Maryhill Winery

Maryhill Winery has found a distributor in the sunshine state! They will be distributed by the Opici Wine Company of Fl. Our friend Mary, who works for Opici,  had a Maryhill representative in town and we were able to taste the incoming wines. 

Maryhill Winery was the 2009 Washington State Winery of the Year. The winery was established in 1999 by Craig and Vicki Leuthold on land that was originally used as a farming community along the Columbia River in the early 1900's. In 2001, Maryhill Winery opened its doors as one of only 100 wineries in the state. Today, Washington has more than 600 wineries. That is one crazy influx of wineries in only 11 years. The winery now has a very nice tasting room and large amphitheater for summer concerts. The winemaker at Maryhill used to be the winemaker at Paraduxx. 


Some of the wines that will be available for purchase in Florida are below: 


1) 2010 Maryhill Riesling  ($14) This wine had flavors of citrus and fruit. The winery suggests pairing this wine with shortbread cookies. 

2) 2010 Maryhill Winemaker's White ($12) This wine had flavors of pineapple and pear. The blend is 42% Viognier, 25% Semillion, 18% Sauvignon Blanc, and 15% Chardonnay. 

3) 2010 Maryhill Winemaker's Red ($15) The blend is 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 20% Syrah, and 10% Cabernet Franc. 

4) 2007 Maryhill Merlot (approx. $18) 

5) 2010 Maryhill Viognier ($16)  The viognier was a fan favorite. I really enjoyed this wine and the price is great. I can't believe the prices are so low for these wines. I'm not complaining though! haha 

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