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January 01, 2010

Connections: Washington Wine Report

When it comes to blogging about the people and places producing wine in Washington state, there is one site that stands out for its focused, in-depth coverage: Sean Sullivan's Washington Wine Report. With his independent blog, Sean's mission is "bringing Washington wine to you and bringing you to Washington wine". Having followed the Washington Wine Report since its launch in June 2007, Sean has clearly fulfilled this mission, at least with this reader. In fact, Sean's success in connecting me to Washington wine is best articulated in a couple of recent posts on his blog. The first piece, Best...

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Posted by Thad W. at 02:32 PM | | Comments (3)

December 28, 2009

Review: Been Doon So Long by Randall Grahm

Every now and then, a certain wine comes along that is transformative; a bottle that connects me to something deeper, helping to fill a void or bridge a gap in my thinking. Reading about wine can have a similar affect. There is an occasional book that guides me down new paths of discovery, trails that not only challenge my perspective of wine, but transform how I think about wine going forward. With Been Doon So Long, Randall Grahm has created such a book, one full of transformative facts, thoughts, and ideas that have enlightened my understanding of what it...

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Posted by Thad W. at 01:21 PM | | Comments (0)

November 01, 2009

Paul Gregutt makes a case for Oregon riesling

In today's Pacific Northwest magazine, Paul Gregutt offers recommendations for three mixed cases of wine, one of which is comprised of rieslings from Washington and Oregon. It appears Gregutt has developed a certain fondness for Oregon riesling just as I have over the past year. Here is an excerpt from Gregutt's introduction to his mixed case of Pacific Northwest riesling: Washington has reclaimed riesling as a signature grape, but it also thrives up and down the coast. These days, I am especially fond of Oregon rieslings, which are widely available at winery tasting rooms, but not always brought up to...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:32 PM | | Comments (2)

October 25, 2009

Introducing "Connections" on BeyondtheBottle.com

BeyondtheBottle.com's genesis arose from the notion that wine was something more than just a beverage, that in each bottle opened a story should be shared about the people, places, and period supporting its creation. It is this story that serves to connect us to something larger and deeper, not only about ourselves but also the world we inhabit. To this day, it amazes me how this notion is lost on many producers, who craft a quality wine, yet come up short in terms of sharing a story behind their product. Far too often, there is little, if anything, offered...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:28 AM | | Comments (3)

October 24, 2009

Celebrating David Lake's Legacy

I never had the honor of meeting David Lake, but I had the pleasure of enjoying his wine for many years, with two memories clearly standing out with these experiences. One of the most enjoyable Washington wine experiences was at a Taste WA seminar entitled, "An Ode to David Lake". The flight featured eight wines, including an '83 Cellarmaster's Riesling, a '91 Otis Vineyard Cab, a '92 Red Willow Cab, and a '95 Red Willow Syrah, each matched to a more recent release. I will never forget that 1983 Cellarmaster's Riesling Columbia Valley (9.1%), a wine that offered a transformative...

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Posted by Thad W. at 03:28 PM | | Comments (0)

May 19, 2009

Paul Gregutt 2.0

For more than a decade, I have enjoyed following Paul Gregutt's column in The Seattle Times, as his coverage of the Washington and Oregon wine scene has broadened my exposure to wines and wineries I might have otherwise overlooked. Along the way, I may not have always agreed with Gregutt's opinions or his approach toward covering wine, but I was better off for reading his column. During the last few years, I started getting the sense that there was something more that Gregutt had to offer. This sense came from attending a Taste Washington 2008 seminar he led featuring the...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:03 PM | | Comments (0)

February 28, 2009

Review: Red, White, and Drunk All Over by Natalie MacLean

Had it not been for a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, I might have passed on reading it. To be honest, I was guilty of judging this book by its cover, as it suggested an approach to wine that seemed far afield from the one I follow. Boy, am I glad to have accepted this book to read and review, for I was completely wrong about the approach Natalie MacLean takes with her subject. Red, White, and Drunk All Over: A Wine Soaked Journey from Grape to Glass is an enlightening, entertaining, and inspiring read, comprised...

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Posted by Thad W. at 04:40 PM | | Comments (0)

February 09, 2009

In Memory of Mom

On Sunday, February 1, my dear Mom passed away after a two year struggle with cancer. She was 74 years old, a mother of seven children and grandmother to eleven grandkids. I was fortunate to be with her during her last days with us, which is the reason for my absence from blogging these past couple of weeks. During this time, I have been reflecting a lot on the influence my Mom had on my life in general, and my apprecitation for food and wine, in particular. As I shared in The Sanctity of the Family Dinner, my Mom...

