine producers, says it will take time for the diversification to happen across the industry into other export destinations. But the demand is there.

“There are a lot of markets in south-east Asia where we’ve not been into because we’ve been concentrating on China,” Battaglene says.

Penfolds owner Treasury Wine Estates has been hit hard by the Chinese tariffs. Justin McManus

He also believes it will take time for the blowback further down the chain to happen. Grape growers with red wine varieties will be under severe pressure with a larger grape harvest in 2021 of 1.8 million to 1.85 million tonnes, slightly above average. But the prices wineries are willing to pay will drop even further in 2022, he predicts, because of the absence of the Chinese export destination.

The wine industry has borne the brunt of the China backlash designed to hurt a range of industries, research by the Lowy Institute has found. Lowy Institute chief economist Roland Rajah says that besides wine, other Australian exports hit by sanctions “show even clearer signs of substantial trade diversion”.

“Looking at exports of barley, copper, cotton, seafood and timber, sales of these products to other markets rose sharply, but only after China’s sanctions intensified in late 2020,” Rajah says in his analysis.

Overall, the trade sanctions and tariffs meant a $20-billion-a-year reduction in Australian exports to China. However, diversions to other markets meant the net loss was less than $1 billion. “The total economic impact of China’s trade coercion against Australia seems to have been quite limited thus far,” Rajah says.

In the agricultural crops sector, wheat sales to other countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Japan and South Korea are strong.

The Middle East has emerged as the biggest buyer of barley in the absence of China. Australia exported about 6.5 million tonnes of barley to China in 2017, but Beijing in practical terms shut down the multibillion-dollar trade in May 2020 by imposing import tariffs of more than 80 per cent.

GrainCorp was another company people were worried about when the
China tariffs first emerged. But it has pulled off a textbook diversification strategy thus far. It has expanded the number of countries it trades with from about 30 to 50 following China’s trade sanctions. The giant east coast grain handler and marketer, which is listed on the ASX, demerged a global malting business in March last year.

Managing director Robert Spurway signalled in February that welcome rainfall had triggered a break in the drought. This in turn was delivering one of Australia’s biggest-ever crops.

GrainCorp is well into its first major export program since the 2016-17 crop and its ports are booked to near capacity until September. GrainCorp had been expanding its markets consistently even before the China tariffs. A big plus had been already having a presence in Ukraine and in Canada, where the company has a joint venture with Japanese farming co-operative Zen-Noh.

The Middle East and North Africa are also being closely targeted for a ramped-up export presence. Barley growers have also been on the front foot in heading to Mexico, the world’s fourth-biggest beer producer. Mexico received its first shipment of Australian malt barley in January in a deal brokered by Australia’s largest co-operative, CBH. CBH is controlled by thousands of farmers in Western Australia.

More feed barley is also going to Saudi Arabia which, similar to the wine industry, Australia has largely neglected because of the robust trade it had built up with China. Exports to Saudi Arabia are projected to rise to 2 million tonnes in 2020-21, from a previously minimal amount.

This article appears in the Financial Review’s Agribusiness magazine out on Monday, June 7. Read more here.

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In the course of a person’s life, there are moments that leave such a powerful impression they can foretell the future. David Baird, head winemaker at Folktale Winery and Vineyards, located in California’s Carmel Valley, recalls such a moment in his own life with exquisite clarity.
When he was 16, his family took a trip to Europe to see the sights. He vividly remembers visiting a family friend with an extensive wine collection who had invited them to dinner. They served a bottle of Condrieu and Baird was blown away by the taste and how it married so beautifully with their meal. The experience sang loudly and continues to reverberate today in his approach to winemaking. The quality of Folktale wines speaks for itself, but Baird is after something bigger.

In 2015, Baird teamed up with entrepreneur Gregory Ahn to open Folktale Winery & Vineyards. Folktale was born out of its mission to create high-quality, innovative, sustainably farmed wines that invite people to have an experience similar to the one Baird had while vacationing in Europe all those years ago.

VinePair recently sat down with this award-winning winemaker to discuss sustainability, organics, and the special role wine plays in our lives.

[Editor’s note: This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.]

When did you realize wine would be your career?

After getting back from Europe, I didn’t think much more of the bottle of wine we all shared. It wasn’t until I was getting ready to graduate high school that I had to really consider a career direction. My parents encouraged me to take an aptitude test to at least narrow my focus down, and among the short list of options was winemaking. This was never even a consideration of mine until I got my results from that test, but quickly became something that sounded like it could be a great fit for me. Having grown up in Carmel, I called a local wine producer, Chateau Julien, to shadow their business for the day and see a behind-the-scenes look at what a winemaking career might look like. I fell in love with the idea of being a winemaker at that moment, and have been working towards this career ever since.

Tell us a little about your wine journey and how it led you here, to Folktale.

I decided to attend Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo for undergrad. It had a great wine program, campus-owned vineyards, and was situated among some of California’s finest grape-growing regions. Midway through college, I took a semester off and did a winemaking internship, the first step towards a winemaking career. Internships, as I quickly learned, are not for the faint of heart. Working six 12- hour days per week was grueling but rewarding, as I had my first opportunity to put many of the learned skills in the classroom to practice. I also got involved in a wine club on campus called Vines to Wines where bimonthly guest speakers in the wine industry would share their experiences with us and offer advice. It was through these connections that I landed a job at Halter Ranch in Paso Robles for nearly a year in various roles in marketing, vineyard management, and winemaking.

I graduated college in 2008 at possibly the worst time to be looking for a job as the world had just entered a deep recession. I was extremely fortunate to land a job at Justin Winery, located just down the road from Halter Ranch. In this role, I was a full-time cellar worker and helped make some of the most well-known wines from the emerging Paso Robles AVA. It was a pivotal position for me, as in my six-year tenure I would see the business triple in size, and my role grew along with it.

I was later assigned the role of cellar master and managed two new winemaking facilities that were built to produce nearly 100,000 cases of wine, all the while managing a year-round staff of 12 people. It was an opportunity to further develop my skills in all things winemaking, while also coming into my own and figuring out the types of wines I wanted to make.

It was with a heavy heart that I decided to follow my passion for cooler-climate grape varieties and took a job as an assistant winemaker at Fess Parker in the Santa Barbara area. At Fess Parker, we worked with some of the most well-known vineyards in the Santa Rita Hills and Santa Ynez Valley and I was able to learn a whole different style of winemaking than how things were done in Paso Robles. After a few years in the SB area, I relocated back to the Monterey Peninsula to be closer to family. It was at a chance lunch meeting that I met Greg Ahn, the future owner of Folktale Winery. He and I connected immediately and he assigned me a marketing role with the hope that he would be soon purchasing a winery in the area. Fate would have it that the winery Greg ended up buying was none other than Chateau Julien, the same one I visited nearly 15 years earlier.

Folktale is located in Carmel Valley, which is located on California’s Central Coast. How does the climate and terroir of this Central Coast sub-region affect the taste and quality of the wine you produce at Folktale?

The Central Coast has such an amazing mix of rich soils and varied climate, and it’s my job to present that uniqueness in a bottle of wine. Where exactly we’re getting grapes from plays a huge role in how that bottle of wine will taste. One unique thing about the Central Coast is the variety of grapes that can be grown, mainly due to climate alone. We have cold regions near the coast, and hot regions inland. Planting grapes in different areas can present flavors that are completely different from one another. You also need to consider where the vineyard itself is located and how it’s being farmed. In general, Pinot Noirs from the Santa Lucia Highlands are earthy, and have some beautiful red fruit characteristics that I just love. White wine varieties do great in our sandy valley floor where they express aroma and have a wonderful balance of acidity.

Folktale is fully committed to organic, sustainable farming and winemaking practices. Why does this matter to you?

I think it’s easy to look at short-term farming and use conventional pesticides these days. Convenience and pricing make this a no-brainer for many landowners, and I can’t blame them. That being said, wine is a product of what we’re putting into it. We can’t talk all about terroir and climate and not about pesticides. They have residue that inevitably gets on the grape and into the wine. When a vineyard doesn’t use organic pesticides or even weed or rodent control, those residues get into the ecosystem around us.

Do you think organic farming makes for better-tasting wine?

I do. I have tasted wines produced from side-by-side vineyards, made by the same producer and have preferred the wine from the organic vineyard. In the fall, I taste lots of grapes in many vineyards to decide when to harvest, and can always tell what is organic versus not, just based on the taste of the grapes. Organic grape growing is much more expensive than “conventional” farming practices, so some wineries prefer to save money. For whatever reason, consumers haven’t really gotten behind buying wine made from organic grapes like they have when shopping in the produce department of the grocery store.

Another confusing element for consumers is the difference between organic wine and wine made from organic grapes. Both use organic ingredients, but organic wine uses a very small amount of sulfur dioxide to preserve wine and keep it from oxidizing. You often see this in a small natural wine shop, but not your local chain grocery store.

Wine can be pretty magical. What do you think is so special about wine and its ability to bring people together and elevate a meal?

Wine is all about experience. You can have a cheap bottle of wine in an amazing setting among loved ones and it’s right up there with giving birth to your first kid. Conversely, great bottles of wine don’t always make the moment memorable. Wine evolves. It sparks conversation. It evokes emotion, and it’s this combination of things that adds up to a magical experience.

What do you want people to know about wine that you think they may not know?

Winemaking is just as romantic as it is hard work. It takes a ton of effort to make a bottle of wine, and countless decisions to make it taste like it does. But the motivation for me lies in creativity and being able to produce something I’m passionate about. New projects are always fun, and seeing the fruits of your labor is so rewarding.

Folktale was inspired by the idea that “in every great bottle of wine, there is a story.” What does that mean to you and how does it inform your creative process when producing a wine?

For me, every bottle of wine I create takes me back to moments in that wine’s life. From the 2 a.m. alarm clock that went off the day we picked the grapes, to the fermentation, blending, and bottling — it all reminds me of how the wine was created and the love and care that went into creating it. Every bottle of wine has its own journey, and creativity can truly happen or be sparked at any moment.

If you weren’t making wine for a living, what would you be doing?

Landscape architecture. I love gardening, plants, and design, and it just sounds like so much fun!

This story is a part of VP Pro, our free content platform and newsletter for the drinks industry, covering wine, beer, and liquor — and beyond. Sign up for VP Pro now!

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Carrie and Earl Sullivan of Telaya Wine Co., in Garden City, Idaho, used their 2018 Syrah from Sawtooth Vineyard in the Snake River Valley to win the 2021 Cascadia International Wine Competition. (Photo by Eric Degerman/Great Northwest Wine)

Twice in the past three years, Earl and Carrie Sullivan of Telaya Wine Co., turned Syrah from the Snake River Valley into the Best Red Wine at the Idaho Wine Competition.

At the 2021 Cascadia International Wine Competition, the Boise-area producers submitted a 2018 Syrah grown in Idaho that entered the sweepstakes as the best red of judging and emerged as the best of show. The news will be an extra selling point during June — Idaho Wine Month — and beyond.

Despite the recent acclaim for their Syrah program, word that Telaya won the Cascadia gobsmacked Earl so much so that he needed to be told twice.

“You’re kidding,” Sullivan said.

No sir.

“You’re kidding, right?” he asked.

Telaya’s proven and stylish approach to Syrah shined throughout the Cascadia as their 2018 example off historic Ciel du Cheval on Washington’s famous Red Mountain also garnered a gold medal from the judging panel. It got edged out in the best-of-class round by that Sawtooth Vineyard Syrah, which finished No. 1 among the 682 entries produced with fruit from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, British Columbia or Montana.

“The two are wildly different,” said Sullivan, a biochemist and pharmaceutical executive prior to launching Telaya. “I personally love Syrah, so it’s really enjoyable to work with top sites in two states.”

A scintillating Albariño from Walla Walla’s SuLei Cellars

Tanya Woodley and Elaine Jomwe launched SuLei Cellars in 2007 along Beet Road in Walla Walla, where Woodley studied winemaking at Walla Walla Community College. (Richard Duval Images)

Earl Jones at Abacela proved the Spanish white grape Albariño can thrive in Southern Oregon, and its success continues to spread across the Pacific Northwest. Last year, the Williamson family, which grows fruit for Telaya, used their debut vintage of Albariño to nose out the Sullivans for best of show at the 2020 Idaho Wine Competition.

This spring, SuLei Cellars in Walla Walla entered a 2019 Albariño from the Yakima Valley that cruised to the award for Best White at the Cascadia and received votes for best of show.

“We’re very excited about this award and particularly honored that the Albariño made this distinction!” said winemaker Tanya Woodley. “White wines from Walla Walla producers, albeit sourced from outside of the valley, are often overlooked because our region is known for so many fantastic red wines.”

