Word on Wine Spreads Through the Grapevine
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When people think of domestic wines, Napa Valley often comes to mind. But California has a true contender in Washington, where the only thing that seems to be outpacing the increasing number of wineries is the amount of recognition they are receiving for quality products.
The origin of the state’s wine industry here can be traced to Clark County: The Hudson’s Bay Co. planted the first wine grapes at Fort Vancouver in 1825. Since then, winemakers have discovered that the area’s climate and soil are ideally suited to the craft thanks to relatively dry summers and deposits made by the Lewis and Columbia rivers. The area often is compared to conditions found in France’s winemaking region. Until very recently, these prime conditions seemed to be a well-kept secret.
“We’re trying hard to rectify that,” says Ryan Pennington, senior communications manager for the Washington Wine Commission. “Washington is a state that can be comparable to California.”
Today, Clark County has a handful of wineries. Ridgefield is home to Bethany Vineyard, Three Brothers Vineyard & Winery and Confluence Vineyards and Winery. Battle Ground’s offerings include Rusty Grape Vineyard and East Fork Cellars.
Among the newer enterprises on the scene is English Estate Winery, which specializes in Bag in a Beautiful Box wine, which is packaged in a decorative, wooden box that quickly caught on with its club members.
“We’re doing some things that no one else is doing,” says Carl English, who, along with his wife, Gail, owns the Vancouver winery. “Our club members who enjoy a glass of wine a day can have one with Bag in a Box Wine, and there’s no waste. There’s no oxidation.”
Story by Michael Kelly
Photo by Brian McCord
