Author | Lightnews

Northwest Wine Report @nwwinereport.bsky.social · 2d

45+ wines reviewed today at Northwest Wine Report, including the latest from Chehalem Estate, EcholandsWinery, History, L'Ecole No 41 Winery, Pashey, Rocky Pond Winery, Sagemoor Estates, Stoller Family Estate, Trisaetum Winery, and Wautoma Springs.

Wine Reviews October 29th 2025

45+ wines reviewed below, including the latest from Chehalem, Echolands, History, L’Ecole No. 41, Pashey, Rocky Pond, Sagemoor, Stoller Family, Trisaetum, and Wautoma Springs. At Northwest Wine Report...

www.northwestwinereport.com

Northwest Wine Report @nwwinereport.bsky.social · 4d

“I’ve got a theory that clean wines are boring,” says Peter Devison of Walla Walla Valley's Devison Vintners.

At Northwest Wine Report, a look at Devison's wine journey and his approach to winemaking.

Devison Vintners is making some of the world’s best wine

Winemaker Peter Devison of Walla Walla Valley’s Devison Vintners is making some of the best wines in the world.

www.northwestwinereport.com

Northwest Wine Report @nwwinereport.bsky.social · 7d

The last 5+ years have seen profound changes at tasting rooms. The “belly up to the bar” tasting flight is gone and has been replaced by seated, “experience-based” tastings. There are profound implications for the industry.

Has focusing on “the experience” helped the wine industry or hurt it?

More time at a winery = fewer overall winery visits There has been a lot of hand-wringing of late about why tasting room visitation is down. Overlooked, however, is a very simple math problem that Rea...

www.northwestwinereport.com

1

Northwest Wine Report @nwwinereport.bsky.social · 8d

Valo and Massalto, two wineries owned by Matías Kúsulas and Michael Ruhland, have opened a tasting room in Tacoma. This is part of a trend of wineries opening tasting rooms in the city.

Story at Northwest Wine Report.

Valo and Massalto tasting room opens in Tacoma

Valo and Massalto, two wineries owned by Matías Kúsulas and Michael Ruhland, have opened a tasting room in Tacoma.

www.northwestwinereport.com

Northwest Wine Report @nwwinereport.bsky.social · 10d

A note to subscribers

I posted yesterday about my Fall Subscriber Drive asking readers who have not subscribed already to please do so. For people who have subscribed: 1. Please make sure the credit card associated with yo...

www.northwestwinereport.com

Northwest Wine Report @nwwinereport.bsky.social · 11d

I need your help. If you read Northwest Wine Report and have not subscribed already, please do so now during my Fall Subscriber Drive.

Northwest Wine Report is 100% subscriber funded. It is my primary source of income. The only way that this site will be able to continue is if you support it.

Fall subscriber drive

I need your help. If you read Northwest Wine Report and have not subscribed already, please do so now during my Fall Subscriber Drive. This site is 100% subscriber funded. It is my primary source Read...

www.northwestwinereport.com

Northwest Wine Report @nwwinereport.bsky.social · 14d

Matías Kúsulas, head winemaker at Gård Vintners and sister brands Contact and Slope Life, has one of the most fascinating backstories in the wine industry – as in, the entire wine industry.

At Northwest Wine Report, a look at Kúsulas's career, as well as 45+ new wine reviews.

Matías Kúsulas will take Washington to new heights (Wine Reviews October 17th 2025)

Matías Kúsulas is going to have a profound impact on how Washington wines are grown and made. The impact has already begun.

www.northwestwinereport.com

Northwest Wine Report @nwwinereport.bsky.social · 16d

Sparkman Cellars, one of Woodinville’s best-known wineries, and Snoqualmie-based Sigillo Cellars have joined together to form a partnership. The ownership team includes the two original winery owners as well as others in what remains a family-run business.

Story at Northwest Wine Report.

Sparkman Cellars and Sigillo Cellars join forces

Sparkman Cellars and Sigillo Cellars have formed a partnership. The ownership team includes the two original winery owners as well as others.

www.northwestwinereport.com

Northwest Wine Report @nwwinereport.bsky.social · 18d

At Northwest Wine Report, Michael Fagin writes about temperature and precipitation trends since mid-June in the Columbia Valley and Willamette Valley. He also looks at current drought conditions, near-term weather, and what might be in store for us this fall into the early part of winter.

