Recent Articles
- Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance Public Blog
Remember to follow the WWVWA on our public blog at: http://wwvwa.wordpress.com/
- October 2010 Wine Spectator’s Scores!
09-24-2010
Congratulations to the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance Members who were recognized in October’s addition of Wine Spectator. Please help me in congratulating these wineries on a job well done!
If you are not familiar with the Wine Spectator’s rating system, here is a little background. The Wine Spectator is a monthly publication featuring wine from all over the world. Among the articles and interesting wine facts you will find the Wine Spectator Buying Guide. The Buying Guide is a collection of ratings on newly release wines, these ratings are the direct result of the Wine Spectator editors’ tasting process. The rating system is based on 100-points, these 100-point scores are given to represent the overall quality of the wine.
100-point scoring system:
95-100 Classic
90-94 Outstanding
85-89 Very good
80-84 Good
The Wine Spectator also features wines monthly. The categories of featured wines are as follows:
Highly Recommended: The most impressive wines of the issue as selected by Wine Spectator.
Collectibles: Wines that will gain the most potential value with age.
Smart Buys: Wines available at the most affordable price.
Best Values: Wines that are overall good prices, widely available, and have consistently solid scores.
October 2010 Wine Spectator’s Highly Recommended selection is the 2007 Doubleback Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Congratulations!
October 2010 Wine Spectator’s Smart Buy selection is the 2007 Waterbrook Columbia Valley Reserve Merlot. Congratulations!
Congratulations to the following for some outstanding October 2010 Wine Spectator scores!
95 points — Doubleback 07′ Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley
93 points — Buty 07′ Cabernet Sauvignon-Cabernet Franc
93 points – Leonetti 07’ Reserve
92 points & Featured wine maker Matt Huse – Five Star 07’ Cabernet Sauvignon
92 points – L’Ecole No. 41 07’ Apogee
92 Points – LeEole No. 41 07’ Cabernet Sauvignon
92 points – Reininger 07’ Cabernet Sauvignon
91 points – Fort Walla Walla 06’ Reserve
91 points – L’Ecole No. 41 07’ Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
91 points – Leonetti 07’ Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
91 points – Northstar 07’ Cabernet Sauvignon
88 points – Waterbrook 07’ Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
88 points – Warterbrook 07’ Columbia Valley Meritage
89 points – L’Ecole No. 41 07’ Columbia Valley Syrah
89 points – Syzygy 07’ Columbia Valley
92 points – Waterbrook 07’ Columbia Valley Reserve Merlot
91 points – L’Ecole No. 41 07’ Walla Walla Valley Seven Hills Vineyard Estate Merlot
91 points – Leonetti 07’ Sangiovese
89 points – Waterbrook 07’ Merlot-Cabernet
- Wine Capitol of the World: Walla Walla, WA!
September 15, 2010
Wine Capitol of the World: Walla Walla, WA!
Town to boast most Master Sommeliers per capita
SEATTLE (September 15, 2010) – As of Monday, September 27, Walla Walla, Washington, will boast more world-renowned wine experts per capita than any other city on the planet – one Master Sommelier for every 6,354 of its 31,770 residents – for a few hours, at least.
This distinction will come as the Washington State Wine Commission welcomes some of the country’s most influential wine buyers to Washington State, as part of its third annual Road Trip Washington Wine.
Master Sommeliers in attendance will include Eric Entrikin, Beverage Director for Alexander’s Steakhouse in Cupertino, CA; Jay James, Vice President of Fine Wine for Southern Wine & Spirits in Las Vegas, NV; Andrew McNamara, Wine Educator for Premier Beverage Company in Miramar, FL; Melissa Monosoff, Sommelier from Savona restaurant in Gulph Mills, PA; and Shayn Bjornholm, Education Director for the Washington State Wine Commission. There are just 105 Master Sommeliers in North America and 171 worldwide.
Other guests will include the worldwide wine buyer for Costco; the nationwide buyer for Vino Volo, a popular chain of wine bars with locations in airports across the country; the Southwest regional wine buyer for Whole Foods; the sommelier for Tampa’s famed Bern’s Steak House, which boasts the world’s largest restaurant wine list; and two sommeliers for acclaimed restaurateur Michael Mina, who is preparing to open a restaurant in Seattle next year.
Collectively, the group represents more than $750 million in annual purchasing power, making it the most influential group in the program’s three-year history. Attendees will pay for their own travel to Washington State, and the Washington State Wine Commission will organize the remainder of the four-day trip.
From Sunday, September 26, to Thursday, September 30, the group will travel across the state to meet with grape growers and winemakers. Along the way, they will experience the height of harvest first hand, working alongside members of the industry in the state’s renowned vineyards and wineries.