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Posted by Thad W. at 10:18 PM | | Comments (4)

November 09, 2008

Pacific NW Magazine Profiles Wineries and Winemakers

In today's Seattle Times Pacific Northwest magazine, writer Braiden Rex-Johnson profiles a variety of Washington winemakers and wineries with Paul Gregutt providing his annual budget list of mixed case recommendations for the holidays. Wine & Spirits 2008 profiles six relatively new wineries in our region including Brian Carter Cellars (Woodinville), Willis Hall (Marysville), Wines of Substance (Walla Walla), Cadaretta (Walla Walla), Mercer Estates (Prosser), and Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards (Roseburg, OR). Each profile offers stories about the winemaker and highlights suggested "wines of note". Women winemakers of Walla Walla is a wonderful feature profiling fourteen women winemakers in the Walla...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:56 AM | | Comments (0)

October 20, 2008

Paul Gregutt's perspective on alcohol levels

In last week's wine column in The Seattle Times, Paul Gregutt wrote an insightful piece entitled, "The new wine buzz: moderate alcohol levels". Gregutt provides a useful overview of the downside of too much alcohol in wine and also attempts to dispel the notion that wine critics are to blame for high levels of alcohol. It appears the motivation for this column came from Gregutt's readers, who, like me, have been requesting that he start including alcohol levels in his wine reviews. Although he has written about this need in the past, this was the first column I have seen...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:13 PM | | Comments (1)

October 13, 2008

Remembering Oregon's pinot pioneer, David Lett

Any study of Oregon wine history must start with David Lett, a true pioneer, who against the advice of other viticulturists, planted the first vineyards of pinot noir, chardonnay, and other varieties in the Willamette Valley more than forty years ago. He was also the first to plant pinot gris in America. He and his wife, Diana, founded The Eyrie Vineyards in 1966, whose estate plantings are in Dundee with the winery located in McMinnville. It was an Eyrie pinot noir that helped put Oregon on the map back in the mid-70's, after winning an international competition against Burgundy wines....

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:27 PM | | Comments (0)

September 09, 2008

Book Review: At Home in the Vineyard by Susan Sokol Blosser

At Home in the Vineyard: Cultivating a Winery, an Industry, and a Life by Susan Sokol Blosser is one book that seems to offer an exception to the adage, "you can't judge a book by its cover". Just as the subtitle suggests, At Home in the Vineyard effectively describes the slow, steady transformation of an estate winery, a wine industry, and a human being over a period of more than 30 years. It is an intimate study of all three components delivered in a narrative style that keeps you engaged from start to finish. This book is first and...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:36 PM | | Comments (2)

September 01, 2008

Book Review: Wine Politics by Tyler Colman

It is said that to really appreciate wine, one must understand its context. When some talk of "context", they often focus on what is in the bottle, such as a wine's varietal makeup, the vineyard from which its fruit was sourced, and/or the vintage which serves to describe the growing season. Even still, there are some who extend context further to include the historical and cultural influences shaping a wine, specifically those factors that have served to guide viticulturists and enologists in a singular fashion within a particular region. Tyler Colman has now broadened this notion of context with...

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Posted by Thad W. at 10:08 PM | | Comments (0)

August 20, 2008

Looking for a good Oregon wine?

According to the Oregon Wine Board, there are 393 wineries and 792 vineyards in the state, most of which focus on Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties. There are over 17,000 acres planted in Oregon, producing about 39,000 tons of grapes, which result in 1.7 million cases of wine. What makes Oregon unique relative to its northern and southern neighbors is the disproportionate number of smaller wineries, with most producing less than 5,000 cases of wine. The state has also distinguished itself by focusing on sustainability, with 23% of the vineyards certified sustainable, organic and...

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Posted by Thad W. at 10:43 PM | | Comments (0)

August 14, 2008

Looking for a good Washington wine?

According to the Washington Wine Commission, our state is now home to over 540 wineries, producing wine from more than 20 varieties of grapes cultivated on over 31,000 acres of vineyards. This adds up to a lot of bottles, which represent an ever expanding selection of wine for the consumer. It is easy to become overwhelmed by it all, as evidenced by the confused and confounded faces I often see at the grocery or wine store. There is hope for those needing help in choosing a Washington wine that suits their personal taste, for there are several bloggers who...

