Today, I am headed down to Seattle with Susie to share in the celebration of Chateau Ste Michelle’s 50th anniversary. It’s crazy to think that they have been producing wine since 1967. I have to admit that I used to have a bad taste in my mouth for Ste Michelle. They are a big winery, owned by a large corporation and the David in me wanted to slay this Goliath. However, I conducted and interview with the late Bill Powers, owner of Badger Mountain and Powers Winery (now owned by his son Greg and a partner), and he set me straight without even knowing it. In the interview he talked about how Chateau Ste Michelle helped him to get his winery established in the early days. He also mentioned that even at that time, if he had questions or needed some help with something, Ste Michelle is at the ready to give assistance. He also reminisced about how many other wineries they have helped to get on their feet. What I realized was that Chateau Ste Michelle wants the Washington wine industry to flourish. Yes, it helps them for sure, but it also helps the many wineries in this state to grow and be successful.
What a perfect time for them to celebrate their anniversary. March is Washington Wine Month, a month for all of us to celebrate the success of the Washington wine industry. I am focusing on Washington wines in my You Tube episodes during the month. Check them out!
My Friday episode (312) will feature a line of wines produced by Chateau Ste Michelle…Don’t miss it!
Rose` is seeing a huge rise in popularity in Washington. I have never sold as much rose` as I did last summer and I continued to see it sell throughout last fall and through this winter. It’s about time or enthusiasm for this wine has caught up to the rest of the world. Rose` is all they make in the Tavel region of southern Rhone. The rose` of Tavel is even age-worthy for up to five years or more depending on the producer and the grapes used. Of course, a lot of folks get hung up on the color of the rose` thinking that only the best are salmon colored or lighter. If that’s what it takes to get them drinking it, then more power to them. However, I have tried some amazing rose` that are quite dark in color, including the rose` of Tavel. In fact, if you watch the aforementioned episode on my You Tube channel, I am quite impressed with The LIV version that is quite a bit darker than the other two. I will be the first to admit that the rose` that comes out of Provence, France is superb, but Washington State is now pumping out some pink juice that gives this region stiff competition.
On a final note, it is very hard for me not to talk politics in the environment we live today. I refuse to use this platform to express my opinions about what is going on in the White House. I have very strong feelings as many do, but this is not the place to express them. if anything, I think that wine consumption may hit an all time high over the next 4 years…Just sayin’.
A quick shout-out to my baby sister, you will be fine, you are strong!
Cheers!
Stan The Wine Man
