All right folks, the 2025 Northwest Wine Challenge variety will be (drumroll please)…
Grenache!
What you need to do to participate is:
1. Say “I accept the 2025 Northwest Wine Challenge!” in a comment here (or on Facebook or Instagram).
2. Open at least one bottle of Grenache Noir, Grenache Blanc, OR a Grenache-dominant wine each month in 2025.
3. The wine *must* come from the Pacific Northwest: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, or British Columbia.
After each month, I’ll post on Facebook asking what wine everyone had to keep us all accountable.
Why Grenache? First, I often call Grenache the Columbia Valley’s answer to Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. The variety similarly expresses its sense of place and also requires a certain level of expertise both in the vineyard and in the winery.
Second, Grenache in the Northwest is very much overshadowed by Syrah. However to my palate, the area’s Grenache can be equal to Syrah in terms of quality.
There are excellent examples coming from both Washington and Oregon. The goal of these challenges is to broaden the varieties and the producers we are all trying, so please, push your boundaries!
Below is an abbreviated list of recommended producers. Feel free to add your favorites in the comments. See other recommendations in the review database by going to Wine Search, Advanced Filter, Variety=Grenache (or Grenache Blanc). Note, this requires a subscription.
As always with these wine challenges, I accept makeup work. So, if you miss any single month, feel free to try two bottles in a subsequent month.
Let’s hear it! Here’s to more Grenache in 2025! Who’s with me?
P.S. Really want to dive into the world of Grenache? Consider attending Grenache Fest in Walla Walla in November.
Select list of recommended Grenache Noir
Avennia (Parapine)
Bionic Wines (Horsepower, Cayuse, No Girls)
Block Wines
Echolands
Force Majeure
Gramercy
Grosgrain
Kevin White
Latta
Liminal
Ocelli
Pášxa
Quiddity
Sleight of Hand
Sparkman
Two Vintners (Claire, Columbia Valley)
Virtue
W.T. Vintners
WeatherEye
Select list of recommended Grenache Blanc
Cairdeas
Grosgrain
Prospice
Reynvaan
Two Vintners
Select list of recommended Grenache-dominant blends (blend varies by year)
Betz Bésoleil
Devison Above the Flood
Force Majeure Parvata
Kevin White La Fraternité
Kevin White Pionnier
Latta Mayor Bill G.S.M.
The Walls The Ramparts
Top Source Red Blend
Select list of recommended Grenache Rosé
Le Doubblé Troubblé
Time & Direction
Image by Duval Images.
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I accept the 2025 Northwest Wine Challenge and will strive to do a better job this year.
I accept the 2025 Northwest Wine Challenge!
I accept the 2025 Northwest Wine Challenge and will endeavor to drink more Grenache this year! – a grape I love.
I accept the 2025 Northwest Wine Challenge!
I accept the 2025 NW Wine Challenge
I accept the challenge!
Count me in! I love an excuse to open a Grenache!
Welcome, Peter!
I’m in! Although, my wife was already in so I’m kind of in by association.
Excellent! Welcome!