It may surprise you to know that distinct American wine growing regions (referred to as appellations) are not determined by wineries, grape growers or even state authority. They’re designated by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, a branch of the United States Department of the Treasury. Because of this, appellations can extend beyond […]

Earlier this year, the Washington Wine Commission released the findings of a study that emphasized just how much of an impact the Washington wine industry has on the state and national economy. Some of the more impressive results: • The wine industry contributes $8.6 billion annually to the state economy, more than double the $3 […]

During a recent visit to Oregon, I sampled a number of current releases from King Estate Winery, located about 30 miles south of Eugene. The winery produces three distinct wine labels sourced from Oregon vineyards: Acrobat, Signature and Domaine, while a fourth label, North by Northwest (NxNW), sources grapes from the Columbia and Walla Walla […]