Welcome to Beyond the Bottle
Please Read Our Disclosure Statement
With each bottle of Pacific Northwest wine you consider buying or enjoy drinking, there are a variety of stories that can be shared from people and places throughout Washington and Oregon.
That's why I decided to create this blog, to share these experiences with other wine enthusiasts who, like me, are seeking a deeper connection to wine beyond that provided in the bottle.
I have been seeking this connection, the heart and soul of Pacific Northwest wine, for over ten years now as I have traveled throughout my home state of Washington and the surrounding region.
My travels have taken me to vineyards to see the fruit of the vine in all its glory, to wineries to meet the people crafting this fruit into wine, and to other places where folks just enjoy drinking wine.
My experiences have included making basement wine with friends in Seattle, working crush and bottling in Walla Walla, and pouring wine at various local events as a volunteer.
By meeting the people and visiting the places behind each bottle, I continue to feel more connected with each new wine or old favorite I open with family or friends.
But there remain more people to meet, places to see, and stories to hear behind each new vintage.
So, pop a cork, pour a glass, and come with me as we go "beyond the bottle" to learn more about the people, wineries, vineyards, and events supporting Pacific Northwest wine.
Cheers!
Thad Westhusing
thad at beyond the bottle dot com
Comments
Thad,
Thanks so much for spreading the word about NW wines.
Some of the up and comings you might want to check out in Walla Walla are Otis Kenyon, aMaurice and Ensemble Cellars.
Ashley
Posted by: Ashley Trout | June 3, 2007 12:30 PM
Ashley is absolutely right. I visited Otis Kenyon recently for a lovely tour of their facilities. Tasting wine on the front porch with Muriel, the sound of the creek behind us, the smell of wine and apples from the orchard, I knew I'd found something promising.
Posted by: amy | October 28, 2007 02:25 PM
Amy, thanks for your comments on Otis Kenyon. I will definitely pay them a visit on my next trip to Walla Walla. Please continue sharing your experiences at other Washington wineries.
Posted by: Thad | October 29, 2007 09:51 AM
Thad,
Hey there, saw you were in WW this past weekend. If you are at Taste WA, please stop by my table at Sleight of Hand Cellars. Would love to show you my new Gewurzt and Cab Franc based red blend....
Trey
Posted by: Trey Busch | April 3, 2008 07:31 AM
Wow! I had no idea your blog was so professional looking and organized. I'm very impressed, but I guess I know you well enough that I shouldn't have been so surprised. You've always had your act together. I just noticed the wine in the glass at the top of the page looks like you - too funny! I'll have to subscribe.
Posted by: Neal Freeland | October 27, 2008 08:46 PM
Thanks Neal for your kind words. Hope you return often and share any WA or OR wine experiences with the rest of us.
Posted by: Thad W. | October 28, 2008 10:10 AM
This is a fantastic site! I really appreciate your honest criticisms and critiques of wine from my favorite region!
Would love to see a recipes section where you list the WIHWD recipes you tantalize us with.
Keep it up!
Posted by: James Bruce | February 16, 2009 02:30 PM
Have you had the opportunity to try our wines?
Posted by: Youngberg Hill Vineyards | February 18, 2009 09:44 AM
Dear Thad:
Great blog. We've enjoyed your reviews.
Cara Hallock
Carabella Vineyard
Posted by: Cara Hallock | March 9, 2009 01:08 PM
Thad,
Thanks for the kind words about our wines.
Great blog you have here, very thoughtful.
Dai Crisp
Lumos
Posted by: Dai Crisp | April 19, 2009 08:27 AM