I had the honor to interview Michael and Andrew Januik last week. The first segment of the interview is up on my channel, I hope you check it out. Andrew and I had a discussion about children following in the steps of their winemaking parents. In Europe, it’s expected that the kids carry on the winemaking tradition of the family. That is not necessarily the case in the U.S. We decided it would be interesting to have this discussion on my YouTube channel, and Michael was willing to be a part of it. Michael gave some interesting insights into why he believes that Andrew and his brother Don are now running the winery. Don handles the tasting room, marketing and the tech side of the winery and Andrew has taken over as head winemaker for both Januik and Novelty Hill. Andrew also shares what he believes lured him into the family business. It’s an extremely interesting discussion and I can’t tell you how many times the word “fun” was used by both Andrew and Michael.
While in Woodinville that day, I also stopped by Pomum Cellars and visited Javier while we tasted his wines and discussed what’s happening with the Washington wine scene. I also made a quick stop at Guardian Cellars’s tasting room and was floored by their Merlot. Expect to see that in the department soon. It still surprises me when I hear someone say they don’t drink Merlot. It has to be one of the better varietal wines that Washington State produces. I can remember when L’Ecole won gold medal after gold medal for their Merlot over the years. I think they are the ones who really made people aware of how well this grape expresses itself from our state. I believe I have said this before…The three best Merlot-producing regions are Bordeaux, Italy, and Washington State. I really do have to write a piece on Merlot!
We are searching for a third person for the wine department. It could be full or part-time. If you know of someone who would be interested or if you yourself are, come see me. It is a great opportunity and a fun environment to work in. Knowledge of wine is helpful but not required. I can teach you. When Scott came on board he knew very little about wine. Now look at him!
This will be a short article today as I have to get ready to catch a boat for a wine tasting in Seattle. l hope you have a great week.
Cheers!
Stan The Wine Man
