The Grape State of Washington
A half-century ago, Washington’s biggest claims to fame were Sasquatch and the logging, maritime and aerospace industries. But in 1967, the floodgates of commercial winemaking opened. Since then, the state has rapidly become a leading player in wine production and sales.
Today, Washington is the second-largest producer of premium wine in the country, with bottles sold in all 50 states and exported worldwide. The Washington State Wine Commission reports that the state is home to 900 wineries, more than 350 grape growers and 50,000 acres of vineyards – approximately the size of Napa Valley.
It all began in 1825, when the Hudson’s Bay Company planted the state’s first grapes at Fort Vancouver. European settlers continued to plant vinifera throughout the 19th century. By the 20th century, private winemakers were tapping runoff from the melting snowcaps of the Cascade Range for large-scale irrigation.
East of the mountains, where nearly all of the state’s wine grapes are grown, the conditions are ideal. Washington’s Columbia Valley, which sits at the same latitude as the Bordeaux region of France, enjoys low rainfall (just 6 to 8 inches a year), sandy soils and almost two more hours of sunlight than California during the summer.
However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that the state’s commercial industry took root. Washington State University’s Dr. Walter Clore, today considered the “father of Washington wine,” had made great strides in his research on growing American, European and hybrid grape varietals. His painstaking studies lay the groundwork for Washington’s wide-scale production of fine wines.
American Wine Growers, which was the result of the marriage between NAWICO (National Wine Company) and Pommerelle caught the attention of wine writer and historian Leon Adams. He believed that Washington vintners should begin making wine on a commercial scale and introduced American Wine Growers to André Tchelistcheff, famed for Napa Valley’s Beaulieu Vineyards.
Under Tchelistcheff’s guidance, American Wine Growers launched “Ste. Michelle” in Eastern Washington. In 1967, Ste. Michelle Vintners produced its first cabernet sauvignon. With that vintage, the Washington state wine industry officially landed on the map.
Fifty years later, Chateau Ste. Michelle is the No. 2 premium domestic wine sold in the United States, with bottles available in all 50 states and more than 100 countries. Over the years, many Washington winemakers have gotten their start working for Chateau Ste. Michelle; these include Kay Simon of Chinook Wines, which she co-founded with her husband Clay Mackey, who also worked as a vineyard manager for Chateau Ste. Michelle.
This year marks an historical milestone for Chateau Ste. Michelle as it is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Ste. Michelle’s anniversary activities include a commemorative Cabernet bottling, library wine releases, a special anniversary summer concert series, the opening of a newly expanded visitor center and other events to honor the state’s founding winery.
Columbia Valley Pinot Gris
A medium-bodied wine with aromas of melon, pear and apple. This is an easy-drinking wine with good acidity and a mile-long finish.
Columbia Valley Dry Riesling
Exhibits flavors of pear, lime and peach. This is a full-flavored wine with good acidity and great balance.
2105 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
This special anniversary bottle is very focused with blueberry, blackberry and spicy notes.
2015 Columbia Valley Chardonnay
A supple wine with flavors of pear, pineapple and a spicy finish. A 2017 Wine Spectator Top Value selection.
2014 Columbia Valley Merlot
This is a light, soft, easy-going wine with flavors of plum, licorice and cherry.
2015 Columbia Valley Harvest Select Sweet Riesling
A soft, silky succulent wine with aromas of honeysuckle and ripe peach. A delicious, easy-drinking wine.
2015 Columbia Valley Gewurztraminer
A slightly sweet supple wine with peach, apricot and spicy flavors.
2015 Columbia Valley Dry Riesling
A soft, bright delicate wine with flavors of pear, lime, peach and citrus. This is a full-flavored dry wine with acidity and great balance.
2015 Columbia Valley Riesling
This wine is always a crowd-pleaser. It is fresh with crisp apple and lemon flavors.
Chateau Ste. Michelle makes many other great single vineyard wines as well as delicious sparkling wines. Its wines are consistent and always great values.
Please drink responsibly.
