Northwest wines make an impact at Global Fine Wine Challenge
The Pacific Northwest received outsized recognition at the 2022 Global Fine Wine Challenge, an invitation-only wine judging that focuses on New World wines. Six Northwest wines received trophies for best of category out of twenty trophies Read more...
Valdemar Estates expands holdings in Walla Walla Valley, purchases V2 vineyard
Spanish family continues strong series of investments in WashingtonValdemar Estates, a Walla Walla Valley winery established in 2019 by Spain’s Valdemar family, has purchased the 40-acre V2 Vineyard in Walla Walla Valley. The property was previously Read more...
Long-time Washington winemaker Marie-Eve Gilla moves to British Columbia
Takes winemaking position in West KelownaBurgundy-born Marie-Eve Gilla made her first Washington wine in 1992, a year after moving to the US. Now, it’s possible she has made her last.This summer, Gilla accepted the position Read more...
Columbia Winery closing Woodinville tasting room
Woodinville’s Columbia Winery announced this week that it will be closing its tasting room. The news came in an email to list members on Wednesday. “Reluctantly, we must share with you that we will be closing our Read more...
Precept Wine enters the spirits business
Seattle-based Precept Wine announced this month that it is opening a distillery. The spirits line will join Precept’s existing Browne Family label. The company will also open two tasting rooms, one in Bellevue and one in Spokane. “It's been Read more...
The Wine Group enters Washington, Constellation exits
On October 6th New York-based Constellation Brands announced it had divested part of its wine portfolio to California’s The Wine Group. With the inclusion of Charles Smith Wines, The Wine Group – the second largest wine company in Read more...
Ste Michelle CEO David Dearie resigns, company realigns into three commercial divisions
Ste Michelle Wine Estates (SMWE), the Pacific Northwest’s largest winery, announced today that CEO David Dearie has resigned. Going forward, the company will realign into three commercial divisions – one each for Washington, Oregon, and Read more...
Bledsoe Wine Estates is creating a Northwest vinous empire
Former NFL quarterback purchases new Walla Walla vineyard and winery, will open two new tasting rooms in 2023 This week Bledsoe Wine Estates, founded in 2007 by former NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe and his wife Maura, announced the Read more...
Why Ste Michelle bought A to Z and Rex Hill, how it happened, and what it means for Northwest wine (plus what’s up with the Woodinville property)
With the acquisition, Ste Michelle is now the largest winery in both Washington and OregonEarlier this week Ste Michelle Wine Estates (SMWE) announced it had purchased Oregon’s A to Z Wine Works and Rex Hill Winery. The reasons why the Read more...
Washington’s Ste Michelle puts Woodinville property up for sale, moves white wine production to eastern Washington
Chateau Ste Michelle, the Pacific Northwest’s largest winery by a mile, has put its flagship Woodinville property up for sale. The 118 acre site, which includes the iconic chateau that adorns the winery’s labels, was Read more...
Guardian Cellars opens Walla Walla tasting room
Editor's Note: Guardian announced July 21st 2025 that the winery will be closing its Walla Walla tasting room. Watch out Walla Walla, there’s a new sheriff in town. Woodinville stalwart Guardian Cellars is opening a tasting room Read more...
Hyatt Vineyards hires Caleb Foster as general manager and winemaker
Hyatt Vineyards in Washington’s Yakima Valley has announced the hiring of Caleb Foster as general manager and winemaker. Foster started at the position earlier this month.“I'm excited about the opportunity to help manage and drive the Read more...