Woodley and her longtime partner, Elaine Jomwe, have used their delicious Albariño as an early point of interest at both of their tasting rooms, including their young satellite location in Woodley’s hometown of Vancouver USA.

“We have made this all-stainless, crisp and fruit-forward style of Albariño from the Crawford Vineyard since 2016,” Woodley says. “We feel it’s a unique grape that deserves the accolades and Crawford does a beautiful job. I’ve been sourcing all of my white wine varieties from Crawford Vineyard since 2015, starting with the Roussanne. I was thrilled to find the Albariño after we lost our Sauvignon blanc source close by.”

Gorgeous bubbles by Cushman for Mt. Hood

Rich Cushman grew up in Oregon’s Hood River Valley and makes wine for several wineries in the Columbia Gorge, including his own Viento Wines project. (Richard Duval Images)

Hood River Valley native Rich Cushman once again proved he’s the guru on the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge with a total of seven gold medals. There’s the sweepstakes winner plus four gold medals for Mt. Hood Winery, and individual golden efforts with Pinot Noir for the re-launched AlmaTerra Wines as well as Cushman’s own Viento project.

The Mt. Hood Winery nonvintage Van Horn Estate Vineyard Estate Brut Cuvée, produced with Bickford family Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, provides another example of the deliciousness that comes off vines in the foothills of Mount Hood. Meanwhile, the other gold medals were for Barbera, Grenache and Riesling at various points along the Columbia Gorge, including Gunkle family vines near Maryhil Winery.

Batchelor flexes muscles at Maryhill Winery

Richard Batchelor orchestrates work in the cellar at Maryhill Winery during the 2020 harvest. (Richard Duval Images)

Maryhill, the Northwest’s leading producer of Viognier, flashed a Midas touch with the often-flabby white Rhône by earned a rare double gold and best-of-class award in the form of $19 bottle from the 2019 vintage.

In all, winemaker Richard Batchelor amassed nine gold medals for owners Craig and Vicki Leuthold. They included two for expressions of Merlot — including a BOC — two for Chardonnay, and one each for Tempranillo, Malbec, Sangiovese and Roussanne.

Cellardoor in Maine produces top Cab, primo Pinot

Maine native Aaron Peet and his wife/assistant winemaker Christina, produce more than 10,000 cases of award-winning wine for Cellardoor Winery in the Pine Tree State. (Photo courtesy of Cellardoor Winery)

The 2021 Cascadia served as another West Coast competition that showcased Northwest fruit in the hands of East Coast winemaker Aaron Peet at Cellardoor Winery in Lincolnville, Maine.

Peet, who crossed the country to study winemaking at Walla Walla Community College, earned for storied Fidelity money manager Bettina Doulton a pair of best-of-class awards in red categories most coveted by Northwest winemakers — Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. The Cab is a blend from McKinley Springs in Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills and “from a vineyard on Red Mountain we are contractually not allowed to disclose,” Peet noted.

Remarkably, the $26 Pinot Noir was grown not in Oregon’s Willamettee Valley but in the morning shadow of Red Mountain at Inland Desert Vineyard.

Peet also was responsible for the top white blend of the judging, the 2019 Buoy White. That $18 bottle of Chenin Blanc (56%) and Sèmillon relied on fruit from Willard Farms in the Yakima Valley and the Judkins family of Inland Desert.

Cellardoor’s 2017 Ned Said Red ($24) and 2019 Theron ($20) — a rose crafted with Grenache from the Six Prong site in the Horse Heaven Hills.

With pandemic restrictions subsiding, Doulton is reopening a satellite tasting room in downtown Portland — Maine, that is.

Road 8 to British Columbia’s Golden Mile paved with gold

Vines were first planted south of Oliver, British Columbia, at what is now known as Hester Creek Estate Winery, in 1968 by Joe Busnardo. (Photo courtesy of Hester Creek)

For the second straight year, pandemic-related issues wreaked havoc on getting entries from British Columbia, but producers who overcame the hurdles to get their wines across the border were rewarded by judges. And two of the best are less than a 20-minute drive north of Oroville, Wash.

Among the stars was Hester Creek Estate Winery along the Okanagan Valley’s Golden Mile Bench as five of six entries earned a gold medal or better, a versatile effort led by Mark Hopley’s blend of Pinot Gris and Viognier and included a stately Left Bank Bordeaux bottling named for winery owner Curt Garland.

“That was a remarkable showing by a winemaker who knows what they are doing,” one judge noted.

Sharing a driveway on Road 8 with Hester Creek are the German-trained Gehringer brothers. The kings of Wine Press Northwest magazine’s 21-year-old Platinum Judging, Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery piled up six qualifiers for the October event with best-of-class for unoaked Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling in addition to gold medals for Auxerrois, Sauvignon Blanc and its reserve Pinot Gris.

This year ended an almost unthinkable string of supremacy for Wild Goose Vineyards, the three-generation Okanagan Falls winery that captured best of show at the Cascadia three of the previous four years using either Gewurztraminer or Pinot Gris. And yet, the Kruger family still earned gold medals for its 2020 Gewürztraminer and 2020 Pinot Gris.

Around the corner from Wild Goose, viticulturist/winemaker Benoit Gauthier crafted three gold medals for Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery, which this year celebrates 20 years of ownership by Jim and Leslie D’Andrea.

North of Kelowna in Lake Country is the Intrigue Wines project of longtime Grey Monk winemaker Roger Wong, who earned two gold medals for his white program.

Clearwater Canyon rides red program to 4 golds

Last fall, Coco Umiker earned eight Platinum awards at Wine Press Northwest magazine’s year-end judging of gold medal wines. (Photo by Sara Wilson/Courtesy of Clearwater Canyon Cellars)

Gem State producers earned gold medals throughout the three-day judging, and Clearwater Canyon Cellars in Lewiston finished with four golds. The 2020 Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year for Wine Press Northwest nearly reached the sweepstakes with its best-of-class 2018 Coco’s Reserve Carménère from Phinny Hill in Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills.

However, there might be just as much pride for Karl and Coco Umiker in their double gold for the 2019 Estate Syrah. And their other two gold medals — the Malbec-heavy Rock n’J Blend and Merlot-led Selway — came from other vineyards in the historic Lewis-Clark Valley.

King Estate continues it roll with 4 golds

Brent Stone’s winemaking and quality control skills helped King Estate Winery grab the cover story for Wine Press Northwest’s 2021 Spring issue as the Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year. (Photo courtesy of King Estate)

King Estate, the reigning Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year for Wine Press Northwest, followed up four gold medals. Awards came for its 2018 Pinot Noir, 2019 Pinot Gris, 2019 Sauvignon Blanc and 2019 Chardonnay.

Last fall, they earned Platinum awards from the regional magazine for the 2018 Sauvignon Blanc and 2018 Pinot Gris, so the Cascadia serves as another sign of impressive consistency by Brent Stone — a product of Washington State University’s winemaking program.

Munnell branches out with Wautoma Springs, Lone Point

Grape grower Tom Merkle and winemaker Jessica Munnell, co-owners of Wautoma Springs Winery, each have been honored for their contributions to the wine industry by the Auction of Washington Wines. (Richard Duval Images)

Emerging projects involving veteran winemakers included a rosé and the best Sauvignon Blanc by Jessica Munnell under her Wautoma Springs brand in Prosser and the two gold medals awarded to red wines by her new client — Lone Point Cellars near Brewster, Wash.

Other multiple winners include Awen Winecraft in Jacksonville, Wine Press Northwest’s reigning Oregon Winery to Watch; Bluebird Hill Cellars, both with Pinot Noir; Brian Carter in Woodinville for his predictably delicious Port-style Opulento — the judging’s Best Sweet Wine — and a double gold for his Celilo Vineyard Chardonnay under Array Cellars; Browne Family Vineyards, the statewide pride of Precept CEO Andrew Browne; Camas Prairie Winery in Idaho for a pair of berry-influenced meads; Cascade Cliffs in the Columbia Gorge for its best-of-class 2019 Estate Barbera and a gold for its young 2019 Cab off Red Mountain; DeLille Cellars won for its heady Four Flags Cabernet Sauvignon off Red Mountain and the Syrah-driven Doyenne; Linda Donovan crafted a pair of gold medals for Grizzly Peak Winery in Oregon’s Rogue Valley, the judging’s best Cabernet Franc and a double gold with Syrah; Hat Ranch Winery in Idaho’s Sunnyslope Wine District; rising Holesinsky Winery and Vineyard in Idaho’s Hagerman Valley; Puget Sound producer Maury Island Winery; Nota Bene Cellars in Seattle; Stephen Reustle’s ground-breaking work with the Austrian white Grüner Veltliner at his Prayer Rock Vineyards in Roseburg, Ore., returned two gold medals; Richland restaurateur JD Nolan’s Schooler Nolan Winery brand with two reds built with Mercer fruit in the Horse Heaven Hills, and Tamarack Cellars in Walla Walla, led by its flagship 2018 Firehouse Rd ($19.00).

Best of show acclaim adds to Sawtooth Vineyard lore

Longtime vineyard manager Dale Jeffers marvels at the cinder soils of Sawtooth Vineyard in Idaho’s Snake River Valley. (Photo by Eric Degerman/Great Northwest Wine)

Sawtooth ranks among the Northwest’s most fascinating vineyards, starting with its lofty elevation (2,700 feet), volcanic cinder pits and history. Brad Pintler established Sawtooth Vineyard’s initial trials on his family’s farm southwest of Boise in 1982. What began with 15 acres now spans 70 acres with much-larger Skyline Vineyard just west along Deer Flat Road. Pintler sold his eponymous winery and the vineyard to Corus Brands and the Baty family in 1999. Four years later, Dan Baty and Andrew Browne created Precept Wine.

Sullivan applauds improvements implemented by Winemakers LLC — an affiliate of Seattle-based Precept — longtime grower Dale Jeffers and vineyard manager Jake Cragin, who received a master’s from Boise State University with a focus on plant physiology.

“Block 46 is one of the most beautiful Syrah sites we have in the state of Idaho,” Sullivan said. “Sawtooth Vineyard has really stepped up its game in the last five years to work with the producers to build products that we want to make. It’s become more of a wine growing relationship rather than a grape-growing relationship, and it’s been really fun to watch that develop.”

It also helps when a winemaker pays their grower in a timely fashion, which has allowed Telaya to get into sites such as Ciel du Cheval and Quintessence on Red Mountain and rub elbows with storied viticulturists Dick Boushey and Marshall Edwards. For a time, Sullivan was a client of winemakers Charlie Hoppes and Mitch Venhor at Wine Boss in Richland.

“I’m not a classically trained winemaker, but with more repetitions under our belt, our expanded program with oak — including Gamba barrel fermentation for that Syrah — and such beautiful fruit to work with, maybe this just indicates that I’ve getting better as I get older,” said Sullivan, who the business and winemaking responsibilities with his wife, Carrie, a veterinary surgeon.

There’s also the 2018 growing season, a classic bounce-back vintage after the “snowmageddon” that plagued vineyards throughout the Northwest but particularly devastated the Snake River Valley, prompting many to chainsaw their vines in the first months of 2017.

Telaya backs up 2016 Idaho Winery of the Year award

Telaya Wine Co., opened its vinification facility, tasting room and events center in Boise bedroom community Garden City, Idaho, in 2016. (Photo by Eric Degerman/Great Northwest Wine)

It was a gut-check time for anyone in the Treasure Valley, even though Telaya was coming off its award from Wine Press Northwest magazine as the 2016 Idaho Winery of the Year.

“2018 was probably one of the best vintages that I’ve had to work with, which came off the miserable 2017 vintage when we lost all of our fruit,” Sullivan pointed out. “In 2018, we had relatively mild temperatures at the beginning and tail end of the season that helped us to get the best possible fruit.”

Harvest for the best-of-show wine was Oct. 2, 2018. 

“People talk about Idaho Syrah being earthy, meaty and what Carrie likes to call a “dirty” Syrah,” Earl says. “Ciel Syrah is a big punch in the face — bold — and both have beautiful fruit. Obviously the judges liked them both, and it’s nice to compare and contrast them.”

News of the Northwest-wide award that Telaya brings back to Idaho prompted Sullivan to give special credit to longtime winemaker Angie Shaltry of W2Wines as well as the wife/husband team of Melanie Krause and Joe Schnerr behind Cinder Wines.

“If I drive it back to an individual, it was Angie who gave me my start,” Sullivan said of the former Napa Valley winemaker who worked for cult producer Helen Turley. “She allowed me to come into her cellar and be a cellar rat. And then Cinder opened up their facility to us and helped us come in and get started.”

