Steve Warner

The Washington Wine Community continues to grow. On Friday, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau published the final rule, establishing Rocky Reach as Washington’s 20th American Viticultural Area, better known as AVA. “We are extremely pleased to have the Rocky Reach AVA approved,” said David and Michelle Dufenhorst, who own Rocky Pond Winery and two vineyards located within the AVA. “Thi

While the 2021 Washington wine grape harvest was smaller than in years past, Steve Warner, President of the Washington State Wine Commission said the quality of the fruit was phenomenal. He noted smaller yields last year were a direct result of unprecedented weather ...

Washington’s 2021 wine grape harvest was marked by record-breaking heat during the growing season, resulting in low yields of high-quality fruit. The Washington State Wine Commission’s annual Grape Production Report shows 179,600 tons of wine grapes were harvested in 2021, just slightly more than the previous year. “Both 2 ...

The Washington State Wine Commission launched a new video series that pairs Washington wine with street food. Produced in partnership with Spark Creative and hosted by Walla Walla-based Chef Andrae Bopp of AK’s Mercado, The WA Wine + Food Show brings Washington winemakers to a (mobile) kitchen for a day of food prepping and wine pairing. “When peopl ...

Earlier this year, the state of Washington was awarded two additional AVAs, or American Vinicultural Areas. White Bluffs and The Burn of Columbia Valley are now officially defined as designated wine grape-growing regions. To qualify for this designation, a region must be unique and distinguishable by features like climate, soil, elevation and physical features to qualify as an AVA ...

According to the Washington state Wine Commission, the wine grape harvest was slightly smaller last year, but the quality was still high. The Commission’s annual Grape Production Report, compiled with information provided by all Washington State wineries, showed 178,500 tons of wine grapes were harvested in 2020, an 11% decrease compared to 2019. ...

Washington now has a 15th American Viticultural Area. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau made it official Wednesday, designating the Royal Slope area as a designated wine grape-growing region. To qualify as an AVA, a wine grape-growing region must be distinguishable by features such as climate, soil, elevation and physical features. One ...

Students can now earn a bachelor’s degree in Viticulture and Enology from Washington State University. WSU officials announced last week that the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities has given the final approval to make the Bachelor of Science degree official. ...

Despite that early season frost was saw last year in late September and early October, it appears the 2019 Washington wine grape harvest was a good one. Washington state Wine Commission President Steve Warner said that early chill cost some growers volume, but it looks like the quality will be outstanding ...

Wine is one of the sectors of the agriculture industry that has seen the most direct hit from social distancing practices because of the coronavirus outbreak. Tasting rooms across Washington have closed down amid Governor Jay Inslee’s Stay Home order, preventing consumers from the experience of wine tasting weekends. ...