Category Archives: Past Articles
Marsanne Makes a Great Alternative to Mainstream White Wines
Last week I focused on the white wine varietal roussanne, and this week we’ll take a look at marsanne, a grape with many similarities. Like roussanne, marsanne is thought to have originated in the Rhône Valley of France. It’s also used primarily for blending purposes, especially with roussanne and viognier, and it’s somewhat viscous with […]
Roussanne Shows Promise Among Washington Wineries
Roussanne is a white wine grape that’s probably been around for centuries and yet, until recently, it remained in relative obscurity in Washington State. It’s most likely that the grape originated in the Rhone Valley of France, and although it is primarily used for blending purposes, I’m starting to see it offered by more and […]
Micro-Winery Silver Bell Makes it Mark in Burlington
Sometimes I find myself discovering a new winery in the most unlikely places. This one comes to me by way of my dad, who hobnobs at Skagit Golf & Country Club with Alan Holtzheimer, owner/winemaker of Silver Bell Winery. Silver Bell is, without a doubt, one of the smallest wineries I’ve ever encountered, but it’s […]
Taste Washington 2012: A Great Showcase for State Wines
Taste Washington, the state’s largest exhibition of wines under one roof, was held in Seattle on March 31 and April 1. The Washington Wine Commission estimates that the 225 participating wineries poured over 200,000 tastes from the 800-plus featured wines during the two-day event. After schmoozing and then swirling, sipping, and savoring my way through […]
Privatization of Liquor Laws Should Bring Change to Wine Sales
Change is on the horizon for how and where you buy wine, and it’s probably not a bad idea to start preparing yourself now. Remember the passage of Initiative 1183 last fall? The initiative approved the privatization of liquor sales and distribution and also allowed for discount pricing on wine and spirits. By June 1, […]