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Posted by Thad W. at 11:39 AM | | Comments (2)

July 03, 2008

4th of July in Walla Walla

Tomorrow, I make the five hour journey east from Seattle to Walla Walla for our annual Fourth of July gathering with family and friends. Kari and the girls flew out on Tuesday, therefore I am looking forward to seeing them again as well as spending time with my extended family. To celebrate our nation's birthday, we gather at my brother-in-law's place southeast of downtown Walla Walla, in the heart of wheat country. After an afternoon of the kids swimming and adults playing bocce ball, we come together around a long table outside to celebrate local food and wine. I...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:32 PM | | Comments (0)

May 25, 2008

Robert Mondavi: Lasting Connections

Of all the recent blog posts and news articles on the passing of Robert Mondavi, it is the personal stories that recount connections made by meeting Mondavi or experiencing his wines that are the most captivating and inspiring. These stories demonstrate the rewards that come in getting to know the people behind the wine they craft. They also show how certain wines can create connections to periods and places in our lives that will remain with us for decades to come. As to understanding the person behind the wine, two bloggers on opposite coasts described similar experiences when meeting Robert...

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Posted by Thad W. at 01:40 PM | | Comments (0)

May 20, 2008

The Logos of Thor Iverson

Even though I subscribe to dozens of wine blog feeds, there are but a handful of sites that provide truly meaningful learning experiences helping to further my wine knowledge. Thor Iverson of oenoLogic is one of those few wine bloggers whose writings grab my attention, invite me to read, and encourage me to study. His recent posts on alcohol levels in wine are terrific examples of how Thor can take a current blog topic and expound on it in a way that takes you beyond what has already been stated, resulting in a deeper understanding of wine. Thor is...

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Posted by Thad W. at 09:00 PM | | Comments (2)

March 22, 2008

WineFoot.com is off to a sprint

Slowly but surely, there are more folks in our state blogging about Washington wine. This is something very much needed when you think about the lack of coverage our state receives in the blogosphere. Which is why I am so excited about WineFoot.com, a new wine blog that literally burst onto the scene last month and has been running at a fast pace ever since. In just two months, WineFoot.com has been covering a variety of wines, tasting events, winemakers, industry news, and other related topics. And there's a growing library of videos and photos making this blog unique through...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:27 PM | | Comments (0)

February 18, 2008

The Dysfunctional House of Mondavi

I couldn't finish this book. I was halfway through and just couldn't bring myself to reading any more pages detailing the dysfunction of the Mondavi family. The sibling rivalries, the raw greed, the marital affairs, and the suffering children who repeated this dysfunctional cycle across several generations. What a sad, pitiful tale Julia Flynn Siler has crafted in "The House of Mondavi: The Rise and Fall of an American Wine Dynasty". If you can get past Siler's overlapping sequence of events from chapter to chapter, you'll find a story that leaves little to be desired. The book clearly validates...

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Posted by Thad W. at 01:53 PM | | Comments (0)

December 20, 2007

VinMaps: A gift of place

If you're looking for a last minute gift for someone who enjoys wine, I suggest giving them something that will provide a sense of place: a VinMap. VinMaps are the creation of Suzi Surbey, a cartographer who has transformed wine producing countries, states, and regions into beautiful expressions of wine geography. Suzi has recently released an updated map of Washington, detailing the state's AVAs and 500 wineries. If your interests extend beyond the Pacific Northwest, then Suzi has maps of specific wine regions and the major wine producing countries around the world. About a year ago, I purchased individual maps...

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Posted by Thad W. at 08:01 PM | | Comments (2)

December 06, 2007

Breaking the Unspoken Code

In a recent Seattle Times wine column, Paul Gregutt made an interesting statement regarding his colleagues in the wine press: "There is a sort of unspoken code among many in the wine press not to be too critical of specific wines or wineries. The logic is that it's better to point out the successes and let the failures slide." I would have enjoyed hearing Gregutt expound on the logic underlying this "unspoken code". I believe there is a clear reason for its existence: incentives compel reviewers to remain focused on writing only about successes, with those calling out failures risking...

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Posted by Thad W. at 03:08 PM | | Comments (4)

November 19, 2007

The Fruits of Paul Gregutt's Labors

Fall is always a busy time for wineries, with harvest bringing in the new vintage and the previous years' bottlings being released. It seems Paul Gregutt, wine columnist for The Seattle Times, has been just as busy crafting some enjoyable and insightful pieces on the Pacific Northwest wine scene. Terroir Is Not A Small Dog! - an excerpt from Paul's new book, "Washington Wines & Wineries", which should be a good read considering the witty approach he takes with this piece about Washington state vineyards. Acquiring A Taste - a recent cover story for the Pacific Northwest magazine's annual wine...

