William Pollard Jr | aka: Wild 4 Washington Wine

Pete Hedges, head winemaker for Hedges Family Estate on Red Mountain, was injured Monday morning while repairing the grape press. Pete, head winemaker for the family owned winery since 2002, fell while repairing a leak in the press, said Sarah Hedges Goedhart, assistant winemaker. He was taken to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland with a fractured vertebrae, punctured lung and broken ribs.   Our prayers are with you and your family Pete, get well. Update: Pete is doing well, two titanium rods and twelve pins have straightened his spine. Follow Hedges Winery news here: http://www.facebook.com/hedgesfamilyestate?v=wall .

Red Mountain I've enjoyed Hedges wines for many years. You can find their signature Red and White CMS wines all over the state of Washington. Two years ago, we enjoyed a private "Star Party" at the beautiful Hedges Family Estate chateau. The head winemaker Pete Hedges and his wife were enchanting hosts. They provided food and libations into the evening, after sunset, we were joined by the Tri -City Astronomy club for a night of star gazing. It's so dark on Red Mountain, it seems as if you can almost touch the heavens. A truly one of a kind experience. Hedges also makes a fantastic Rose wine. Crisp, dry and fruity, the way I like it. The 2008 vintage should be seeing the light of day soon. Look for it if you live in King county (alas, not much of a market for it in SE Washington). Locally you have to purchase the Rose from their Red Mountain winery. But this post isn't about Rose. Yesterday, I cracked open a bottle of Hedges 2006 Three Vineyards. This is a robust...