Washington and Oregon are coming to town…
A downside of BC’s robust wine industry: opportunities to taste the neighbours’ wines are few and far between.
No worries! Here’s a chance to remedy that.
Wines from Washington and Oregon are featured at EAT Vancouver’s Harvest (Pinnacle Hotel, 7-9.30 pm., November 9). This wide-ranging tasting, with canapés from 24 top chefs, yields a cross section of Cascadian wines. They make a strong case why we should be seeing more of them in our market.
It’s a curious thing that we don’t see more in the way of Washington and Oregon wines here in BC. Especially when you consider the long history between our Cascadian wine regions and their many similarities. (In fact, we used to see a whole lot more …)
One reason we should know our neighbours’ wines is that their experience mirrors BC’s. Both Washington and Oregon have longer, more established wine industries. But their backgrounds share similarities, and in many ways have helped shape BC’s. Another reason? There are some truly excellent drops to discover … and more wine regions to tour, right on our doorstep.
Consider this. Until the early 20th century there was no viable farming in many parts of both Washington and the BC interior. The advent of irrigation and major water management projects changed that. But the desert similarities (and climate challenges) remain. As the wine industries in both regions spread their wings, growers from north to south shared information.
The South Okanagan has more in common with its Columbia Valley neighbours than with the BC coast. And Oregon’s Willamette Valley can sometimes feel like a milder version of the north Okanagan or Fraser Valley.
In fact, the ascent of Washington’s wine industry was an inspiration to many in BC. That’s true in particular with regard to the immense success of Washington’s Bordeaux varieties. A few Okanagan pioneers were friends with (and even mentored by) the late David Lake MW, head winemaker at Columbia Winery, as well as others.
Oregon Pinot Noir is the mainstay for which the Willamette Valley is hailed around the world. And it’s long been a point of reference for BC winemakers, many of whom cut their Pinot teeth in Willamette. For some years now, a prerequisite to learning how to make Pinot Noir has included a ‘stage’ in Oregon (as well as in Central Otago and Burgundy).
Here’s who’s coming:
Barrage Cellars (Woodinville, WA.)
This garagiste style winery is the work of ‘one man band’ Kevin Correll. He sources prime fruit from the likes of Horse Heaven Hills and Red Willow, with a focus on single varieties. Taste: Merlot, Cabernet Franc., and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Basel Cellars, (Walla Walla, WA.)
This destination estatewinery in the Walla Walla Valley is known for its spectacular setting and a wide range of wines. Made from locally grown, sustainably farmed, estate vineyards. Basel Claret and Basel Syrah are among this year’s Whistler Cornucopia Top 20 wines. In addition to these, taste: Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc Semillon.
Hedges Family Estate (Benton City, WA.)
Hedges Family Estate vineyards, with view of Red Mountain. Photo courtesy of Hedges Family Estate
A family owned and operated winery with deep philanthropic roots; another remarkable Washington success story. Relatively humble beginnings in the mid-1980s led to the visionary development of vineyards on now-iconic Red Mountain, and a French chateau-style winery. Taste: CMS Sauvignon Blanc, CMS Red Wine Blend, and Red Mountain Estate Red.
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, (Woodinville, WA.)
With early origins dating from the very beginnings of Washington’s modern wine industry, in the late 1960s and early ‘70s; founded on the original Michelle Wine Estates and, later, Stimson Lane Vineyards) Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Ltd. operates wineries in Washington, California, and Oregon. Taste: Eroica Riesling (collaboration with Dr. Loosen), Tenet Syrah Pundit, Intrinsic Cabernet Sauvignon
Stoller Family Estate, (Dayton, OR.)
Stoller Family Estate tasting room, photo: Mike Haverkate
The world’s first LEED Gold-certified winery, flagship Stoller exemplifies sustainable wine growing. Established in 1993, the 398-acre estate is home to Dundee Hills’ largest contiguous vineyard, with some 210 acres (LIVE certified) planted predominantly to Pinot Noir (63%) and Chardonnay, plus other varieties. Taste: Dundee Hills Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Reserve Pinot Noir.
Wines of Substance / K Vintners (Walla Walla, WA.)
Wines from the irrepressible Charles Smith, the one-time rock impresario who almost single-handedly invented the notion of value-no-nonsense branding and accessibility. Taste: K Vintners Substance Cabernet Sauvignon, KV Vino Rosso Blend, and KV Vino PG.
For more details on Washington and Oregon wines at EAT, and Harvest, click here
See you there!
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