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Posted by Thad W. at 01:43 PM | | Comments (1)

November 06, 2007

Newly Discovered Northwest Wine Bloggers

During the last month, I have discovered a number of wine bloggers who are based in the Pacific Northwest. Many of these folks focus exclusively on Washington or Oregon wine, while others extend their writing to cover other regions in the US and rest of world. In general, I find it much more interesting and insightful to read about the local wine scene from folks who actually live here and experience it firsthand, rather than the multitude of folks who merely blog about how our wines taste and should be scored. Besides their common geography, these local wine bloggers share...

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Posted by Thad W. at 12:57 PM | | Comments (2)

November 05, 2007

A Toast to Pappa Rosso

You may recognize Bob, aka Pappa Rosso, from a Washington wine event or the tasting room at Isenhower Cellars in Walla Walla. I wanted to write about Bob for several reasons, all of which focus on how he celebrates wine in a way that clearly distinguishes him from others. First, I believe Bob is the benchmark when it comes to tasting room managers. He is truly unique when it comes to connecting folks to the wine he pours. Second, Bob's been a terrific teacher and mentor to me. Over the last decade, my knowledge and appreciation for wine has...

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Posted by Thad W. at 12:22 PM | | Comments (4)

October 19, 2007

Review: The Emperor of Wine

I am no fan of Robert Parker, but am better off as a wine enthusiast for having read Elin McCoy's biography, "The Emperor of Wine: The Rise of Robert M. Parker, Jr. and the Reign of American Taste". As the title suggests, McCoy's book is divided into two parts: the incredible rise of Parker as a wine reviewer and then his role leading the American influence over the global wine industry. In addition to educating me about the man, I also learned a ton about the wine industry in general, especially the history and culture of the Bordeaux and...

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Posted by Thad W. at 12:16 PM | | Comments (0)

October 06, 2007

Where are the Washington-based wine bloggers?

I've been blogging about wine for over five months now and am surprised that there aren't more folks like me based in Washington state doing the same. There are plenty of bloggers around the country (especially in California) who blog about Washington wine, but it seems there are only a handful of us in the state doing this on a regular basis. Based on my latest count, these bloggers include: Andy of The Wine Knows; Catie of Through the Walla Walla Grapevine; Gene of Seattle Wine Blog; Margot of Write for Wine; and Paul of Northwest Wine Insider. Again, these...

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Posted by Thad W. at 11:36 AM | | Comments (8)

October 01, 2007

Why I like the 3 Wine Guys

It was with some reluctance that I first subscribed to the 3 Wine Guys podcast on iTunes, as I didn't know what to expect with the "explicit" label and all. But after noticing that they had done two shows focused on Washington blends and Oregon pinot noir, I just had to download and listen. Boy, am I glad to have experienced what these guys are doing, for they have set themselves apart from the rest of the podcasting crowd by connecting you to the who, what and where of what they are drinking. First of all, the 3 Wine Guys...

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Posted by Thad W. at 06:33 PM | | Comments (2)

July 22, 2007

Seattle Magazine's 2007 Wine Guide

When this month's Seattle Magazine arrived in the mail, I noticed a cover feature entitled, "Washington Wines: 24 Hot New Releases". Opening the magazine, I expected yet another "best of" article on Washington wine, complete with ratings and reviews. To my pleasant surprise, the feature really went beyond the bottle by focusing on the history, people and places behind Washington wine. I really enjoyed seeing the group photos identifying some of the state's wine pioneers and families, as well as the next generation of folks involved in growing, making and selling wine. The insightful articles on new viticulture areas, the...

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Posted by Thad W. at 02:17 PM | | Comments (1)

June 07, 2007

Why I'm Glad Craig Camp Blogs

I'm glad Craig Camp blogs. I have never met Craig nor have I ever spoken to the guy. But I've been following his blog for almost a year now and am better off for it. You see, I believe Craig is changing the way folks approach, drink, think, and talk about wine. He's a counter-balance to the ongoing trend of wine critics/reviewers/bloggers taking a glass of wine and distilling it into a number, usually on a 100 point scale, and just leaving it at that, a score. I am a huge fan of Craig writing about wine in a broader...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:41 PM | | Comments (0)

May 16, 2007

Andy Perdue's Video Quest

The other day while searching on the term "northwest wine" in the podcast section of the iTunes online store, I was pleasantly surprised to find a collection of wine videos produced by Andy Perdue of Wine Press Northwest. Andy is editor-in-chief of Wine Press Northwest and has been a fixture in the Pacific Northwest wine industry since the quarterly magazine's launch in 1998. He also writes a blog called The Wine Knows, which appears to be a more personal extension of his work at the magazine. Here's what I like about Andy's videos: they easily connect you to the people,...

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Posted by Thad W. at 07:50 PM | | Comments (0)


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