Columbia
Winery, one of Washington's first wineries, was established in 1962 by
six University of Washington professors and four local businessmen, known
in the early days as "Associated Vintners". They planted a small
vineyard with classic European vinifera vines and set out to prove that
quality wine could be made in Washington. The wines quickly acquired a
cult following and became so popular that they sold out even before they
were released.
The winery has grown steadily to become one of the
largest wineries in the Northwest, and in 1996 Columbia produced over
125,000 cases of wine for national distribution. Many awards and national
recognition have come Columbia's way. Columbia's Milestone Merlot was
recently described by Frank Prial, of The New York Times as "Washington's
best merlot." In addition, the winery also produces a Pinot Noir that
received a platinum medal at the American Wine Competition sponsored by
Wine & Spirits Magazine, the first Washington Pinot Noir to ever
achieve this level of recognition. Also, according to Stephen Tanzer of
Food & Wine Magazine, it's Woodburne Cuvee Chardonnay "could easily
be mistaken for a top-notch $30 white Burgundy."
Columbia's aim is to make distinctive Washington
wines, not copies of wines from other wine regions. The winemaker, David
Lake, uses only European vinifera grapes from areas of Washington State
best suited to each varietal and supervises all aspects of growing the
grapes. He decides to harvest them when their balance of sugar, acid and
varietal character is at its peak.
Over the years Columbia's winemaker David Lake has
sought specific vineyard sites which exemplify the best which Washington
has to offer: Cabernet Sauvignon from Otis, Red Willow and Sagemoor Vineyards;
Merlot from Red Willow Vineyard and Chardonnay from Wyckoff and Otis Vineyards--all
bearing special labels announcing them as "David Lake Signature" wines.
Columbia, along with Red Willow Vineyard, was the
first to plant Cabernet Franc and Syrah. Today, both varietals extend
the depth of Columbia's portfolio and made them the first winery in America
north of the 45th parallel to produce and market a Syrah, the great red
grape of France's Hermitage in the Rhone Valley, that is terrific with
heartier dishes.
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