For more information on this program, including an outline of the itinerary, complete lists of the attendees and participating vineyards and wineries, and testimonials from previous attendees, please visitwww.washingtonwine.org/roadtrip.
For information on the Washington State wine industry, please visit www.washingtonwine.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Ryan Pennington
(206) 326-5752 (Direct)
(206) 550-0579 (Mobile)
rpennington@washingtonwine.org
Gary Werner
(206) 326-5766 (Direct)
(206) 790-7955 (Mobile)
gwerner@washingtonwine.org
- Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance announce union of Entwine Auction and Vintage Walla Walla
WALLA WALLA, WA (September 13, 2010) – In an effort to create one community-wide wine
industry event showcasing the best of the Walla Walla Valley’s wine, food and art, the
Walla Walla Community College (WWCC) Foundation and the Walla Walla Valley Wine
Alliance (WWVWA) today announced the strategic union of two signature Walla Walla
events: the Foundation’s fall Entwine Auction, and the Wine Alliance’s summer Vintage
Walla Walla® celebration weekend. This year Entwine, previously scheduled for
Saturday, October 16th, 2010 will move to Saturday, June 18, 2011 and become the
grand auction event during the Vintage Walla Walla® weekend.
The two non-profit organizations have been collaborating on Entwine and other wine
related events and activities in the Valley for several years. Partnering to host one
grand celebration event allows the two organizations to pool their resources, attract
new audiences and take the combined event to new heights that may well surpass those
of the individual events. The history of Walla Walla’s success has long been attributed
to partnerships and community involvement. In that vein, other community
organizations will also be included in the June event as planning is finalized.
Entwine, representing the collaboration between fine wine, food and art in the Walla
Walla Valley is a fundraising auction event typically held annually in October to raise
money for WWCC student scholarships, WWVWA marketing efforts and ArtWalla.
Vintage Walla Walla®, the nation’s premier regional wine tasting event, is a consumer
tasting event held in June to showcase the Valley’s wines and vineyards.
“We’re excited to collaborate and host one terrific event with greater exposure that will
showcase all that the Walla Walla Valley has to offer,” said Devin Stinger, Interim
Executive Director for the WWVWA. “The economic downturn has impacted the
numerous fundraising events as consumers tighten their belts. By combining two similar
events with our talents, audiences and resources, we will be able to increase the
festivities, attendance and fundraising results for all of the beneficiaries.”
Reinforcing the need for a new Entwine date has been some weather-related obstacles
with Entwine’s October date falling during mid-to-late harvest in the past years. Last
year Entwine fell on the evening of the first threat of freeze for the 2009 harvest.
Several winemakers were not able to pour their wines and host tables because they
were working to bring in their remaining fruit, according to Dr. Steven VanAusdle,
President of Walla Walla Community College. “We want to showcase our region’s
spectacular winemakers and ensure that they have the opportunity to interact with
guests. We know a June event date will better accommodate our winemakers’
schedules and bring more exposure to the beauty of our Valley.”
The 2011 combined event will introduce new elements including some pre-event
activities, art auction lots on display in local wineries and online bidding opportunities.
All tickets already purchased for the original Entwine date of October 16, 2010 will be
honored for the joint June event. The same is true for ticket holders for Vintage Walla
Walla® 2011. For more information, current Entwine ticket holders should contact the
WWCC Foundation at 509-527-4275, and Vintage Walla Walla® ticket holders can
contact the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance at 509-526-3117.
Details on the June 16-18, 2011 event will be available at www.wallawallawine.com and
www.entwineauction.com.
About the Walla Walla Community College Foundation
The Walla Walla Community College Foundation, a non-profit organization, helps WWCC meet today’s challenges by supporting students, faculty, and activities designed to enhance the cultural, educational, and learning atmosphere of the College.
The Foundation plays a significant role in providing scholarships and special assistance to qualified students. About the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance The Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance is a winery and grower partnership committed to furthering the awareness of the quality wineries, wines, and vineyards of the Walla Walla Valley Appellation. Our
mission is to support and promote quality and excellence in our wine industry and to further national and international recognition of our region. For more information, please visit www.wallawallawine.com.