Mother Nature continues to throw Snake River Valley winemakers not just curve balls but sometimes brush-back pitches that shake one’s confidence and business sanity. A recent example is a 2019 Syrah from Skyline that suffered as a result of the “game over” string of freeze events Oct. 9-11. The Sullivans and assistant winemaker Hailey Minder improvised with the compromised grapes. They spent five days on the skins — not the desired 10 days — and one year in neutral oak rather than any time to new barrels.

“I hope to never have to make that wine again,” Sullivan chuckled. “But it’s kind of fun to make a challenging wine like that once in a while. We saw the freeze coming and were able to get it scheduled to be picked the next day, but still. There was no way to cold soak those grapes. Again, I go back to Angie — renowned for her Pinot Noir — to learn a lot of techniques from her.”

One of the keys to Telaya’s Syrah program is hand-removal of seeds during the third or fourth day of fermentation, a process during délestage, a k a rack and return, that results in a more approachable wine because of reduced tannin extracted from those seeds.

“It’s not very practical, and it is incredibly time consuming, and you lose some of the yield, but we’re not beholden to a certain yield for our wines,” he said.

Creating a 5,000-case brand in Idaho for posterity

Earl and Carrie Sullivan of Telaya Wine Co., built their winery and tasting room a stone’s throw from the Boise River in Garden City, Idaho. (Photo by Eric Degerman/Great Northwest Wine)

And yet, when asked if the price of his best-of-show Syrah would climb a few dollars beyond its initial $34 offering, Sullivan said the notion wouldn’t cross his mind.

“Never hurt the people who brought you to the dance,” he said. “That’s our philosophy, and it’s not fair to them for all the time and effort they put into supporting you over the years.”

Without outside partners, the Sullivans built their showpiece facility along the banks of the Boise River as a 5,000-case brand to hand down to their two sons, and the work with Syrah makes up about 20% of the production when factoring in their Syrah-based Turas Journey blend — their flagship wine. The 2018 Turas Journey landed on The Seattle Times Top 20 list for 2020.

This fall, the Sullivans will begin vinifying all their wines — grapes from Washington and Idaho — in Garden City. In the past, Telaya has sourced 60 to 70 percent of its fruit from Idaho. (The rest has been processed in either Richland or Walla Walla.) The pull from Idaho vines will increase to about 80 percent as the Sullivans expand their Viognier program and add the Austrian white Grüner Veltliner into the portfolio.

“All of us want to demonstrate that Idaho can compete on a national level,” Sullivan said. “We can make world-class wines with Idaho fruit. And that Syrah is a team effort — from our winemaking team and our growers — and I love the fact that we can all celebrate this.”

Judges serving on the Cascadia’s socially distanced panel were:

• Kaleigh Brook, general manager, Valdemar Estates, Walla Walla, Wash.
• Ilene Dudunake, owner, A New Vintage Wine Shop, Meridian, Idaho
• Kent FitzGerald, KWFitzGerald Consulting, Walla Walla, Wash.
• Ellen Landis, journalist/certified sommelier/educator, EllenOnWine.com, St. Petersburg, Fla.
• Ali Mayfield, owner/winemaker, Ali Mayfield Wines, Mattawa, Wash. 
• Sophia McDonald Bennett is a journalist based in Eugene, Ore., who contributes to SevenFifty Daily, Wine Enthusiast and the Slow Wine Guide, and also serves as a marketing and public relations instructor at the University of Oregon.
• Philippe Michel, associate, Metis Northwest, Walla Walla, Wash.
• Tim Norris, sales director, Kerloo Cellars, Seattle; proprietor, Eyes on the Vine
• Stephen Reustle, founding winemaker, co-owner, Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards, Roseburg, Ore.
• Alexis Sells, winemaker, Fortuity Cellars, Wapato, Wash.
• Gordy Venneri, co-founder/former owner, Walla Walla Vintners, Walla Walla, Wash.
• Kent Waliser, director of wine and grape sales, Sagemoor Vineyards, Pasco, Wash.

Chief judges

• Barb Robertson, Pacific Northwest account manager, Saxco International, Concord, Calif.; columnist, Foothills magazine, Wenatchee, Wash.
• Ken Robertson, columnist, Wine Press Northwest magazine, Kennewick, Wash.
• Dana Van Nest, award-winning communications strategist, screenwriter; a student of the Northwest Wine Academy at South Seattle College.

2021 Cascadia International Wine Competition results

The sweepstakes winners at the 2021 Cascadia International Wine Competition featured the Brian Carter Cellars 2016 Opulento Dessert Wine, SuLei Cellars 2019 Albariño, Chateau Ste. Michelle 2020 Le Rosé, Telaya Wine Company 2018 Snake River Valley Syrah and Mt. Hood Winery nonvintage Van Horn Estate Vineyard Brut Cuvée. (Richard Duval Images)

Best of show/best red wine
Telaya Wine Co. 2018 Syrah, Snake River Valley $34.00
Best white wine
SuLei Cellars 2019 Albariño, Yakima Valley $22.00
Best sparkling wine/double gold medal
Mt. Hood Winery NV Van Horn Estate Vineyard Estate Brut Cuvée, Columbia Gorge $50.00
Best rosé
Chateau Ste Michelle 2020 Le Rosé, Columbia Valley $25.00
Best sweet wine/double gold medal
Brian Carter Cellars 2016 Opulento, Yakima Valley $24.00

Best of class/double gold medal
Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards 2019 Grüner Veltliner, Umpqua Valley $26.00
Cellardoor Winery 2017 Pinot Noir, American $26.00
Cellardoor Winery 2019 Buoy White, American $18.00
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2018 Phinny Hill Vineyard Coco’s Reserve Carménère, Washington $42.00
Maryhill Winery 2019 Viognier, Columbia Valley $19.00

Double gold medal
Array Cellars 2018 Celilo Vineyard Chardonnay, Columbia Gorge $32.00
Barili Cellars 2018 Double Barrel Red, Columbia Valley $22.00
Camas Prairie Winery 2020 Raspberry Mead, Idaho $12.00
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2019 Estate Syrah, Lewis-Clark Valley $32.00
Coyote Canyon Winery 2020 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Roussanne, Horse Heaven Hills $21.00
DeLille Cellars 2018 Four Flags, Red Mountain $75.00
Grizzly Peak Winery 2016 Syrah, Rogue Valley $30.00
Hester Creek Estate Winery 2020 Estate Pinot Gris Viognier, Okanagan Valley, $20.99

Best of class/gold medal
Cascade Cliffs 2019 Estate Barbera, Columbia Valley $65.00
Cellardoor Winery 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, American $26.00
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2020 Dry Rock Unoaked Chardonnay, Golden Mile Bench $13.29
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2020 Optimum Pinot Gris, Okanagan Valley $16.99
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2020 Private Reserve Dry Riesling, Okanagan Valley $14.99
Grizzly Peak Winery 2015 Cabernet Franc, Rogue Valley $30.00
Hightower Cellars 2018 Reserve Red Wine, Red Mountain $55.00
Indian Creek Winery 2018 Malbec, Snake River Valley $25.00
Maryhill Winery 2018 Proprietor’s Reserve Merlot, Columbia Valley $38.00
Maryhill Winery 2018 Art Den Hoed Vineyard Painted Hills Tempranillo, Columbia Valley $40.00
Mosquito Fleet Winery 2018 Petit Verdot, Horse Heaven Hills $38.00
Orenda Winery 2018 Sangiovese, Columbia Valley $40.00
Wautoma Springs 2020 Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley $17.00

Gold medal
AlmaTerra Wines 2019 Windhorse Vineyard Reserve Pinot Noir, Columbia Gorge $45.00
Awen Winecraft 2017 Syrah, Rogue Valley $45.00
Awen Winecraft 2019 Viognier, Applegate Valley $30.00
Bartholomew Winery 2018 Carménère, Red Mountain $37.00
Battle Creek Cellars 2015 Battle Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $62.00
Belle Fiore Winery 2018 Icon Chardonnay, Rogue Valley $32.00
Bitner Vineyards 2019 Riesling, Snake River Valley $22.00
Bluebird Hill Cellars 2018 South Block Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $32.00
Bluebird Hill Cellars 2018 Mom’s Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $49.00
Brian Carter Cellars 2016 Byzance Red Wine, Columbia Valley $34.00
Browne Family Vineyards 2018 Bitner Estate Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley $35.00
Browne Family Vineyards 2018 Dottie Chardonnay, Walla Walla Valley $50.00
Camas Prairie Winery 2020 Strawberry Mead, Idaho $12.00
Cascade Cliffs 2019 Winemaker’s Select Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain $60.00
Cathedral Ridge Winery 2017 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley $48.00
Cellardoor Winery 2017 Ned Said Red, American $24.00
Cellardoor Winery 2019 Theron (Grenache Rosé), American $20.00
Chaberton Estate Winery 2017 Syrah, Okanagan Valley $28.95
Christopher Bridge 2018 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $65.00
Cinder Wines 2020 Dry Viognier, Snake River Valley $25.00
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2019 Coco’s Reserve Rock n’ J Red Blend, Lewis-Clark Valley $36.00
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2018 Coco’s Reserve Selway Red Wine, Lewis-Clark Valley $45.00
DeLille Cellars 2018 Doyenne, Columbia Valley $45.00
Domaine Serene 2018 Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $80.00
Dunham Cellars 2018 Trutina Red Wine, Columbia Valley $29.00
Fortuity Cellars 2018 Malbec, Yakima Valley $38.00
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2020 Old Vines Auxerrois, Golden Mile Bench $13.99
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2020 Private Reserve Pinot Gris, Okanagan Valley $13.99
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2020 Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Valley $15.99
Hat Ranch Winery 2020 Unoaked Chardonnay, Snake River Valley $20.95
Hat Ranch Winery 2020 Semillon, Snake River Valley $24.95
Hester Creek Estate Winery 2020 Block 16 Old Vine Trebbiano, Golden Mile Bench $22.99
Hester Creek Estate Winery 2017 Garland Red Wine, Golden Mile Bench $55.99
Hester Creek Estate Winery 2020 Sèmillon, Okanagan Valley $19.99
Hester Creek Estate Winery 2020 Stone’s Throw Viognier, Okanagan Valley $19.99
Holesinsky Winery and Vineyard 2020 Billy Brew, Snake River Valley $18.00
Holesinsky Winery and Vineyard 2019 100% Pinot Noir, Snake River Valley $25.00
Jones of Washington 2020 Chardonnay, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley $13.99
Intrigue Wines 2019 Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley $14.69
Intrigue Wines 2019 Social Sparkling, Okanagan Valley $17.30
King Estate Winery 2019 Chardonnay, Willamette Valley $21.00
King Estate Winery 2019 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley $19.00
King Estate Winery 2018 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $29.00
King Estate Winery 2019 Sauvignon Blanc, Oregon $19.00
Kiona Vineyards 2019 Estate Artemisia Red Mountain Cuvée, Red Mountain $30.00
Lagana Cellars 2018 Breezy Slope Vineyard Pinot Noir, Walla Walla Valley $40.00
Lake Chelan Winery 2017 Merlot, Lake Chelan $37.00
Liberty Lake Wine Cellars 2018 Heritage Reserve, Red Mountain $42.00
Lone Point Cellars 2018 Side By Side, Columbia Valley $38.00
Lone Point Cellars 2019 Tempranillo Columbia Valley $34.00
Maryhill Winery 2019 Proprietor’s Reserve Chardonnay, Columbia Valley $33.00
Maryhill Winery 2019 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley $17.00
Maryhill Winery 2018 Malbec, Columbia Valley $40.00
Maryhill Winery 2018 McKinley Springs Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills $47.00
Maryhill Winery 2019 Proprietor’s Reserve Roussanne, Horse Heaven Hills $24.00
Maryhill Winery 2018 Proprietor’s Reserve Sangiovese, Columbia Valley $40.00
Maury Island Winery 2019 Pinot Noir, Puget Sound $35.00
Maury Island Winery 2019 Cremant de Maury Sparkling Wine, Puget Sound $37.00
Mercer Estates 2020 Spice Cabinet Vineyard Mercer Estates Rosé, Horse Heaven Hills $15.00
Mt. Hood Winery 2018 Gunkel Family Vineyards Barbera, Columbia Valley $34.00
Mt. Hood Winery 2018 Gunkel Family Vineyards Grenache, Columbia Valley $34.00
Mt. Hood Winery 2017 Estate Dry Riesling, Columbia Gorge $26.00
Mt. Hood Winery 2018 Dry Hollow Vineyard Syrah, Columbia Valley $36.00
Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery 2017 Reserve Meritage Red Wine, Okanagan Falls $37.99
Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery 2019 Stony Knoll Chardonnay, Okanagan Falls $22.99
Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery 2016 The One Brut Sparkling Wine, Okanagan Falls $39.99
Northwest Cellars 2016 Carménère, Walla Walla Valley $42.00
Nota Bene Cellars 2016 Arianses Vineyard Red Blend, Wahluke Slope $30.00
Nota Bene Cellars 2016 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Syrah, Red Mountain $45.00
Palencia Wine Company 2016 El Viñador Petit Verdot, Wahluke Slope $40.00
Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards 2019 Green Lizard Grüner Veltliner, Umpqua Valley $32.00
Ste. Chapelle 2018 Panoramic Malbec, Snake River Valley $30.00
Sawtooth Winery 2020 Classic Fly Series Chenin Blanc, Snake River Valley $34.00
Schooler Nolan Winery 2018 Cab Sauv Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills $15.00
Schooler Nolan Winery 2018 Malbec, Horse Heaven Hills $15.00
Sleeping Dog Wines 2019 Sirius Red Dessert Wine, Yakima Valley $40.00
Stag’s Hollow Winery 2018 Syrah, Okanagan Valley $28.00
Stemilt Creek Winery 2019 Sweet Adelaide Riesling, Columbia Valley $15.00
Tamarack Cellars 2018 Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley $30.00
Tamarack Cellars 2018 Firehouse Red, Columbia Valley $19.00
Telaya Wine Co 2018 Ciel du Cheval Syrah, Red Mountain $45.00
TruthTeller Winery 2017 The Confidante Red Wine, Red Mountain $55.00
VanArnam Vineyards 2018 Estate Reserve Syrah, Yakima Valley $38.00
Viento Wines 2016 Annala Vineyard Pinot Noir, Columbia Gorge $48.00
Wautoma Springs 2020 Rosé, Columbia Valley $17.00
Westport Winery 2018 Lighthouse Riesling, Yakima Valley $28.00
Wild Goose Vineyards and Winery 2020 Gewürztraminer, Okanagan Valley $17.99
Wild Goose Vineyards and Winery 2020 Pinot Gris, Okanagan Valley $17.99
Yakima Valley College 2018 Foreign Exchange Touriga Naçional, Yakima Valley $19.00

