Washington Wines

As much as the state of California would like you to think that all great wine comes from within its territory. It doesn't. Many great wines are being produced and coming straight out of Washington and Oregon. In fact, the number one wine last year, according to Wine Spectator, is from Washington. It was the Columbia Crest 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

Washington is now the country's 2nd largest wine producing state. A few of my favorite wines come from Washington state.

The winery, Columbia Crest started in 1983. This winery helped bring Washington wines to the FOREFRONT (another good wine) of the wine industry. Columbia Crest makes different lines of wine. A great wine for the value comes from their Two Vines collection. Two Vines has received many accolades for being a great wine for the value. The italian restaurant down the street uses this as their "house" wine. Check for this at your local grocery store or boutique wine shop.

COLUMBIA CREST WINERY WEBSITE

Another winery that is making great wine from Washington is Hogue Cellars. I have tried their Chardonnay and Reisling. They are good if you like white wines.

HOGUE WEBSITE

One of my all time favorite wineries from Washington is Hyatt Vineyards. I have tried most of these wines, because all my favorite wine shop owners carry this wine. They are inexpensive and always good. This winery also makes the Roza Ridge wines as well. This winery was also established in 1983. I guess this was a popular year for starting wineries out west. I really like the Hyatt Cabernet and Merlot.

HYATT VINEYARDS WEBSITE

Kestrel Vinters is also making great wine. They might actually be my favorite. They focus in making dark, full bodied fruit forward wines. I have a bottle right now that I'm saving for a delicious dinner. I actually had a chance to meet the wine maker last year at Petty's gourmet foods shop.

These are a few of my favorite Washington wineries. I hope you can all check them out sometime and let me know what you think. This post is in anticipation of the Grape of the Month this week. We will be tasting all wines from Washington state. ENJOY!

-M

Funky Wine Pictures

It is Sunday and I must publish a ridiculous post today. So with no further delay....

I can't help but notice an alarming amount of pictures with small animals in wine glasses. Maybe this is some sort of weird animal fetish. I'm not sure. This somewhat disturbs me. I have nothing against the cuteness factor but who is drinking out of that glass next. Not me.

I used to have a hampster named Lemiwinks. I never once thought about taking a picture of Lemiwinks in a wine glass. I consider that a good thing.