The Wine Knows

Two years ago, we reported the somber news that Walla Walla, Wash., producer Bunchgrass Winery was closing because founder/owner/winemaker Roger Cockerline had decided to retire.

Come join us in Wine Country for a easy bike ride and an outstanding wine experience. We will meet with winemakers and taste their finest.

Start at 12:30 at Wine O’Clock, in Prosser’s Vintners’ Village.

We are in the heart of wine competition season in North America.

Last week was the Pacific Rim Wine Competition in San Bernardino, Calif. The Northwest Wine Summit - the Northwest's largest judging - starts today. And the greatest of them all, the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition, is later this month.

The federal government has approved the Lake Chelan American Viticultural Area, making the region in north-central Washington the state's 11th appellation.

The 24,040-acre AVA is entirely within the Columbia Valley. It is home to 15 wineries and 260 acres of vineyards. Such grapes as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Malbec, Merlot and Syrah are planted in Lake Chelan.

Where are you planning to go during Spring Release weekend in Walla Walla? If you aren't going, which wineries do you suggest to those who are?

A lot of good things have happened at Columbia Winery since Ascentia Wine Estates purchased the longtime Washington winery.

Not the least of which is this: no more annoying "age verification" deal to get to the Web site.

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates announced last week that it will be the exclusive U.S. distributor of Nicolas Feuillatte, France's No. 1-selling Champagne brand (and No. 3 internationally).

The Woodinville, Wash., wine company already is the exclusive U.S. distributor for Antinori of Italy (as well as co-owners of Col Solare).

So, who headed to the Yakima Valley this weekend? Where did you go? What did you taste? What dazzled your taste buds?

The Hills of Dundee, otherwise known as Dundee Hills, is at the heart of Oregon wine. I have researched this area in the past and found that some people actually feel that it is the center of all Oregon for Pinot Noir. The unique relationship between volcanic Jory soils, elevation and protective microclimates has proven ideal for vineyards, and the Hills of Dundee have produced Oregon's top Pinot Noirs for decades.

Hey Everyone!

It seems that several wineries are bringing out second labels. I was at Yokes in the Spokane Valley yesterday and saw that they are carrying several wines that are produced by Owen-Roe. I bought one, called "Lenore", which is a syrah. (Haven't opened it yet). There were also 3 more wines under a different name that the sign said were produced by Owen Roe. I also received an e-mail from Cougar Crest announcing a new label called "Walla Walla River Winery" that is based out of their old airport tasting room.