Silver medal
Abeja 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley $60.00
Abeja 2019 Chardonnay, Washington $45.00
Abiqua Wind Vineyard 2018 Caleb Knorr Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley $17.00
AlmaTerra 2017 Windhorse Vineyard Zinfandel, Columbia Gorge $45.00
AlmaTerra 2018 Windhorse Vineyard Zinfandel, Columbia Gorge $45.00
Amelia Wynn 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain $34.00
Amelia Wynn 2018 Sangiovese, Red Mountain $34.00
Amelia Wynn 2018 Syrah, Walla Walla Valley $34.00
Amelia Wynn 2018 Barrel Select Tempranillo, Columbia Valley $34.00
Armstrong Family Winery 2016 David’s Folly Red Blend, Columbia Valley $46.00
Array Cellars 2018 Dijon Clone Chardonnay, Yakima Valley $32.00
Awen Winecraft 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rogue Valley $50.00
Awen Winecraft 2018 Dolcetto, Rogue Valley $43.00
Barili Cellars 2020 Sauvignon Blanc, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley $15.00
Bartholomew Winery 2018 Graciano, Horse Heaven Hills $32.00
Bartholomew Winery 2018 Primitivo, Horse Heaven Hills $27.00
Battle Creek Cellars 2018 Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $34.00
Battle Creek Cellars 2018 Unconditional Pinot Noir, Oregon $18.00
Belle Fiore Winery 2017 Reserve Pinot Noir, Rogue Valley $33.00
Belle Fiore Winery 2016 Reserve Tempranillo, Rogue Valley $36.00
Bertinelli Estates 2020 Family’s Finest Sangiovese, Columbia Valley $24.99
Bluebird Hill Cellars 2018 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $32.00
Brian Carter Cellars 2015 Le Coursier Red Wine, Columbia Valley $34.00
Brian Carter Cellars 2017 Tuttorosso Red Wine, Yakima Valley $34.00
Brian Carter Cellars 2016 Corrida Grand Reserva Red Wine, Columbia Valley $60.00
Brian Carter Cellars 2017 Big Daddy Red Wine, Yakima Valley $50.00
Brian Carter Cellars 2020 Abracadabra Rosé, Columbia Valley $24.00
Brian Carter Cellars 2019 Oriana White Wine, Yakima Valley $24.00
Browne Family Vineyards 2019 Premier Collection White Arrow Blend, Yakima Valley $32.00
Burnt Bridge Cellars 2020 Chardonnay, Horse Heaven Hills $30.00
Caprio Cellars 2018 Sanitella Estate Red Blend, Walla Walla Valley $88.00
Caprio Cellars 2018 Eleanor Estate Red Blend, Walla Walla Valley $48.00
Cardwell Hill Cellars 2017 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $24.00
Cardwell Hill Cellars 2018 Estate Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $24.00
Cascade Cliffs 2019 Blood Red Barbera, Horse Heaven Hills $75.00
Cascade Cliffs 2020 Grüner Veltliner, Columbia Gorge $25.00
Cascade Cliffs 2020 Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley $25.00
Cathedral Ridge Winery 2017 Syrah, Columbia Valley $34.00
Cellardoor Winery 2018 Cabernet Franc, American $24.00
Cellardoor Winery 2018 Malbec, American $24.00
Cellardoor Winery 2017 Merlot, American $24.00
Cellardoor Winery 2018 Petit Verdot, American $24.00
Cellardoor Winery 2018 Buoy Red, American $18.00
Cellardoor Winery 2016 Monti al Mare, American $25.00
Cellardoor Winery 2017 Aurora, American $32.00
Cellardoor Winery 2019 Riesling, American $18.00
Cellardoor Winery 2019 Sauvignon Blanc, American $17.00
Cellardoor Winery 2019 Pinot Noir Blanc, American $21.00
Chaberton Estate Winery 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Okanagan Valley $24.95
Chaberton Estate Winery 2018 Barrel Aged Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley $20.95
Chaberton Estate Winery 2019 Gewürztraminer, Okanagan Valley $16.95
Chaberton Estate Winery 2019 Pinot Gris, Okanagan Valley $16.95
Chaberton Estate Winery 2019 Siegerrebe, Fraser Valley $16.95
Chemeketa Community College 2018 Mourvèdre, Washington State $12.00
Chemeketa Community College 2018 Syrah, Washington State $12.00
Cinder Winery 2019 Barbera, Washington $45.00
Cinder Winery 2019 Chardonnay, Snake River Valley $23.00
Cinder Winery 2019 Malbec, Snake River Valley $30.00
Cinder Winery 2020 Laissez Faire Red, Snake River Valley $19.00
Cinder Winery 2020 Off-Dry Riesling, Snake River Valley $23.00
Cinder Winery 2020 Dry Rosé, Snake River Valley $23.00
Cinder Winery 2020 Rosé of Cinsault, Snake River Valley $23.00
Cinder Winery 2019 Syrah, Snake River Valley $30.00
Cinder Winery 2018 Tempranillo, Snake River Valley $30.00
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2020 Albariño, Washington $22.00
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2019 Merlot, Lewis-Clark Valley $28.00
Clearwater Canyon Cellars 2020 Lochsa White Wine, Lewis-Clark Valley $17.00
Coiled Wines 2019 Merlot, Snake River Valley $34.00
Coiled Wines 2019 Black Mamba Red Wine, Snake River Valley $34.00
Coiled Wines 2019 Sidewinder, Snake River Valley $30.00
College Cellars 2020 Seven Hills Vineyard Rosé, Wine Walla Walla Valley $18.00
College Cellars 2018 Joseph Christy Vineyard Syrah, Horse Heaven Hills $30.00
Convergence Zone Cellars 2020 Upland Vineyard Sunbreak Old Vine Chenin Blanc, Snipes Mountain $19.00
Convergence Zone Cellars 2018 Virga Red Wine, Columbia Valley $33.00
Coyote Canyon Winery 2018 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Primitivo, Horse Heaven Hills $28.00
Coyote Canyon Winery 2020 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Horse Heaven Hills $21.00
Dazzle Cellars 2020 Julia’s Dazzle Rosé, Columbia Valley $17.99
DeLille Cellars 2018 Red Willow Red Wine, Yakima Valley $75.00
DeLille Cellars 2018 Minuit Red Wine, Yakima Valley $60.00
DeLille Cellars 2018 D2 Red Wine, Columbia Valley $45.00
DeLille Cellars 2018 Signature Syrah, Yakima Valley $46.00
Domaine Serene Winery & Vineyard 2018 Yamhill Cuvée Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $52.00
Dunham Cellars 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon XXIII, Columbia Valley $50.00
Dunham Cellars 2020 Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley $22.00
Elevation Cellars 2015 Merlot, Columbia Valley $29.00
Eleven Winery 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain $60.00
Eleven Winery 2019 Angelica – Pinot Grigio, Washington State $20.00
Eleven Winery 2018 Sweet Sarah Port, Washington State $20.00
Eleven Winery 2018 Lem, Red Mountain $30.00
Eleven Winery 2018 “The Deputy” Mourvèdre, Washington State $45.00
Eleven Winery 2019 “The Progidy” Mourvèdre, Washington State $26.00
Eleven Winery 2019 Sugarloaf Vineyard Pinot Grigio, Yakima Valley $18.00
Eleven Winery 2018 La Ronde Red Wine, Washington State $40.00
Eleven Winery 2019 Ratio Rosso, Washington State $22.00
Eleven Winery 2020 La Primavera, Washington State $25.00
Eleven Winery 2020 Roussanne, Yakima Valley $30.00
Eleven Winery 2018 “Prima Donna” Syrah, Yakima Valley $40.00
Eleven Winery 2019 Elephant Mountain Vineyard Syrah, Yakima Valley $32.00
Eleven Winery 2020 Ratio Blanco, Washington State $17.00
Eleven Winery 2020 Mourvèdre, Washington State $35.00
Fly Rod Cellars 2018 Upland Vineyard Turck’s Tarantula Tempranillo, Snipes Mountain $27.00
Fortuity Cellars 2018 The Fifty Fifty Red Wine, Yakima Valley $28.00
Fortuity Cellars 2018 Syrah, Yakima Valley $40.00
Free Dog Wines 2019 Albariño, Snake River Valley $18.00
Free Dog Wines 2018 Merlot, Snake River Valley $24.00
Fujishin Family Cellars 2018 Chardonnay, Snake River Valley $16.00
Fujishin Family Cellars 2018 Viognier, Snake River Valley $17.00
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2020 Ehrenfelser, Okanagan Valley $13.99
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2020 Classic Riesling, Okanagan Valley $14.99
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2020 Rosé, Golden Mile Bench $14.99
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2020 Desert Sun White Wine, Okanangan Valley $12.49
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2020 Gewürztraminer/Schönburger, Golden Mile Bench $14.99
Grizzly Peak Winery 2015 Rogue Rouge, Rogue Valley $28.00
H/H Estates 2018 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Big John Cab Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills $47.00
H/H Estates 2018 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Artist Series Petit Verdot, Horse Heaven Hills $52.00
H/H Estates 2017 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Michael Andrews Reserve Red Wine, Horse Heaven Hills $36.50
Hat Ranch Winery 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Snake River Valley $28.00
Hat Ranch Winery 2018 Malbec, Snake River Valley $29.95
Hat Ranch Winery 2018 Hat Trick Red, Snake River Valley $26.95
Hester Creek Estate Winery 2017 The Judge Limited Edition Red Wine, Golden Mile Bench, $43.99
Holesinsky Winery and Vineyard 2020 Stainless Steel Chardonnay, Snake River Valley $15.00
Holesinsky Winery and Vineyard 2019 Buhljolais Rosé of Syrah, Snake River Valley $12.00
Holesinsky Winery and Vineyard 2020 Buhljolais Rosé of Syrah, Snake River Valley $12.00
Holesinsky Winery and Vineyard 2020 Sparkling Unicorn, Snake River Valley $18.00
Holesinsky Winery and Vineyard 2018 100% CH Syrah, Snake River Valley $32.00
Holesinsky Winery and Vineyard 2020 Idawine White Blend, Snake River Valley $14.00
Indian Creek Winery 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Snake River Valley $20.00
Indian Creek Winery 2019 Chardonnay, Snake River Valley $23.00
Indian Creek Winery 2020 White Iris, Snake River Valley $16.00
Indian Creek Winery 2018 Star Garnet Red Wine, Snake River Valley $16.00
Indian Creek Winery 2020 Riesling, Snake River Valley $18.00
Indian Creek Winery 2020 Sauvignon Blanc, Snake River Valley $20.00
Indian Creek Winery 2018 Tempranillo, Snake River Valley $27.00
Indian Creek Winery 2018 Stowe Vineyard Tempranillo, Snake River Valley $32.00
Indian Creek Winery 2020 Viognier, Snake River Valley $16.00
Intrigue Wines 2019 Pinot Gris, Okanagan Valley $14.69
Intrigue Wines 2019 Riesling, Okanagan Valley $14.69
Intrigue Wines 2019 Social Rosé, Okanagan Valley $14.69
Intrigue Wines 2019 Social White, Okanagan Valley $12.95
Intrigue Wines LTD 2019 I Do Sparkling Rosé Okanagan Valley $17.30
JoieFarm Winery 2020 A Noble Blend White Wine, Okanagan Valley $26.00
JoieFarm Winery 2020 Re-Think Pink Rosé, Okanagan Valley $26.00
Jones of Washington 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Wahluke Slope $14.99
Jones of Washington 2020 Riesling, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley $9.99
Jones of Washington 2020 Rosé of Syrah, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley $13.99
Jones of Washington 2020 Sauvignon Blanc, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley
Jovinea Cellars 2019 Late Harvest Dolcetto, Washington $10.00
Jovinea Cellars 2020 Roussanne, Washington $24.00
Kalala Organic Estate Winery 2019 Rosé, Okanagan Valley $22.00
Kalala Organic Estate Winery 2019 Harmony Red, Okanagan Valley $22.00
Kerry Hill Winery 2019 Great Grey Rosé, Snake River Valley $21.00
Kevin O’Leary Fine Wines 2020 Reserve Series Chardonnay, Columbia Valley $24.99
Kiona Vineyards 2019 Estate Bottled Red Mountain Lemberger, Red Mountain $17.00
Kiona Vineyards 2020 Columbia Valley Late Harvest Riesling, Columbia Valley $17.00
Kiona Vineyards 2017 Estate Bottled Red Mountain Malbec, Red Mountain $35.00
Kiona Vineyards 2019 Estate Bottled Red Mountain Sangiovese, Red Mountain $30.00
Lady Hill Winery 2016 Procedo Credente, Columbia Valley $42.00
Lady Hill Winery 2018 Ad Lucem DayStar, Columbia Valley $42.00
Lady Hill Winery 2020 Procedo Rosé, Columbia Valley $22.00
Lagana Cellars 2017 J&S Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley $36.00
Lagana Cellars 2018 Eritage Vineyard Chardonnay, Walla Walla Valley $22.00
Lagana Cellars 2018 Eritage Vineyard Malbec, Walla Walla Valley $38.00
Liberty Lake Wine Cellars 2020 Reserve Gewürztraminer, Red Mountain $22.00
Liberty Lake Wine Cellars 2020 Tahija Bad Bishop Merlot, Walla Walla Valley $35.00
Locus Wines 2020 7 Mile Rosé, Rattlesnake Hills $15.00
Lodmell Cellars 2015 Merlot, Columbia Valley $42.00
Lone Point Cellars 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley $38.00
Lone Point Cellars 2020 Riesling, Columbia Valley $24.00
Nine Hats Wines 2018 Pinot Gris, Columbia Valley $13.99
Chester-Kidder 2017 Red Wine, Columbia Valley $65.00
LOVE THAT RED WINERY 2016 Seattle Slew Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley $45.00
LOVE THAT RED WINERY 2016 Morning Line Merlot, Columbia Valley $55.00
LOVE THAT RED WINERY 2018 Zinyatta Zinfandel, Columbia Valley $36.00
Martinez & Martinez Winery 2020 Tudor Hills Vineyard Albariño, Yakima Valley $20.00
Martinez & Martinez Winery 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills $36.00
Martinez & Martinez Winery 2018 Tudor Hills Vineyard Viognier, Yakima Valley $18.00
Maryhill Winery 2018 Proprietor’s Reserve Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley $40.00
Maryhill Winery 2018 McKinley Springs Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills $48.00
Maryhill Winery 2018 Kiona Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain $53.00
Maryhill Winery 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley $31.00
Maryhill Winery 2018 Elephant Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, Rattlesnake Hills $50.00
Maryhill Winery 2018 Proprietor’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley $48.00
Maryhill Winery 2018 Northridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Walhluke Slope $40.00
Maryhill Winery 2018 Klipsun Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain $48.00
Maryhill Winery 2018 Les Collines Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley $44.00
Maryhill Winery 2018 Elephant Mountain Carménère, Rattlesnake Hills $50.00
Maryhill Winery 2018 McKinley Springs Vineyard Cinsault, Horse Heaven Hills $48.00
Maryhill Winery 2018 Art Den Hoed Vineyard Painted Hills Dolcetto, Columbia Valley $50.00
Maryhill Winery 2016 Proprietor’s Reserve Vintage Port, Columbia Valley $35.00
Maryhill Winery 2018 Kiona Merlot, Red Mountain $46.00
Maryhill Winery 2019 Tudor Hills Vineyard Pinot Gris, Columbia Valley $24.00
Maryhill Winery 2018 Proprietor’s Reserve Pinot Noir, Columbia Valley $40.00
Maryhill Winery 2018 Art Den Hoed Vineyard Painted Hills Primitivo, Columbia Valley $32.00
Maryhill Winery 2018 Proprietor’s Reserve Serendipitiy Red Wine, Columbia Valley $40.00
Maryhill Winery 2019 Winemaker’s Red, Columbia Valley $17.00
Maryhill Winery 2018 Proprietor’s Reserve Tavolo Rosso, Columbia Valley $40.00
Maryhill Winery 2018 Sangiovese, Columbia Valley $28.00
Maryhill Winery 2019 Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley $17.00
Maryhill Winery 2019 Sèmillon, Columbia Valley $15.00
Maryhill Winery 2018 Syrah, Columbia Valley $28.00
Maryhill Winery 2018 Proprietor’s Reserve Syrah, Columbia Valley $40.00
Maryhill Winery 2019 Winemaker’s White, Columbia Valley $16.00
Maryhill Winery 2018 Zinfandel, Columbia Valley $17.00
Maryhill Winery 2018 Proprietor’s Reserve Zinfandel, Columbia Valley $48.00
Mercer Bros. 2019 Chardonnay, Horse Heaven Hills $16.99
Mercer Bros. 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills $19.99
Mercer Bros. 2018 Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills $19.99
Mercer Bros. 2018 Edge of Heaven Red Blend, Horse Heaven Hills $19.99
Mercer Bros. 2018 Reserve Ode to Brothers Red Wine, Horse Heaven Hills $42.00
Mt. Hood Winery 2018 Echo West Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley $38.00
Mt. Hood Winery 2019 Van Horn Estate Vineyard Estate Chardonnay, Columbia Gorge $34.00
Mt. Hood Winery 2019 Van Horn Estate Vineyard Gewürztraminer, Columbia Gorge $26.00
Mt. Hood Winery 2018 Dry Hollow Vineyard Merlot, Columbia Valley $34.00
Mt. Hood Winery 2020 Van Horn Estate Vineyard Pinot Gris, Columbia Gorge $24.00
Mt. Hood Winery 2019 Estate Pinot Noir, Columbia Gorge $38.00
Mt. Hood Winery 2020 Estate Riesling, Columbia Gorge $24.00
Mt. Hood Winery 2018 Echo West Vineyard Tempranillo, Columbia Valley $34.00
Mt. Hood Winery 2020 Estate White Pinot Noir, Columbia Gorge $32.00
Muret-Gaston 2020 Blanc, Yakima Valley $32.00
Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery 2017 Noble Knights Stone Vintage Cabernet, British Columbia $38.99
Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery 2019 Mingle, British Columbia $17.30
Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery 2019 Noble Meritage, Okanagan Valley $21.99
Nota Bene Cellars 2016 Dineen Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley $38.00
Oregon’s Best Wine 2019 Big Red Barn Syrah, Willamette Valley $35.00
Palencia Wine Co., 2020 Albariño, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley $22.00
Parma Ridge 2018 Malbec, Snake River Valley $34.00
Parma Ridge 2019 Rosé of Merlot, Snake River Valley $17.00
Parma Ridge 2019 Viognier, Snake River Valley $18.00
Perennial Vintners 2018 Lemberger, Red Mountain $22.00
Perennial Vintners 2018 Siegerrebe, Puget Sound $21.00
Perennial Vintners N/V Sparkling Siegerrebe, Puget Sound $25.00
Pondera Winery 2017 SVS- Stillwater Creek Vineyard, Royal Slope $45.00
Pondera Winery 2017 Prima Donna, Royal Slope $42.00
Pondera Winery 2017 LTD Livin’ the Dream Red Wine, Columbia Valley $42.00
Pondera Winery 2020 Viognier, Columbia Valley $26.00
Purple Star Winery 2020 Purple Star Rosé, Columbia Valley $18.00
Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards 2019 Malbec, Umpqua Valley $32.00
Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards 2017 Merlot, Umpqua Valley $34.00
Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards 2018 Winemaker’s Reserve Pinot Noir, Umpqua Valley $42.00
Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards 2019 Estate Selection Pinot Noir, Umpqua Valley $36.00
Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards 2019 Estate Selection Syrah, Umpqua Valley $32.00
Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards 2019 Winemaker’s Reserve Syrah, Umpqua Valley $42.00
Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards 2019 Estate Selection Tempranillo, Umpqua Valley $29.00
Rider Cellars 2020 Estate Riesling, Columbia Valley $18.00
Sawtooth 2019 Classic Fly Series Syrah, Snake River Valley $35.00
Schooler Nolan Winery 2017 Malbec, Red Mountain $25.00
Schooler Nolan Winery 2018 Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills $15.00
Schooler Nolan Winery 2017 Red Wine, Horse Heaven Hills $25.00
Shackelford Vintners 2018 Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley $36.00
Shackelford Vintners 2018 Vineyard Blend, Columbia Valley $20.00
Sherman Winery 2018 Carmenere, Yakima Valley $38.00
Sherman Winery 2017 Reserve Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills $38.00
Sherman Winery 2019 Viognier, Yakima Valley $24.00
Siren Song Wines 2017 Grand Cru Cabernet Sauvignon, The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater $54.00
Siren Song Wines 2017 Piazza Red Wine, Wahluke Slope $36.00
Siren Song Wines 2017 La Contessa Francesca, Lake Chelan $42.00
Sleeping Dog Wines 2014 Montepulciano, Yakima Valley $32.00
Sleeping Dog Wines 2014 Petite Verdot, Yakima Valley $34.00
SMAK Wines 2020 Spring Rosé, Walla Walla Valley $18.00
Spangler Vineyards 2017 Cabernet Franc, Southern Oregon $29.00
Spangler Vineyards 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Oregon $29.00
Spangler Vineyards 2017 Petite Sirah, Southern Oregon $39.00
Spangler Vineyards 2016 Syrah, Southern Oregon $29.00
Stag’s Hollow Winery 2018 Amalia Vineyard Renaissance Syrah, Okanagan Valley $38.00
Stag’s Hollow Winery 2018 Shuttleworth Creek Vineyard Dolcetto, Okanagan Falls $24.00
Stemilt Creek Winery 2018 A Day’s Work Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley $28.00
Stemilt Creek Winery 2018 Caring Passion Estate Merlot, Columbia Valley $20.00
Tertulia Cellars 2018 Tierra Labrada Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley $95.00
Tertulia Cellars 2018 Grenache, Walla Walla Valley $35.00
Tertulia Cellars 2018 Ryans’ Reserve, Walla Walla Valley $45.00
The Great Oregon Wine Co., and Distillery 2019 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $30.00
Three Forks Winery 2020 Gamache Vineyard Rosé of Pinot Gris, Columbia Valley $20.00
Tongue River Winery 2020 Itasca, Montana $18.00
Tongue River Winery 2020 Warm Front, Montana $16.00
TruthTeller Winery 2016 Satire, Yakima Valley $30.00
Upper Bench Estate Winery 2018 Estate Chardonnay, Naramata Bench $35.00
Upper Bench Estate Winery 2020 Riesling, Naramata Bench $24.00
Utopia Winery 2017 Chardonnay Ribbon Ridge $45.00
Utopia Winery 2017 Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge $48.00
Vale Wine Co. 2020 Viognier, Snake River Valley $20.00
VanArnam Vineyards 2018 Reserve Malbec, Yakima Valley $38.00
Veer Wine Project 2018 Barebera, Snake River Valley $30.00
Veer Wine Project 2018 Carmenere, Snake River Valley $30.00
Veer Wine Project 2018 Le Compere Red Wine, Snake River Valley $30.00
Viento Wines 2019 Riesling, Columbia Gorge $24.00
Viento Wines NV Brut Rosé Cuvée Tradition, Columbia Gorge $50.00
Vino la Monarcha 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley
Vino la Monarcha 2019 Malbec, Columbia Valley $24.00
Vino la Monarcha 2016 Merlot, Columbia Valley $22.00
Wautoma Springs 2017 El Prat Red Wine, Columbia Valley $28.00
Welcome Road Winery 2018 Roadtrip Red, Washington State $28.00
Westport Winery 2018 Captain Gray Chardonnay, Yakima Valley $32.00
Westport Winery NV Ancient Mariner Pear Riesling, American $29.00
Westport Winery NV Little Wild, American $29.00
Westport Winery 2018 Mermaid Merlot, Yakima Valley $30.00
Westport Winery 2018 Bella Sangiovese, Yakima Valley $36.00
Wild Goose Vineyards and Winery 2019 Gamay Noir, Naramata Bench $24.00
Wild Goose Vineyards and Winery 2019 Sumac Slope Pinot Noir, Okanagan Falls $38.00
Wild Goose Vineyards and Winery 2020 Riesling, Okanagan Valley $18.00
Wild Goose Vineyards and Winery 2020 Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Falls $20.00
Wild Goose Vineyards and Winery 2020 All Occasion White, Okanagan Valley $12.99
Winescape 2018 Free Fall, Columbia Valley $46.00
Winescape 2018 Marmot Incarnate, Columbia Valley $35.00
Winescape 2020 Riesling, Yakima Valley $21.00
Yakima Valley College 2017 Cap ‘N’ Gown Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley $17.00
Youngberg Hill Winery 2018 Natasha Pinot Noir, McMinnville $60.00

