Fresh back from a trip to the east coast I bring you…

A round-up of stories on Washington wine from February 1st to 7th.

From around the country

MSNBC writes about Washington considering getting out of the liquor business. This AP story is picked up all over the country.

The Anchorage Daily News recommends Ch. Ste. Michelles HHH Sauvignon Blanc.

PRWeb publishes a press release on Washington trying to expand its presence in foreign markets.

Wines & Vines writes about the Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers.

From the blogosphere

Drink Nectar does a poll asking what Washington’s signature grape is. Josh Wade also writes about Liberty Lake Winery and passes out some monthly honors for January. He also does a collaboration on Kiona wines with The Wine Whore.

Beyond the Bottle writes about Vin du Lac’s 2008 Vie! Viognier. Thad also writes about Pacific Rim’s Sweet Riesling.

Schiller Wine writes about Ernst Loosen.

WINO Magazine writes about Woodinville Wine Cellars Sean Body.

Through the Walla Walla Grapevine writes about Tom Maccarone and Jake Crenshaw buying Walla Walla’s beloved Merchants.

Ambassador of Wine writes about L’Ecole No. 41’s 2007 Seven Hills Vineyard Merlot.

Woodinville Wine Update does a series on Woodinville winery wedding ideas. See one on Columbia Winery here. Shona also writes about the latest Walla Walla winery to enter the Woodinville scene, Otis Kenyon.

FoodWineTravel writes about Northwest wines with a look at wines from Champoux vineyard.

The Oregon Wine Blog looks at Matthews Cellars. The also write about Grenache with callouts to Dusted Valley and K Vintners.

Wine and Beer of Washington State writes about Gamache Vintners 2004 Estate Syrah and 2006 Boulder Red. They also announce the results of their reader poll on top tasting rooms with callouts to Walter Dacon, Kiona, Hard Row to Hoe, Alexandria Nicole, and Benson Vineyards.

Wine Peeps writes about Washington wine available in San Francisco.

Write for Wine writes about L’Ecole No. 41.

Yak Yak Wine writes about Red Mountain’s Cooper. Chris also writes about Maison Bleue and Tucker Cellars.

Spirit of Wine writes about the 2006 Shimmer Shiraz Merlot.

Wine Muse writes about Gilbert Cellars Allobroges.

Wine Book Club writes about L’Ecole No. 41.

One Rich Wine Guy writes about O Wines.

The Wine Dog Review writes about the Gorge in winter.

WAWineman writes about the 2007 Pomum Cellars Tinto. He also writes about Gramercy Cellars 2007 Tempranillo, Albacela’s 2007 Cuvee Tempranillo, and Ross Andrew’s 2008 Pinot Gris.

Wine and Spirits Guide does a video post on Waters Interlude.

Family Wineries of Washington State gives a legislative update.

Wine Tonite! does a Washington wine tasting.

RJ’s Wine Blog posts some wine tasting notes, including ones from Woodward Canyon, Terra Blanca, Long Shadows, and Tamarack.

From the locals

The Eastern Oregonian writes about O Wines.

The Star On-line writes about a new winery getting started in the Grand Coulee area.

The Tri-City Herald writes about the potential for sustainable practices to grow wine sales. They also write about the continued good fortunes of the Washington wine industry despite the economy and consumers shifting to value wines.

KVEW writes about a meeting of the Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers. KNDO also writes about this as does Good Fruit Grower.

Woehler writes about Kennewick’s St. Joseph’s wine tasting. Barnard Griffin and Kiona walk away with top honors with Anelare and Snoqualmie also receiving gold medals.

Wine Press NW remembers Tom Stockley, author of Winery Trails of the Pacific Northwest.

The Snohomish County Business Journal writes about Puget Sound wineries and tasting rooms.

Leftovers (articles I missed from previous weeks)

Seattle Wine Blog gives an unofficial classification of Washington wineries.

Washington Wine Guy checks out some Wednesday wines, with callouts to Cayuse and Quilceda Creek.