Pacific Northwest summer weather and an early look at fall and winter

A look at recent temperature and precipitation trends in the Columbia and Willamette valleys, drought conditions, and fall and winter weather.

www.northwestwinereport.com

2

Northwest Wine Report @nwwinereport.bsky.social · 22d

After a series of recent challenges, Charles Smith is back to doing what he does best: creating eye-catching brands that provide quality. Smith's newly introduced Real Wine is also intended to drive a conversation about additives in wine. Story at Northwest Wine Report.

Don’t call it a comeback: Charles Smith launches Real Wine

After a series of recent challenges, Smith is back to doing what he does best: creating new brands with Real Wine that provide quality.

www.northwestwinereport.com

Northwest Wine Report @nwwinereport.bsky.social · 23d

55+ new wines reviewed at Northwest Wine Report, including the latest from Avennia, Cadence, Caelestis, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Contact, Dineen Vineyards, Domaine Lumineux, Gard Vintners, King Estate, Liminal, Reali, Rujaya, Slope Life, Soos Creek, Spring Valley Vineyard, and Upchurch Vineyard.

Wine Reviews October 6th 2025

55+ wines reviewed below and in the database, including the latest from Avennia, Cadence, Caelestis, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Contact, Dineen, Domaine Lumineux, Gård, King Estate, Liminal, Reali, Rujaya...

www.northwestwinereport.com

Northwest Wine Report @nwwinereport.bsky.social · Oct 1

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates (SMWE) CEO Shawn Conway has left the company to lead Far Niente Wine Estates. Ste. Michelle also announced a new, shared leadership team. At Northwest Wine Report, a look at Conway's tenure of the Northwest's largest wine company.

CEO Shawn Conway leaves Ste. Michelle, company names new CEOs for Washington, Oregon businesses

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates CEO Shawn Conway has left the company to lead Far Niente Wine Estates. Ste. Michelle named new CEOs for WA and OR.

www.northwestwinereport.com

Northwest Wine Report @nwwinereport.bsky.social · Sep 26

Brandon Moss has been named reserve winemaker at Ackley Brands. At Ackley, Moss will make the wines for Betz Family, Montinore, and Landlines.

Moss spent the last 16 years making wines at Gramercy Cellars and was responsible for many top quality bottles. Story at Northwest Wine Report.

Brandon Moss joins Ackley Brands as reserve winemaker

Brandon Moss has joined Ackley Brands as reserve winemaker. Moss will lead production for the Betz Family, Montinore, and Landlines wines

www.northwestwinereport.com

1

Northwest Wine Report @nwwinereport.bsky.social · Sep 25

B.C. announced it has extended vintage replacement support to wineries affected by the '24 freeze. While it looks as if the government has done something to help wineries, the actual effect might not be that different than doing nothing while saying no more assistance is coming. It’s an outrage.

B.C. government extending vintage replacement support comes too late

It looks as if the government has done something when the actual effect might not be that different than doing nothing while saying no more is coming. It’s an outrage.

www.northwestwinereport.com

Northwest Wine Report @nwwinereport.bsky.social · Sep 24

Winemaker Ben Smith of Cadence Winery tore his bicep tendon on the first day of harvest. What happens when a winemaker gets hurt at the most important time of the year? They get by with a little help from their friends.

Story at Northwest Wine Report.

Hurt during harvest, others help out

As fate would have it, Ben Smith, owner and winemaker of Cadence winery in Seattle, got hurt on the very first day of harvest. “I was just lifting an empty fermenter to turn it over Read more...

www.northwestwinereport.com

1

Northwest Wine Report @nwwinereport.bsky.social · Sep 24

“The Columbia Valley is a gift,” says Bryan Otis, founder of Avallé. The newly formed company is a collection of wineries that includes Matthews, Tenor, Jaine, Single Barrel, From the Sky Down, and Blackboard. Avallé aims to bring the gift of the Columbia Valley to a wide audience.

Avallé embraces the Columbia Valley

Avallé is a newly formed collection of wineries that includes Matthews, Tenor, Jaine, Single Barrel, From the Sky Down, and Blackboard.

www.northwestwinereport.com

1

Northwest Wine Report @nwwinereport.bsky.social · Sep 19

At a time when the wine industry is facing historic headwinds and many businesses are closing, Washington’s Doe Bay Wine Company is not just surviving but thriving. The small, locally-owned business recently celebrated the second anniversary of its Phinney Ridge location in Seattle.