Bronze medal
Abiqua Wind Vineyard 2016 Isaac’s Reserve Estate Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $27.00
Armstrong Family Winery 2017 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley $38.00
Armstrong Family Winery 2018 Red Blend, Columbia Valley $32.00
Armstrong Family Winery 2017 Red Blend, Columbia Valley $42.00
Barili Cellars 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley $27.00
Battle Creek Cellars 2019 Reserve Chardonnay, Willamette Valley $28.00
Battle Creek Cellars 2019 Unconditional Pinot Noir Blanc, Columbia Gorge $28.00
Belle Fiore Winery 2017 Icon Calypso, Rogue Valley $30.00
Big Red Barn 2019 Chardonnay, Willamette valley $25.00
Bluebird Hill Cellars 2019 Chardonnay, Willamette Valley $32.00
Brian Carter Cellars 2016 Solesce, Columbia Valley $60.00
Burnt Bridge Cellars 2018 Cabernet Franc, Horse Heaven Hills $40.00
Cathedral Ridge Winery 2017 Elephant Mountain Reserve Malbec, Yakima Valley $48.00
Cathedral Ridge Winery 2017 The Last Best Wife Reserve Red Wine, Columbia Valley $48.00
Cathedral Ridge Winery 2017 Bordheauxd Red, Columbia Valley $30.00
Cathedral Ridge Winery 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, Columbia Valley $30.00
Cellardoor Winery 2016 Iron Gate Red Wine, American $32.00
Cellardoor Winery 2018 Sur La Riviere, American $24.00
Chemeketa Community College NV Red Table Wine, American $12.00
Chemeketa Community College 2019 Viognier, Eola-Amity Hills $10.00
Convergence Zone Cellars 2018 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Mistral Grenache, Red Mountain $33.00
Convergence Zone Cellars 2017 Squall Line, Columbia Valley $35.00
Convergence Zone Cellars 2017 Storm Front, Columbia Valley $29.00
Coyote Canyon Winery 2020 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Albariño, Horse Heaven Hills $21.00
Elevation Cellars 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley $30.00
Elevation Cellars 2020 Imperium Riesling, Columbia Valley $20.00
Elevation Cellars 2020 Sauvignon Blanc, Wahluke Slope $22.00
Fly Rod Cellars 2019 Weinbau Vineyard Muddler Minnow Mourvèdre, Wahluke Slope $33.00
Fujishin Family Cellars 2018 Tempranillo, Snake River Valley $27.00
H/H Estates 2018 Coyote Canyon Vineyard Buck Reserve Syrah, Horse Heaven Hills $42.00
Hat Ranch Winery 2018 Cabernet Franc, Snake River Valley $33.95
Hat Ranch Winery 2018 Merlot, Snake River Valley $25.00
Hat Ranch Winery 2020 Estate Dry Moscato, Snake River Valley $19.95
Holesinsky Winery and Vineyard 2018 Idawine Red Blend, Snake River Valley $12.00
Indian Creek Winery 2020 White Pinot Noir, Snake River Valley $20.00
Jones of Washington 2020 Viognier, Wahluke Slope $14.99
Jovinea Cellars 2018 Touriga Naçional – Tinta Cão, Washington $28.00
Kerry Hill Winery 2018 Malbec, Snake River Valley $45.00
Kerry Hill Winery 2018 Red Blendm Snake River Valley $33.00
King Estate Winery 2019 Paradox Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley $35.00
Locus Wines 2016 Red, Columbia Valley $25.00
Lodmell Cellars 2010 Estate “Bend Sinister” Late Harvest Dessert Wine, Columbia Valley $40.00
Lodmell Cellars 2019 Merlot, Rosé Columbia Valley $25.00
Martinez & Martinez Winery 2017 Dion Carlo Carménère, Horse Heaven Hills $40.00
Martinez & Martinez Winery 2017 Petit Verdot, Horse Heaven Hills $32.00
Martinez & Martinez Winery 2019 Tudor Hills Vineyard, Pinot Grigio Yakima Valley $20.00
Martinez & Martinez Winery 2017 César Red Wine, Horse Heaven Hills $28.00
Martinez & Martinez Winery 2019 Martinez Vineyard May Mae Rosé ,Horse Heaven Hills $22.00
Martinez & Martinez Winery 2018 Les Vignes Letendre Syrah, Yakima Valley $34.00
Mt Hood Winery 2020 Van Horn Estate Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir Rosé, Columbia Gorge $24.00
Oregon’s Best Wine 2018 Big Red Barn Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley $35.00
Parma Ridge 2018 Syrah, Snake River Valley $38.00
Shackelford Vintners 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley $30.00
Shackelford Vintners 2018 Trip Hazard Syrah, Red Mountain $30.00
Stemilt Creek Winery 2018 Estate Transforming Traditions Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley $30.00
Stemilt Creek Winery 2018 Estate Boss Lady Syrah, Columbia Valley $28.00
SuLei Cellars 2017 six thirteen main, Walla Walla Valley $30.00
The Miscreant Project 2017 Boldfaced Lie, Columbia Valley $18.00
The Miscreant Project 2018 White Lie, Columbia Valley $14.00
Upper Bench Estate Winery 2017 Estate Merlot, Naramata Bench $40.00
Upper Bench Estate Winery 2017 Altitude, Naramata Bench $40.00
Upper Bench Estate Winery 2018 Yard Wine, Naramata Bench $33.00
VIENTO 2020 Malbec Rosé, Columbia Gorge $20.00
Westport Winery NV Peaches on the Beaches, American $29.00
Westport Winery NV Pineapple Express, American $29.00
Westport Winery NV Red Sky At Night, American $33.00
Westport Winery 2019 Fleur de Lis Pinot Gris, Rattlesnake Hills $28.00
Yakima Valley College 2016 Campus Blend Red Wine, Columbia Valley $16.00
Yakima Valley College 2017 Senioritis Red Wine Blend, Columbia Valley $19.00
Yakima Valley College 2020 2-Hour Delay Riesling, Yakima Valley $15.00
Yakima Valley College 2020 Remote Learning Riesling, Yakima Valley $15.00

