William Pollard Jr | aka: Wild 4 Washington Wine

You may be familiar with some of Washington's American Viticultural Areas (AVAs); such as Yakima Valley, Walla Walla, Red Mountain and The Columbia Valley. But do you know the way to the Horse Heaven Hills AVA? Washington State is the nation's second largest producer of wine. And that's premium wine friends. With 43,000 acres planted to vine we have an ideal climate in Eastern Washington for growing vinifera. It's dry in Eastern Washington with only 6-8 inches of annual rainfall. Since vinifera require at least 22 inches of annual rainfall, irrigation and vineyard management are key to producing high quality fruit. Clouds rolling off the north side of the Horse Heaven Hills.

It's time to share my impressions of Virginia Wine with you. Plaque of Thomas Jefferson at Barboursville Vineyard. Last night I dreamed about Virginia winemaker Kirsty Harmon. Before bed, I was editing a short video of Kirsty I recorded last month at Monticello; her words and others were tumbling in my mind. When I start dreaming about a subject, I know it's time to start writing about that subject. Kirsty is the winemaker at Blenheim Vineyards; she was among 30+ Virginia wineries sharing their wines last month in Virginia at the fourth annual Wine Bloggers Conference . I had a magnificent time in Virginia, very little sleep, but many captivating conversations.  My palate has been expanded. I've finally experienced Virginia wines. I’m excited about and for Virginia wineries and I discovered that there are some real gems, wines easily recognizable as world class.

Gordon Brothers Winery Tasting Last Saturday I'm making time today to share some photos from my visit to Gordon Brothers Winery last weekend. The winery is located off of the Pasco Kahlotus Highway, above the Snake River and Levy Park. It's about a ten minute drive from Pasco, Washington. While it's not the most exciting drive, it's worth the trip for the view and the fantastic wines. The Gordon Brothers winery is only open to the public twice a year, Crush weekend and in December ( contact the winery for date and time). Enjoy the view of the Snake River from the winery. Freshly harvested Syrah grapes. Katie Nelson pouring while Winemaker Tim Henley gives a tour in back. Winemaker Tim Henley gives a barrel tasting tour. The newly released 2005 Tradition - my favorite of the weekend. 2005 Tradition - Estate Grown : This is a just released vintage. It's been in the bottle for 1.5 years. As I've mentioned before, 2005 is one of my favorite years. This wine...

Write that name down and remember it - Anna Schafer. How many of you know that earlier this year the 500th winery was bonded in Washington State? Some 200 wineries opened their doors in the last three years alone. As passionate as I am about wine, Washington wine, I am a creature of habit. Yes, I do tend to drink the wines I know. Well, guess what? This weekend I was bumped off my comfortable log in Yakima , Washington . Saturday I poured at the 2007 Washington Wine Country Grand Gala in Yakima , Washington . A truly deluxe fundraiser for Washington Wine Country. I was unexpectedly paired with Anna Schafer. Anna Schafer is the co-winemaker for her family owned àMaurice Cellars in Walla Walla , Washington . She my friends is the future of Washington wine. Did you write down her name? You should. Pouring with Anna Schafer I was fortunate to enjoy an hour in the company of an intelligent, serious and passionate Washington winemaker. She's engaging, knowledgeable and managed ...

Growers conference in February introduced many to the Columbia Valley. I finally have some time to post to this blog, so lets catch up. Last month the annual Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers Meeting was held in Kennewick, Washington. Growers and winemakers from the U.S. and Canada attended. And local growers and winemakers presented. I personally had some time to visit with four growers from the NAPA Valley. They appeard a bit dazed and overwhelmed when I met with them after the conference. They had questions about the Columbia Valley, climate, soil and appellations. They did not believe everything I told them and they seemed doubtful about the whole Washington state wine phenomena. But, as they say, the truth is in the tasting. They were politely interested in white wines, but unimpressed. They were very interested in red wines and were blown away by a 2004 Barnard Griffin Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. I swear their eyes popped open at the same time - looks were exchange...