This week’s Wine Word of the Week is mercaptans. Official definition from Jancis Robinson’s The Oxford Companion to Wine: Mercaptans, or thiol compounds, are a group of usually potent and often foul-smelling chemical compounds formed by yeast reacting with sulfur in the lees after the primary alcoholic fermentation. If not removed from the new wine […]

As you might imagine, the first thing that attracted me to this book, Red, White, and Drunk All Over by Natalie MacLean, was its title. Then after perusing it at my local Barnes and Noble, the clincher for me was the tout on the inside back cover flap: “A galloping read, which educates, entertains, and […]

Would you like a quick suggestion for a good wine to drink tonight (or this weekend) that won’t break your budget and is widely available? Many of our readers have said this is something they would like, so here is this week’s selection, the 2007 Latah Creek Semillon from Washington State. Our selection criteria include: […]

Wine is a beverage to be enjoyed, preferably in the company of friends. Unfortunately, though, many people find wine intimidating. For many, making it through the onslaught of bottles at the local grocery store or wine shop and actually choosing a bottle is just half the battle. Now, it’s time to drink it. If all […]

Jim Bernau founded Willamette Valley Vineyards, located in Turner, Oregon, in 1983. Through his work as a small business lobbyist, he helped pass legislation to develop the Oregon wine industry. He was also involved in the establishment of the Oregon Wine Advisory Board. When he planted his estate vineyards, he chose to focus on Pinot […]

Today’s post is part of a series featuring the Women of Washington Wine. In an industry once dominated by men, more and more women are joining the ranks as winery owners, vineyard owners, and winemakers. Being a woman myself, I am fascinated by these women and what they have done and continue to do. Through […]

This week’s Wine Word of the Week is vieilles vignes. Official definition from Jancis Robinson’s The Oxford Companion to Wine: Vieilles vignes is French for ‘old vines’. The term is used widely on wine labels in the hope that potential buyers are aware that wine quality is often associated with senior vine age. There are […]

A month ago, I wrote a post analyzing Washington Ballot Initiatives I-1100 and I-1105 and concluded by saying that I was leaning toward a “yes” vote on I-1100 and a “no” vote on I-1105. Since then, I have been continuing to study the issues and have engaged in discussion with a number of knowledgeable persons […]

Would you like a quick suggestion for a good wine to drink tonight (or this weekend) that won’t break your budget and is widely available? Many of our readers have said this is something they would like, so here is this week’s selection, the 2008 CMS Red by Hedges from the Columbia Valley in Washington […]

On Friday evening, we hosted our 88th wine tasting dinner. This month’s dinner featured Washington Merlot from the 2006 vintage. For those of you still avoiding Merlot as a result of watching Sideways, it’s time to give this noble grape another chance. Merlot is a wonderful varietal, and Washington State makes outstanding Merlot. Washington Merlot […]