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Originally Appeared Here

The Meyer Family Vineyards, in Okanagan Falls, B.C., in an undated file photo.

NETTIE/Handout

For more wine advice and reviews, recipes, restaurant news and more, sign up to receive our Good Taste newsletter in your inbox every Wednesday.

The newly released 2019 B.C. Wine Grape Acreage Report offers a snapshot of how British Columbia’s wine scene is evolving. The province is now home to 11,086 acres of wine grapes, an 8 per cent increase from when the last report was produced in 2014. Back in 1999, the total acreage was 4,184.

Merlot, pinot noir and pinot gris are the most widely planted grape varieties, with pinot noir taking the second position from pinot gris since the last report. Cabernet franc and riesling also climbed in the Top 10 list.

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British Columbia’s industry focuses almost exclusively on growing European vinifera grape varieties, with only 2.5 per cent of the vineyards planted with hybrid grapes, such as blattner, marechal foch and vidal. Red wine varieties increased to be 53.1 per cent of current plantings, while the cultivation of white grapes fell to 46.9 per cent from 49 per cent in 2014.

The report documents an increase in vineyards operated by wineries and independent growers, to 1,049 in 2019 from 929 in 2014, as well as an 11 per cent jump in licensed wineries processing local grapes in the province, to 282 at present from 254 in 2014. Home to 86.8 per cent of the province’s vineyard operations, the Okanagan Valley is the production and hospitality hub.

The information was collected through a province-wide industry survey and collaborative review of information reported to the B.C. wine industry associations. It’s helpful for the industry to monitor trends in wine grape farming and help improve industry planning and business forecasting. The data could be useful in predicting shortages or surpluses of various grape varieties and help to determine topics for upcoming research and development projects. You can read the full report here.

As a new component of its education and outreach initiatives, the Wine Growers British Columbia recently unveiled a set of 10 high-resolution topographic maps detailing the dramatic landscape of the province and its nine diverse wine regions in detail. The maps were designed to educate the trade, media and consumers about the province’s unique sites and growing regions.

British Columbia’s wine regions lay at the highest latitudes where grape growing is possible. Long hours of daylight, hot days and cool nighttime temperatures help to produce wines with bright fruit flavours and vibrant acidity. The maps are available at WineBC.com.

E-mail your wine and spirits questions to The Globe. Look for answers to select questions to appear in the Good Taste newsletter and on The Globe and Mail website.

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Originally Appeared Here

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Renowned Denomination Enlists Retailers Nationwide to Celebrate Prosecco DOC and Prosecco DOC Rosé, Expands Digital Promotions to Trade, Press and Consumers with Strategic Partnerships 

New York, June 2, 2021 – The Prosecco DOC Consortium, the entity that oversees the production of the world’s most popular sparkling wine, is pleased to announce ‘National Prosecco Week’ (NPW) – a trade, media and consumer campaign developed in tandem with Colangelo & Partners – will return for its fourth annual celebration of Italy’s most renowned bubbles from July 19-25, 2021, and for the first time including Prosecco DOC Rosé. 

The Prosecco DOC Consortium successfully pivoted to virtual activities for last year’s celebration and will continue the digital momentum for this year with virtual seminars, targeted media relations and marketing, strategic media partnerships and dynamic social media and influencer activations. All activities aim to educate media, trade and consumers on how to identify authentic Prosecco DOC, showcase the versatility and pairability of each and introduce the growing Prosecco DOC Rosé category. 

Last year’s NPW reached over 148 million consumers and saw over 500 stores participating in the national retail and e-commerce promotion. Retail partners reported significant increases in sales during the 2020 promotion, from +21% to +274% when compared to the same period in the previous year. U.S. consumers continue to gravitate towards Prosecco DOC for its pleasing palate and approachable price point, evidenced by Prosecco’s continued momentum into 2021 as retail dollars in IRI channels have surged 38% in the year to date. In addition, Prosecco’s off-premise volume increased 26.5% in the 13 weeks ending March 27, according to Nielsen. 

“We are very excited to introduce the Prosecco DOC Rosé category to the fourth annual National Prosecco Week” commented Stefano Zanette, President of the Prosecco DOC Consortium. “As we carefully approach a world reopening, we are excited to see the personal celebrations Prosecco DOC and Prosecco DOC Rosé are meant to accompany, resuming safely. We are expanding on the success of last year’s all-digital National Prosecco Week to connect with more retailers, strategic partners and ultimately more Prosecco lovers in the U.S., which continue to grow in numbers as wine drinkers discover and explore the diversity within Prosecco DOC and its ever evolving, always timeless sense of flavor, festivity and diverse food pairing options for even the most discerning palates.” 

For the first time ever, National Prosecco Week will have its own online shop, where consumers can search for and purchase Prosecco DOC from local and national retailers. This year, National Prosecco Week is partnering with wine trade media publications, SevenFifty and VinePair, to drive trade and consumer awareness through online ads, social media promotions, dedicated articles, retail incentives and more along with strategic partnerships with trade marketing agencies 3×3 and City Hive.

Additionally, Grand Reserve Mastercard will serve as the official credit card sponsors of NPW with various promotions and offers for cardholders. 

