What’s up with all the mergers and acquisitions in Washington?
Winery acquisitions are occurring at a brisk pace. Why? In the last twelve months, there have been over a half-dozen winery acquisitions in Washington, including Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, the state’s largest winery. Why is Read more...
Wine reviewing lacks transparency
Review outlets need to stop pretending that tasting wines for review under different conditions doesn’t matter. It does. There are dozens of outlets that review wine. Too few provide information about the conditions under which Read more...
On the joys of aged wine: Leonetti Cellar 2006 Reserve Walla Walla Valley
Aging wine is by no means a requirement for enjoyment. Some wines, however, are crafted specifically with aging in mind and reward patience. This Fourth of July, I opened one such bottle: a 2006 Leonetti Read more...
Are Washington wines ‘volcanic’? Yes, no, and maybe.
In recent years, “volcanic wines” have received a great deal of press. There can be varied definitions, but one is wines made from vines grown on soils with volcanic parent material. Common examples are wines Read more...
What a barrier wine article does (and doesn’t) looks like
The wine industry seems to have confused making wine more accessible with dumbing down everything to its lowest possible point. Recently, I wrote about three things people can do increase their enjoyment of wine. These Read more...
The U.S. will never have a ‘European wine culture’
If the industry makes that the target, it is sure to miss It seems that some in the wine industry aspire to create a ‘European wine culture’ in the U.S. In Europe, the thinking goes, Read more...
Three things you can do to dramatically increase your enjoyment of wine
How can you get more out of every bottle of wine that you open? It’s easy. Here are three things that will dramatically increase your enjoyment of wine. 1. Drink from quality wine glasses Nothing Read more...
Creating a variety map of the Columbia Valley
It’s time to focus on variety and appellation rather than the state Washington state is not associated with a single variety the way that Napa Valley is for Cabernet Sauvignon or Willamette Valley is for Read more...
Decant more wines in 2026
Some like to make New Year’s resolutions each year. Here’s an easy one to accomplish. Decant more wines in 2026. Why? The vast majority of wine lovers drink wines quite young. Especially for any young Read more...
Wine’s uncomfortable place in Stranger Things Season 5
Actor Cara Buono showing off Karen Wheeler's killer bottle of Chardonnay The hit Netflix series Stranger Things wrapped up recently after five seasons. The good news is that wine plays a prominent role Read more...
On the importance of ‘house style’ (Wine Reviews December 22nd 2025)
When asked who he sounded like, Elvis Presley once famously said “I don’t sound like nobody” 70+ wines reviewed below and in the database, including the latest from Boomtown by Dusted Valley, Hidden Horse, Itä, Read more...
Analyzing the Ste. Michelle sale Part II: Questions
Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville by Richard Duval Late last week, the Wyckoff family purchased Ste. Michelle Wine Estates (SMWE) from Sycamore Partners, a New York-based private equity firm. This included all of the company’s Read more...
