The Wine Knows

On this day in 1933, the 21st Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, effectively ending Prohibition.

In Washington, St. Charles Winery in Grapeview opened almost immediately, becoming the state's first post-Prohibition winery. It operated into the 1960s. The winery eventually became a museum of sorts, focusing on Puget Sound ships and ferries. It may still be open, but I haven't stopped by in several years.

Wondering where Grapeview is? It's in Mason County between Shelton and Belfair. An island known as Stretch Island still grows the Island Belle grape, a variety also known as Campbell's Early. Hoodsport Winery turns the grapes into wine, blending it with Merlot.

Read more about St. Charles Winery and the Island Belle grape in this article from an early issue of Wine Press Northwest.