Prosecco DOC welcomes retailers to participate in this nationwide celebration by hosting in-store or digital promotions, educational seminars, virtual tastings, package inserts and discounts. The following renowned Prosecco DOC producers are participating in this year’s campaign: Anna Spinato, Antonio Facchin & Figli, Astoria, Biancavigna, Bottega, Botter, Cantina Pizzolato, Cavit, Domus Picta, Fantinel, Gancia, La Gioiosa, La Marca, Le Contesse, Masottina, Mionetto, Piera 1899, Pitars, Ruggeri, Tenuta Sant’Anna, Torresella, Trevisiol & Figli, Val d’OCA, Valdo, Villa Sandi, Voga, Zardetto and Zonin. 

“We are excited to participate in National Prosecco Week again,” says Doug Jeffirs, Director of Wine Sales at Binny’s Beverage Depot, Chicago’s largest wine retailer. “Prosecco DOC is a fan favorite and we saw that through our sales, which increased over 21% during last year’s National Prosecco Week, compared to the same week in 2019.” 

Participating retailers will receive dynamic and educational POS materials to inspire consumer interest in the promotion. Additional benefits for retail participants include advertising support with National Prosecco Week’s top media partners, social media marketing, press support, and digital marketing. All partners will be featured on the National Prosecco Week website (www.casaprosecco.com). 

For more information on National Prosecco Week and how to participate, please contact Amanda Torres ([email protected]) or Stefán Sigurðsson ([email protected]) of Colangelo & Partners (www.colangelopr.com), the agency of record in the US for the Prosecco DOC Consortium. To stay updated for upcoming events and promotions, follow Prosecco DOC on Facebook (@proseccodocusa), Instagram (@proseccodoc_usa), and the Consortium’s official US website, www.casa prosecco.com. 

About The Prosecco DOC Consortium: 

Prosecco was granted the Controlled Designation of Origin status on July 17th, 2009, and the Prosecco DOC Consortium (Consorzio di Tutela della Denominazione di Origine Controllata Prosecco) was created on November 19th of the same year to coordinate and manage the Prosecco DOC. The organization unites the different groups of manufacturers—wineries, individual and associated vine-growers, still wine and sparkling wine producers—to ensure the designation continues to grow and that the production regulations are complied with. 

About Prosecco DOC: 

Prosecco DOC wines come in Spumante (sparkling), Frizzante (semi-sparkling) and Tranquillo (still) varieties. The wines are made from mainly the Glera grape, native to North East Italy for thousands of years, and can be combined with a maximum of 15% of the following grapes: Verdiso, Bianchetta Trevigiana, Perera, Glera lunga, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Nero. Prosecco Frizzante and Spumante varieties get their famous bubbles using the Secondary Fermentation production method, bottled under high pressure after fermentation in bulk tanks called autoclaves, as opposed to the traditional method, which bypasses the autoclaves and is used for other sparkling wine varieties. The end result is a brilliant straw yellow wine with fine, persistent perlage and aromas of white flowers, apple and pear. It is fresh and elegant on the palate with moderate alcoholic strength.

From August 11, 2020, the competent bodies (Italian Ministry of Agriculture) have allowed the production of Prosecco DOC Rosé, made from at least 85% Glera and 10-15% Pinot Nero only in the Spumante (sparkling) version and with the drier styles (from Brut Nature to Extra Dry). Prosecco DOC Rosé undergoes a longer second fermentation in the autoclaves (60 days as opposed to 30 days for Prosecco DOC), has a pale pink color and a fine and persistent perlage, and features aromas of white flowers, notes of apple and citrus, and scents of strawberry and raspberry. For more information regarding Prosecco DOC and Prosecco DOC Rosé, visit www.casaprosecco.com. 

About Colangelo & Partners 

Colangelo & Partners (www.colangelopr.com) is the leading fine wine and spirits integrated communications agency in the United States, sought after by top brands and industry players for the quality of their results, creativity, and return on investment. The professionals at Colangelo & Partners work with integrity and passion to influence how US audiences perceive their clients: Earning consistent, high-quality positive media coverage; organizing signature events; strategizing and executing standout digital campaigns; and implementing trade programs that strengthen relationships within the industry. Colangelo & Partners’ clientele includes global, instantly-recognizable brands and passionate, up-and-coming vignerons and distillers; regional and national institutions; and technology and e-commerce companies innovating in the beverage alcohol sector.

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Celebrity Cruises has announced changes to its customer loyalty program for guests when cruises restart.

The Captain’s Club program offers benefits and enhancements to the cruise for passengers that are repeat customers, and Celebrity posted an update with changes to their offerings.

Celebrity says they have taken the time during the cruise industry shutdown to make “refinements” to the Captain’s Club program.

Events

New events will be held onboard, such as the Captain’s Club Sneak Peek Series beginning on Celebrity Apex.

“Classic members and above can enjoy a sneak peek of the Eden décor, live music, and interactive art at Wonder at Eden in a reserved space just for Captain’s Club members. Plus, you can sample the specialty cocktail of the evening and enjoy a meet and greet with the artists and performers.”

An event for Elite members and above is Create and Pour, where you can sip a favorite wine while creating art.  The event is lead by an artist, and will begin on Celebrity Apex.

Welcome Parties will move to the outdoor spaces, such as the Lawn Club and Rooftop Garden.

Captain’s Club Cocktail hour has changed as well, and will no longer take place in the lounge.

Instead, guests will be able to enjoy unlimited drinks from the Captain’s Club menu daily from 5pm to 7pm at bars and lounges throughout your ship, including complimentary wine varieties that will now rotate between Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Moscato, and Pinot Noir. 

Celebrity says since the line will begin including all guests with unlimited drinks as part of the Always Included package, “we’ll be introducing new events and benefits so stay tuned.”

The full list of member events available for your sailing will be provided onboard. 

Member Perks & Benefits

Spa discounts will be available of up to 20% off for Select members and above.

Previously, Captain’s Club members could enjoy a one-time 10%-15% discount based on tier levels while in port. Now, Select and Elite members can enjoy multi-use discounts of 10%, while Elite Plus and Zenith members can enjoy multi-use discounts of 15% and 20%, respectively (excluding MedSpa and Retail).

Complimentary access to Persian Garden on one port day of your choice will still be available on Solstice and Millennium Series Ships for Elite members and above.

Photo discounts

Changes have been made to the photo discounts and offerings.

Celebrity has increased discounts of 25%-50% off any photo packages and up to $300 off Studio Packages for Classic members and above.

In addition, they have added more greenscreen options allowing you to have one photo session with multiple backgrounds.

A partnership with GoPro will offer 360 degree photography and aerial photos.

Laundry

Celebrity is introducing new laundry packages on select sailings for Elite and above members.

• Evening Chic dry cleaning service for only $35 (up to 8 individual items).  
• Pressed to Impress, Elite, Elite Plus and Zenith members can add pressing to one of their complimentary bags of laundry per sailing for just $20.  

Details to be available onboard.

Internet

Wifi is included for all guests with the Always Included program, so the Captain’s Club discount for internet access has changed.

Now, if you sail with Always Included, you can apply this discount to upgrade from the Surf to the Stream.  If you do not sail with Always Included, you can apply the 10% – 35% discount to any internet package and the complimentary minutes for Elite and Elite Plus will still apply. 

If you book pre-cruise, your discount is combinable with the additional 10% pre-cruise advantage. 

Zenith members will continue to enjoy a complimentary Stream internet package for one device in both scenarios.  

Beverage packages

Another change as a result of Always Included means discounts for upgrading your standard drink package.

Now, if you sail with Always Included, Classic Members and above can enjoy a 5% – 10% discount to upgrade from the Classic Beverage Package to Premium Beverage Package before you sail (pre-cruise).

The percentage is based on your member tier. If you do not sail with Always Included, Classic members and above can also receive a 5% – 20% discount on Classic and Premium beverage packages purchased before you sail and based on tier.

Elite members and above that do not sail with Always Included can also continue to enjoy the daily cocktail hour from 5pm – 7pm at bars and lounge throughout their ship.  Zenith members will continue to enjoy a complimentary Premium beverage package in both scenarios.

Wine

Classic members and above can now enjoy up to 20% off any bottle of wine.

Zenith Member Updates

Zenith members can enjoy a complimentary dinner at a specialty dining restaurant, along with complimentary flowers and wine. 

Celebrity will also give Zenith members the opportunity to take part in an interview with our cruise director that will air on our in-stateroom televisions.

Due to social distancing, Zenith access to the lounge at The Retreat and Michael’s Club will be limited to members staying in The Retreat until further notice.

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Originally Appeared Here

life-style,

After nearly 20 years helping promote Bathurst’s growing wine sector, Tony Hatch and Liz McFarland are set to call it a day at Vale Creek Wines. The pair have sold the Cow Flat winery to new owners Gerard and Jacqueline Woods, with an upcoming food, wine and jazz event on Sunday, June 13 to be the last with Mr Hatch and Ms McFarland in charge. Mr Hatch said the decision to move on from the winery was prompted by a few factors, including age, rigours of production and a desire to rest after many years of hard work on the land. READ ALSO: Arts OutWest exhibition to celebrate artists who’ve overcome adversity “I fractured a vertebrae around two years ago on the property while collecting firewood, which had me seriously begin to consider life after winemaking,” he said. “Winemaking is a very intensive business requiring plenty of physical and mental strength, and Liz and I have both reached the point where we’re ready to pass the torch.” Since the first vines were planted in 2002, Mr Hatch and Ms McFarland have set out to promote Vale Creek as a local home for Italian wines, which are best enjoyed with food. READ ALSO: Tracy Sorensen nominated for NSW Environmental Citizen of the Year “The idea emerged from my days as a Qantas pilot, where I came across the popularity of Italian wines in not just Italy, but across all of Europe,” Mr Hatch said. “When we first got going, wine varieties such as Sangiovese, Dolcetto, Pinot Grigio and Barbera were uncommon around Bathurst, let alone pronounceable. “Italians have always partnered wines with a nice meal, and from the get-go, we’ve strived to bring members of the Bathurst community together to showcase the appeal of a winery with a cellar door promoting food, music and togetherness.” Mr Hatch and Ms McFarland have been instrumental in growing appreciation for Bathurst’s wine sector, highlighting its potential to foster regional tourism and identity. “We’re proud that our efforts, with the help of Mudgee food and wine identity Kim Currie, helped convince Bathurst Regional Council to serve local wine at all their events, and [former mayor] Gary Rush played a big role in supporting our cause,” Mr Hatch said. READ ALSO: Bathurst Wine Explorer to explore region’s rural scenery and iconic heritage “As a winery, if you’re trying to foster tourism, you need to be open at least every weekend, and its pleasing to see other local wineries, such as Renzaglia Wines, take advantage of an on-site cellar door.” While working the vineyards required a great deal of time and energy all year round, Mr Hatch said he has thoroughly enjoyed the experience. “There’s something therapeutic about making wine: the pruning, the vine training, the harvesting: it can be fun and agonising at the same time,” he said. “We’ve shared a lot of laughs in this cellar over the last few years, and we wish Gerard and Jacqueline well.” Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:

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After nearly 20 years helping promote Bathurst’s growing wine sector, Tony Hatch and Liz McFarland are set to call it a day at Vale Creek Wines.

The pair have sold the Cow Flat winery to new owners Gerard and Jacqueline Woods, with an upcoming food, wine and jazz event on Sunday, June 13 to be the last with Mr Hatch and Ms McFarland in charge.

Mr Hatch said the decision to move on from the winery was prompted by a few factors, including age, rigours of production and a desire to rest after many years of hard work on the land.

“I fractured a vertebrae around two years ago on the property while collecting firewood, which had me seriously begin to consider life after winemaking,” he said.

“Winemaking is a very intensive business requiring plenty of physical and mental strength, and Liz and I have both reached the point where we’re ready to pass the torch.”

Since the first vines were planted in 2002, Mr Hatch and Ms McFarland have set out to promote Vale Creek as a local home for Italian wines, which are best enjoyed with food.

“The idea emerged from my days as a Qantas pilot, where I came across the popularity of Italian wines in not just Italy, but across all of Europe,” Mr Hatch said.

“When we first got going, wine varieties such as Sangiovese, Dolcetto, Pinot Grigio and Barbera were uncommon around Bathurst, let alone pronounceable.

“Italians have always partnered wines with a nice meal, and from the get-go, we’ve strived to bring members of the Bathurst community together to showcase the appeal of a winery with a cellar door promoting food, music and togetherness.”

Mr Hatch and Ms McFarland have been instrumental in growing appreciation for Bathurst’s wine sector, highlighting its potential to foster regional tourism and identity.

“We’re proud that our efforts, with the help of Mudgee food and wine identity Kim Currie, helped convince Bathurst Regional Council to serve local wine at all their events, and [former mayor] Gary Rush played a big role in supporting our cause,” Mr Hatch said.

“As a winery, if you’re trying to foster tourism, you need to be open at least every weekend, and its pleasing to see other local wineries, such as Renzaglia Wines, take advantage of an on-site cellar door.”

