Oregon wine Archives | Northwest Public Broadcasting

Spring Release: If You’re Headed To Northwest Wine Country, You May Need An Appointment

By Anna King March 24, 2021

People toasting the sunset with wine glasses outside in Washington state

When wineries release their new vintages to the public it’s often called “Spring release.” Those bottlings have been cooped up all winter aging. So have winter-weary patrons. Those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are stepping out to wineries and meeting in small groups both outdoors and in. Read More

Smoke On The Vineyard: Winemakers Fret Over Possible Taint Of Valuable Northwest Grapes

By Anna King September 23, 2020

Recent wildfires and associated smoke that innundated the Northwest in September means grape growers and winemakers are scrambling to test for smoke taint. CREDIT: Anna King/N3

Even if a wildfire doesn’t burn a vineyard, smoke can get into grapes. Smoke taint tastes like a small bit of ashtray, creosote post or burnt tires — so it’s not desirable in your pinot or merlot. Continue Reading Smoke Read More

Too Flush Crush: COVID And Over Planting Mean Too Many Northwest Wine Grapes Hanging Out

By Anna King August 27, 2020

Cabernet sauvignon hangs on Red Mountain, almost ready to pick. Many wine grape growers worry there are too many grapes this year for the market.

Across the Northwest, there are too many wine grapes and not enough demand. It started with an overly optimistic industry planting too much. Then came the coronavirus pandemic. Now, vineyard managers and wineries are being forced to think creatively to cope with 2020’s bumper crop. Read More

Cracking The Tab On Summer: Northwest Wine Brands Increasingly Pour Into Cans

By Anna King June 10, 2019

Pallets of 14 Hands canned wines are ready to ship at Columbia Crest winery near Paterson, Wash.

Just in the last year, the wine-in-can category has grown by more than 100 percent across the nation, measured by volume of units sold. The third largest winery in the nation is Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, based in Woodinville, Wash. Now, it’s pouring huge amounts of juice into aluminum cans under its 14 Hands brand. Read More