Doe Bay Wine Company celebrates second year in Seattle

Doe Bay Wine Company in Seattle's Phinney Ridge neighborhood is not just surviving but thriving in today's challenging wine landscape.

www.northwestwinereport.com

1 2

Northwest Wine Report @nwwinereport.bsky.social · Sep 12

50+ wines reviewed at Northwest Wine Report, including the latest from Among the Giants, Brian Carter, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Goose Ridge, Grosgrain, Julian Margot, L'Ecole No 41, Ocelli, Primitive Road, Revelation by Goose Ridge, and Strata Varia.

Wine Reviews September 12th 2025

50+ wines reviewed below and in the database, including the latest from Among the Giants, Brian Carter, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Goose Ridge, Grosgrain, Julian Margot, L’Ecole No. 41, Ocelli, Primitive ...

www.northwestwinereport.com

Northwest Wine Report @nwwinereport.bsky.social · Aug 21

Harvest has begun in Washington’s Columbia Valley. Amos Rome Vineyards in the Lake Chelan appellation picked Chardonnay from its Block ’98 Estate Vineyard on August 19th. The grapes will be used for sparkling wine.

Full story at Northwest Wine Report.

Harvest begins in the Columbia Valley

Harvest has begun in Washington’s Columbia Valley. Amos Rome Vineyards in the Lake Chelan appellation picked Chardonnay on August 19th.

www.northwestwinereport.com

1

Northwest Wine Report @nwwinereport.bsky.social · Aug 20

As the global wine industry continues to struggle due to decreasing sales, many people are asking, why? It’s the wrong question.

Given the obstacles that the industry puts up, a better question to ask is, why does anyone get interested in wine? Here are 7 reasons it’s a minor miracle.

Seven reasons it’s a miracle anyone gets interested in wine

If we keep creating near insurmountable barriers to entry, can we really be surprised at the inevitable result?

www.northwestwinereport.com

Northwest Wine Report @nwwinereport.bsky.social · Aug 18

The Auction of Washington Wines raised $4M at a series of events this past week and earlier this year. The money will be used to support the viticulture and enology department at Washington State University, Seattle Children’s, and an industry grant for Vital Wines.

Auction of Washington Wines raises $4M for charitable causes

The Auction of Washington Wines, Washington’s longest-running charity wine auction, raised $4M at events this past week and earlier this year.

www.northwestwinereport.com

1

Northwest Wine Report @nwwinereport.bsky.social · Aug 15

Craig Pacheco was inspired to start his import company after becoming involved with connecting British Columbia wineries with Washington and Oregon fruit after the 2024 freeze. Along the way, he discovered high quality, well-priced B.C. wines that fit into certain niches. VIN-STAR Imports was born.

VIN-STAR Imports uses “wine diplomacy” with British Columbia wines

VIN-STAR Imports is bringing British Columbia produced wines into the U.S. Pacific Northwest market.

www.northwestwinereport.com

1 1

Northwest Wine Report @nwwinereport.bsky.social · Aug 13

Later this summer Jamie Peha, executive director of the Auction of Washington Wines, will step away from the organization. She won’t call it a retirement but rather a “rewirement.” Peha does so after having spent more than 30 years in the Washington wine industry.

Jamie Peha looks back on a career in Washington wine

Jamie Peha, executive director of the Auction of Washington Wines, will step away from the organization this summer.

www.northwestwinereport.com

Northwest Wine Report @nwwinereport.bsky.social · Aug 11

50+ new wine reviews published, including the latest from Avennia, Balsall Creek, Capital Call, Dunham, Echolands, Estival, La Rata, Left Coast, Luke, Mercer, Square the Circle, Top Source, and X Novo.

Wine Reviews August 11th 2025

50+ wines reviewed below and in the database, including the latest from Avennia, Balsall Creek, Capital Call, Dunham, Echolands, Estival, La Rata, Left Coast, Luke, Mercer, Square the Circle, Top Sour...

www.northwestwinereport.com

Northwest Wine Report @nwwinereport.bsky.social · Aug 6

Just over two and a half weeks after the Burdoin fire burned through the Lyle/Bingen area of the Columbia River Gorge, local wineries are still assessing the extent of damage and, in some cases, starting to reopen. The latest at Northwest Wine Report.

Lyle wineries assess damage from Burdoin fire, start to reopen

Just over two weeks after the Burdoin fire started, wineries in Lyle are still assessing the damage and, in some cases, starting to reopen.

www.northwestwinereport.com