The Wine Knows

Western Australia and Washington state announced this afternoon that it has launched a winemaker-exchange program.

The idea was conceived by Seattle Times columnist Paul Gregutt while he was touring Western Australia and noticed similarities between the industries.

Virginie Bourgue, winemaker for Cadaretta Winery in Walla Walla, is the first winemaker to participate. She will spend three weeks at The Yard Winery. Owner/winemaker Larry Cherubino will come to Washington during harvest this fall.

Robin Pollard, executive director of the Washington Wine Commission stated in a press release: "This program holds an obvious feel-good element, but the results will ultimately be increased wine quality because the participating winemakers will be able to work two harvests in one year."