Wine Peeps is an independent wine blog dedicated to helping you get the most bang for your buck in wine. We do this through blind tastings of wine from around the world and calculations of 
Video Interview with Erik Manz of Mountain Dome, Washington Sparkling Wine Producer
By Kori ~ July 10th, 2009.
During our recent trip to Spokane, we had the pleasure to visit Mountain Dome Winery, the only dedicated independent sparkling wine producer in the state of Washington, and interview winemaker Erik Manz. Founded in 1984 by Erik’s parents, Michael and Patricia Manz, Mountain Dome is located on 84 acres just outside of town in the foothills of Mt. Spokane. Mountain Dome produces 3,500 cases per year using Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes in the methode champenoise or traditional method.
When we met Erik and tasted his wines at the Spokane tasting at Barrister Winery, we were impressed not only with their quality but also their value. All four Mountain Dome sparkling wines (Non-vintage, Vintage, Rosé, and Cuvee Forte) have a QPR of 5 bangs for your buck.
Erik was kind enough to give us a tour of the Mountain Dome facilities and answer our questions on a variety of topics. He shared the history of Mountain Dome Winery, gave us insight into his winemaking philosophy, and took us through the step-by-step process of making sparkling wine. I became particularly fascinated with the sparkling winemaking process when I was studying for the CSW (Certified Specialist of Wine) exam in 2007. So I thoroughly enjoyed having Erik walk us through the process so we could “see†it firsthand. Be sure to watch the video and see for yourself.
Here are some key clips from our interview:
Filed under: American Wine, Interview, Sparkling Wine, Video, Washington State Wine
Not sure if Moonlight Wine Cellar (http://www.moonlightcellar.com/) is still in business, but if it is, then it also is dedicated to producing only sparkling wines in Washington state.
Hi Andy,
Thanks for bringing Moonlight Wine Cellar to my attention. I, personally, have never seen their wines. And by looking at their website, which is very outdated, it’s hard to tell whether they are still in business or not. If someone knows, please let me know.
Karma Vineyards – Lake Chelan AVA, makes hand-riddled Methode Champenoise in our cave. Allan Pangborn, of Moonlight Sparkling Wine Cellars – Kennewick, does our disgorging so he is still “bubbling”. Before starting his own winery, Allan was a sparkling winemaker at Korbel Champagne Cellars,
California, and at Washington’s Chateau Ste. Michelle.
Susan,
Thanks for commenting and sharing the info about Karma. I am aware that Karma and several other wineries in Washington produce a sparkling wine or two. However, in referring to Mountain Dome as the only dedicated independent sparkling wine producer in the state, I mean that they produce sparkling wine exclusively. Cheers!
I was just responding to your inquiry about Allan (not disputing facts).
Susan,
I apologize for misunderstanding. Thanks for the info on Allan. Glad to know that he is still “bubbling”. Cheers!