- WWVWA announces 2010-2011 Affiliate Membership Program
WWVWA Affiliate Membership Application 2010-2011
Since 2003, businesses have had the opportunity to participate in the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance Affiliate Membership Program. These businesses are regionally, if not nationally, recognized for their expertise, experience and quality business practices. They understand the complex needs of the over 100 wineries and growers who make up our Valley and are often the first to provide services to our industry. As a hospitality member, there are many benefits you will be able to take advantage of, including advertising opportunities directly to our Alliance members and winery visitor community. WWVWA Hospitality Affiliate Members are also first in line to receive information about consumer and trade events produced by the Alliance and potential cross-promotional opportunities and sponsorships to these highly targeted markets.
To complete your Affiliate Membership Application please review and select from the following three levels of membership. Please contact the WWVWA office with any questions, we’d be happy to assist you in your membership selections. You may reach us at info@wallawallawine.com or by phone at 509.526.3117.
- Welcome to Wine Town Walla Walla
September/October 2009
Northwest Palate
Cole Danehower
Where to taste, eat and stay in the Northwest’s hottest appellation.
- 2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
January 9, 2010
Redmond Wine Examiner
Alex Saliby
Winners in the 2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition have been announced
In addition to the many individual medals awarded to Washington state wineries for their efforts in the recent competition, five Washington state wineries were awarded Best of Class awards for some of their wines. One of the five wineries took home two individual Best of Class medals, so the state comes home with six (6) Best of Show awards.
Click here to read more.
- Off the beaten track in Eastern Oregon
12-12-2009
The Oregonian
Special to the Oregonian
Milton-Freewater is the kind of small town — two adjacent small towns, actually, joined by that hyphen back in 1950 — where the residents leave their doors unlocked. Heck, the door to our room at the local bed-and-breakfast, the Nine Trees Inn, didn’t even have a lock.
Click here to read more.
- Regional Snapshots: Walla Walla
November 17, 2009
The Oregonian
Dana Tims
What’s new in Walla Walla: For all of the rapid growth that has transformed Oregon’s wine industry over the past few decades, its Washington counterpart — particularly in the Walla Walla Valley — has matched it step for step.
Click here to read full article!
- 4 Wine Country Contenders
September 1, 2009
Budget Travel
Thomas Berger, Beth Collins and Alison Rohrs
Perhaps they’re not the first place you think of when it comes to wineries, but these four regions offer character and great wine, without the hoopla.Click here to read full article
- Turn to Washington for great Cabernet Sauvignon
August 9,2009
San Francisco Chronicle
Jon Bonne
It’s a tough year for lovers of collectible Cabernet. Flat-screen TVs, cars, all matter of durable goods are seeing their prices slashed, but when it comes to wine there is what you might call institutional resistance.Click here to read full article
- Walla Walla Valley Wine Recommendations
October 22, 2008
L.A. Times
Patrick Comiskey
Most Walla Walla wines are too young and too new to be well known. Following are some of the more available. Click here to read full article
- Good Living Travel: Walla Walla A Town So Nice
February 2009
Gourmet Magazine
Caroline Bates
Walla Walla-the river-laced Washington State college town close to the Oregon border-was named after a Native American expression for “many waters.” Click here to read full article.
- Gorgeous Giants of the Northwest
January 17, 2009
The Wall Street Journal
Dorothy J Gaiter and John Brecher
Brawny yet refined, Syrahs from Washington state bring back the ‘wow’ that Zinfandel used to pack.Click here to read full article.
- Walla Walla Wines: Savoring the bounty of Eastern Washington
September 1, 2008
Alaska Airlines Magazine
Julie H. Case
Across the Walla Walla Valley of Eastern Washington, hundreds of grape vines cling to trellises. Beyond the fruit laden vineyards, boutique wineries dot the landscape.Click here to read full article.
- Walla Walla wineries: a place for exciting reds
October 22, 2008
Los Angeles Times
Patrick Comiskey
The Washington region, once dotted with a few vintners, has exploded with wineries making Syrahs, Cabernets and Bordeaux-style blends bursting with intriguing flavors.Click here to read full article.
- Winemaking in Washington State
September 19, 2008
Telegraph.co.uk
Paul Grogan
The winemaking success of a climate-challenging corner of the U.S. Click here to read full article.
- The Year’s Best Washington Wines
December 19, 2007
The Seattle Times
Paul Gregutt
Once again, in the retrospective spirit of the season, I offer a highly personal list of the year’s Top 100 Washington wines. Click here to read full article.
- Is Walla Walla “the Next Napa”?
August 23, 2007
The Seattle Times
Tan Vinh
So, apparently sometime around the start of the new millennium this town whose name was synonymous with its penitentiary became “the next Napa Valley.” Click here to read full article.
- A Growing Movement
August 19, 2007
The Seattle Times
Paul Gregutt
Wineries are taking up the cause of sustaining the soil, and all the good Earth. Click here to read full article
