Spokane: Washington’s Hidden Gem

The coffee finally started kicking in somewhere around the outskirts of Spokane. I had just spent the previous five days on a non-stop tour of wineries in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, then moved on to the Yakima Valley in Washington, followed by the Wine Bloggers’ Conference in Walla Walla. The only thing keeping my sleep deprived body going was a large cup of my favorite stimulant.

Garagiste Grenache: A Ballroom Debut

I stood 1,200 miles away from home, in a dimly lit ballroom, at a historic hotel in Walla Walla, WA, clutching two bottles of the inaugural vintage of our family’s homemade wine, which until quite recently rested safely in neutral 60-gallon French-oak barrels in my garage. I was about to pour the very first public taste of this wine, for a celebrity Master Sommelier … in front of a crowd.

Washington State Wines—Hot and Getting Hotter

Having visited wine regions around the world, I believe Washington State is one of the most exciting you’ll find, located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Washington boasts an interesting history, has a perfect climate for grapes, produces many varieties into award-winning wines, and offers many regions to explore.

Scholarship Provides Assistance to Wine Bloggers in Need

Blogging has become a mainstream component of many businessess. While blogging and social media may not entirely replace traditional media, it is becoming an increasingly important segment in media and sales tactics. The same holds true for many in the wine industry, and this growing importance will be marked by the third annual American Wine Bloggers Conference, or WBC, this June in Walla Walla, Washington.

No Detention for Drinking in School: Walla Walla Institute for Enology and Viticulture

“I think when you combine all of this [training] with the fact that our students get hands-on practical experience during the entire two years they are with us—we offer the best two-year EV education available.” Speaking as one of the graduates, I have to agree. The program was one of the best experiences of my life.

2006 Gramercy Cellars Inigo Montoya Tempranillo

A blend of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Syrah from the Walla Walla Valley at Les Collines Vineyard, located at the foot of the Blue Mountains. I definitely knew it was Walla Walla fruit from the smoky nose that reminded me of autumn nights in the Walla Walla Valley. And just like the first time I enjoyed it a year ago, I found myself with my nose deep into the bowl of the glass constantly soaking in the familiar aroma. It is a very layered wine, which I feel is due to the addition of the syrah being responsible for the extra richness of the wine. Flavors of cherry and plum pies exploded in the mid-palate while leaving a long finish of caramel and crème brulée. To sum it up in one word: Elegant. For Catie’s full review see her blog Through the Walla Walla Grape Vine.

Taking Flight: Walla Walla Wine Incubators

In 2006, the Port of Walla Walla in Washington State constructed buildings to serve as space for new start-up wineries. Inside the five whimsical-colored buildings, that resemble a village out of “The Simpsons” cartoon, are winemakers with an entrepreneurial spirit and the dream of someday flying away from the incubators to be on their own.

Harvest Report: Walla Walla

“If you think a freeze is like the romantic movie, A Walk in the Clouds, starring Keanu Reeves – think again. It’s more like a high-speed nerve-wracking opening chase scene from the movie, Mad Max.”

Deep Deep Roots: Walla Walla Wine

Rich in French, Italian and Native American history, this Eastern Washington town would see their wines and vines come full circle…from humble immigrant plantings to modern blockbusters. Just don’t call it the next Napa. By Catie McIntyre Walker