While working the vineyards required a great deal of time and energy all year round, Mr Hatch said he has thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

“There’s something therapeutic about making wine: the pruning, the vine training, the harvesting: it can be fun and agonising at the same time,” he said.

“We’ve shared a lot of laughs in this cellar over the last few years, and we wish Gerard and Jacqueline well.”

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:

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The Deck restaurant and wine tasting centre, Ridgeback.

It seems that Paarl winery Ridgeback increasingly want to identify their top offerings with viognier – a variety that perhaps no longer has quite the cachet that it once did – and cabernet franc – a variety that is gaining and ever-higher reputation in the Cape, both as a varietal wine and in blends. Ridgeback Viognier needs, of course little introduction, as undoubtedly amongst the Cape elite for the variety. A Cabernet Franc is also firmly in place, and that variety also leads the fine His Master’s Choice Signature C blend, and is a crucial part of a new super-premium blend, of which more later.

Ridgeback is on the other side of a hill from Rhebokskloof, another ambitious Paarl winery that I visited not long ago, in one of the prettiest parts of this often unfairly ignored appellation (see my general thoughts on that here). I last came to Ridgeback more than 15 years ago, when it was still fairly new – the first wine was made at the turn of the century, some four years after the Zimbabwean owners (whose Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs inspired the name and the logo) had acquired the property.

Toit Wessels of Ridgeback.

Ambition was clear from the start, with Paul Wallace brought in to design and plant new vineyards and the redoubtable Cathy Marshall acting as winemaking consultant (she was still operating Barefoot Wine Company/BWC) doing her thing at first in rented space, and then in the new winery, built in time for the 2003 harvest. But Toit Wessels, now presiding over both cellar and 35 hectares of vineyards, has been there from the start – at first among the vines and then later joining Cathy in the cellar. That’s an immense boon for the estate in terms of experience, and surely a positive thing for a winemaker to have started learning about his vines even before coming to vinify their grapes. In the vineyards (where virus is very apparent at this time of year), Toit is particularly working on improving the soil quality – with noticeable improvements over recent years he says; and there’s a replanting programme underway.

Ridgeback has been developed as an attractive “destination”, pleasingly rustic, with the revamped restaurant and new tasting room built around the dam with its swans gliding above and koi gliding below. After a drive around the autumnal vineyards, it was in that tasting room that I chatted to Toit and sales manager Luan Aucamp about the wines, and sampled eight of the top wines.

As you might expect from a warm area like this, with a pretty conventional approach to things, the wines are generally quite ripe, big and forthright, with added acidity to compensate and balance. And they are indeed all well balanced, with oaking excellently managed to support rather than dominate, and dryness an important component of their effect. To generalise further – they combine plenty of flavour (but no excessive fruitiness and a savoury element too) with a firm but unobtrusive structure. They’re certainly not new-wave wines, but far from old-fashioned blockbuster wannabes; responsive to their terroir, but Toit does not resist, for example, adding tannins to his reds at judicious stages, adding to their suppleness and texture.

Red-wine varieties make up about 65% of plantings, and I tasted only two whites. The Chenin Blanc 2019, from older bushvines, is typically good, with its generosity reined in, fairly big but focused and succulent. I confess I was suprised how much I enjoyed the Viognier 2020. Not usually my favourite variety, but this has a winning, gorgeous ripeness without any hint of blowsy excessiveness, with as much pineapple and citrus as apricot, bright and unobtrusively supported by oak, and a firm grippiness. Toit points out that the average quality of Cape viognier has been rising, which I think is true, and the Ridgeback is a good advertisement for that – ten years ago it was over-ripe, over-voluptuous and over-oaked, but now it is lovely in its comparative restraint.

Of the three monovarietal reds I tasted, the fragrant Cab Franc 2018 was the standout (though the 2017 Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon pleasingly combined some seriousness with immediate attractiveness – helped by being that bit more mature than most similar reds on the market. The Franc (“my favourite cultivar to work with”, says Toit), moves more in the direction of elegance thanks to an inherent finesse. As the majority component in His Master’s Choice Signature C 2017 (70%, with cab, merlot and petit verdot), it certainly advantages that wine, which has a lovely integration of moderate power, bright acidity and tannin. A very good drink, which should mature nicely for a good few years, and reasonable value at R400.

The 2016 vintage of Signature S is the last to be of only shiraz (plus a little viognier), with later vintages bringing in mourvèdre and grenache. Intense, ripe and bright, with oaky tobacco mingling with dark cherry notes – in typical house style, combining richness with a degree of elegance.

To be released soon and with a totally different packaging from the other Ridgeback wines – in fact downplaying the connection – is a 2016 wine called The Brave. A notably late release, as, to their credit, the team wanted to gauge the development of the wine before deciding to add it definitively to the portfolio – next up will be the 2020, whereafter it should be a regular presence. Only two barrels have been made, and the wine is joining the ranks of those over R1000 – but most of this first vintage has gone to a private list (of merchants Frogitt and Vonkel), with just a few cases available from the farm. The Brave – the name and label honouring early pioneering settlers – is a blend, one barrel each, of cab franc and shiraz. It’s subtle and delicious and lovely, neatly mingling the perfumes and flavours of the two varieties, with time toning and complexifying them into a very satisfying whole – the most elegant of an impressive and decent value portfolio of Paarl wines.

• Tim James is one of South Africa’s leading wine commentators, contributing to various local and international wine publications. He is a taster (and associate editor) for Platter’s. His book Wines of South Africa – Tradition and Revolution appeared in 2013

Help us out. If you’d like to show a little love for independent media, we’d greatly appreciate it. To make a financial contribution, click here. Invoice available upon request – contact info@winemag.co.za

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Golf legend Greg Norman has revealed he plans to live out the rest of his days in Australia and die in his home country as he makes plans to leave the United States.  

The 66-year-old hopes to return to Australia after spending 40 years living abroad in the United States and building his golfing career.

Norman has already made preparations for the big move and sold off a number of houses from his property empire including an AUD$52million Colorado ranch and $77million South Florida compound. 

The golf icon said it will be at least another two years before he is ready to return home, but that once he is settled into Australia, he intends to stay for good.

‘I actually want to spend my final days on this earth in Australia,’ he told The Australian. ‘It’s not morbid — trust me, I am going to live to 115.’ 

In the meantime, Norman says he will be making some big changes to his massive $400 million business empire, including dropping half of his businesses, bringing back his wine empire and investing big in Australian property. 

Golf legend Greg Norman (pictured, with partner Kirsten Kutner) has revealed he hopes to live out the rest of his days in Australia and die in his home country as he makes plans to leave the United States

Norman says he will be making some big changes to his massive $400 million business empire, including dropping half of his businesses, bringing back his wine empire and investing big in Australian property

The golf icon turned business tycoon has built a multi-million dollar empire that spans across 13 businesses and includes apparel, course design, restaurants, wine, real estate and a wake park.

Norman has revealed he intends to cut down operations and only keep five or six of his most profitable businesses. 

‘As you progressively get gracefully older you find an interesting balance in yourself,’ he told the Four Courses podcast last month.

‘The materialistic things you liked 25 years ago, you go ‘why did I even have those then? It was ego, it was a statement because look what I can do, I’ve got this.’

Norman has not announced the businesses that will be getting the chop and said he will have to consider his options very carefully. 

‘If you’re running a business on a break-even proposition, you’re spending that same amount of time to break even as you are on a business that’s making a profit, right … so why?’ he said.

‘Why are you spending all that time on this? (But) it’s not easy because a lot of the businesses have been around for quite a long time.’   

Norman has also revealed plans to bring back his wine business when he moves to Australia.

He set up the Greg Norman Estates in 1996 and sells 11 wine varieties from Australia, New Zealand and California. 

The desire to drop so many businesses at once has also raised questions about Norman’s next big venture.

The golf icon said it will be at least another two years before he is ready to return home, but that once he is settled into Australia, he intends to stay for good

Norman is considered to be one of the most successful golfers to take up the club

The golf icon revealed he would happily return to the professional sport and take up a coaching role if the opportunity presented itself to him. 

He said he would even consider leading an Australian golf team into the Olympics.  

‘I have never been asked,’ Norman said. ‘It is up to other people to make that decision, not me. Of course I would consider it if I had the honour to be asked.

‘I have always been a big believer in golf being in the Olympics since back to the mid-90s with Seve Ballesteros.’ 

Norman is considered to be one of the most successful golfers to take up the club.

He spent 331 weeks as the world’s No.1 ranked golfer in the 1980s and 1990s.

He has won 89 professional tournaments, including 20 PGA Tour tournaments and two majors: the Open Championships in 1986 and 1993. 

Norman has two children and has been married to interior designer Kirsten ‘Kiki’ Kutner since 2010

Golf legend’s $400million empire 

Greg Norman has gone from one of the greatest players in golf to a business tycoon who runs an empire worth $400million.

He currently owns 13 businesses that includes apparel, course design, restaurants, wine, real estate and a wake park.

Below is a list of some of the businesses owned by the 66-year-old:

1) Greg Norman collection: The clothing line was set up in 1992. It specialises in golf-inspired sportswear for men and women.

2) Greg Norman Golf Course Design: The company has become one of the most well-known golf course design firms in the world. It has designed more than 100 courses in 34 countries.   

3) Greg Norman Estates: The wine company was established in 1996. It comprises of 11 wine varieties from Australia, New Zealand and California. 

4) Greg Norman Australian Grille: The highly-successful seafood restaurant opened its doors in 1999. It sits on the waterfront at Barefoot Landing in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. 

5) Greg Norman Australian Prime: The company was established in 2006 and specialises in Wagyu beef and beef jerky imports. 

6) Great White Shark Opportunity Fund: The fund was set up following the global financial crisis in 2013. It offers an alternative lending and flexible capital source. 

7) Greg Norman Developments: The real-estate firm specialises in high-end residential and hospitality developments.   

8) Norman Design Group:  The interior design arm of Greg Norman Real Estate that provides cohesive design concepts.

9) Medalist Village: The 119-residence village was set up as a private residential golf community in Florida in 1995. Prices for homes begin at $1million.  

10) Shark Wake Park: Several wakeboarding parks were set up in South Carolina and Florida. 

11) Shark Experience: The premium media platform puts HD touchscreens onto golf carts connecting golfers with content including GPS yardages, hole flyovers, and music. 

 

Norman has two children and has been married to interior designer Kirsten ‘Kiki’ Kutner since 2010.  

Since stepping away from professional golf Norman has built a reputation as a top tier course designer – a job that has earned him millions.

He also spends his days exploring the world and maintaining a strict exercise regimen.

Norman said he intends to maintain his very active lifestyle when he returns to Australia and that he already has plans to visit certain parts of the country.

‘I still have a lot of time in my life to enjoy parts of Australia that I have been and seen,’ he said. 

Norman has been preparing to leave the United States and slowly selling off houses from his property portfolio over the past couple of months.

In February, the golf legend put his South Florida compound on the market before it was snapped up just two weeks later for $77million.

The property comes with eight houses including a pool house, tennis house, boat house and carriage house. 

In March, Norman found a buyer for his $52million Colorado ranch known as Seven Lakes Ranch

One of the enormous rooms Greg Norman uses to entertain at his ‘Seven Lakes Ranch’

More than 500 logs, each up to 45 feet in length, were trucked in from Montana for the construction 

In March, Norman found a buyer for his $52million ranch in Colorado.  

He had purchased the Meeker, Colorado, ranch property in 2004 for $12 million, resulting in a hefty profit from the upcoming sale. 

The sprawling estate, known as Seven Lakes Ranch, includes a 1,300 square-metre, custom stone and log lodge.

More than 500 logs, each up to 45 feet in length, were trucked in from Montana for the construction.

The lodge has eight bedrooms and seven bathrooms and has been described as ‘one of the finest trophy big game hunting and fishing ranches in Colorado.’

Norman has previously admitted he has been thinking about returning to Australia for some time.

Norman has previously admitted he has been thinking about returning to Australia for some time

Norman wrote a column for Stellar Magazine in January saying he missed the country and its wildlife

He wrote a column for Stellar Magazine in January saying he missed the country and its wildlife.  

‘I miss the way it sounds,’ he wrote. ‘Not long ago, I was on the phone with my parents and the sounds of the bird life in the background was something else.’ 

‘And the smell of Australia… it’s so clean and fresh. I love the coffee and I miss the people; they’re so easy going.

He continued: ‘I want to get back to Australia as soon as I can. To tell you the truth, I think about coming home every second day.’

In 2019, Greg also confirmed he was on the hunt for a property in Australia.

‘Yes we are (looking). I’d prefer not to say where we are looking and no we have not bought anything, he told The Daily Telegraph. 

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