Columbia Winery
Encyclopedia
Columbia Winery is a Washington State winery located in Woodinville, Washington
. The tasting room, main administrative offices and event facilities are located at 14030 NE 145th Street P.O. Box 1248 Woodinville, WA 98072. The winery production facility is located at 2310 Holmason Rd Sunnyside, WA 98944. Note: the production facility does not have a tasting room and has no tasting open to the general public.
The winery is currently owned by Ascentia Wine Estates. In June 2008, Columbia Winery (along with Covey Run Winery and other Constellation Brands wines) were sold by Constellation Brands
to newly formed Ascentia Wine Estates. Ascentia Wine Estates is made up of eight brands- 1) Geyser Peak Winery, Sonoma County CA 2) XYZin (made at Geyser Peak) 3) Gary Farrell
, Sonoma County CA 4) Buena Vista Winery
, Sonoma County CA 5) Atlas Peak, Sonoma County CA 6) Columbia Winery, Sunnyside WA (production only) 7) Covey Run Winery, Sunnyside WA 8) Ste. Chapelle Winery, Caldwell Idaho.
Founded in 1962 by ten friends, six of whom were University of Washington professors, Columbia Winery is considered Washington State’s first premium winery. Originally known as Associated Vintners, the group was united in the belief that classic European Vinifera vines would thrive in the Washington climate and that fine wine could be made in Washington State. They began by making their wines in the garage of Dr. Lloyd Woodburne, Columbia Winery’s first winemaker, in the Seattle neighborhood of Laurelhurst.
The results far exceeded their expectations. "Those first years of the 1960s are the turning point in modern wine history" writes Hugh Johnson, one of the world’s most widely read and respected wine authorities. In his book “Vintage,” he pays tribute to the Associated Vintners and the industry they helped build in the Northwest, at precisely the same time that Californian winemakers were awakening to the possibility of making high-quality wine.
David Lake, Master of Wine, (1943–2009) joined Columbia Winery in 1979 as winemaker and continued the pioneering spirit of Columbia Winery’s founders. David Lake is credited with being one of the first Winemakers in the state of the Washington to produce varietal
wines of Cabernet Franc
, Pinot Gris
and in particular Syrah. David Lake also is most renowned for his experimentation with new varietals and for producing the first series of vineyard-designated wines in Washington.
In 1983, the winery released wines under its current name. In 1988, the winery moved to its current location in Woodinville Wine Country
.
Due to failing health, David Lake retired from Columbia in 2006 and soon afterwards Kerry Norton joined Columbia Winery in early 2007 as Director of Winemaking. Prior to joining Columbia Winery, Norton served as winemaker for Covey Run Winery in Washington.
In 2008 after 20 years of wine production at the Woodinville facility, operations were moved to Sunnyside WA. Sunnyside Washington is located in the Yakama Valley AVA of Eastern WA. This now is where all of Columbia's wines are produced. This move was made in order to help improve the overall quality of the fruit delivered to the production facility, thus helping improve the overall quality of the wines produced.
Core Series
Columbia Winery's Core Series of popular varietals has achieved distinction for their outstanding quality and superior value. Made from grapes sourced from the finest vineyards in Washington's Columbia Valley, these wines showcase the quality of Washington State as a premier wine grape-growing region.
Wines included are as follows- Cabernet Sauvignon, Cellarmaster’s Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Merlot, Pinot Gris, and Syrah. These wines are widely distributed and are available in many states outside of Washington.
Vineyard Designate Series
Columbia Winery's Vineyard Designate Series are wines that express the unique growing conditions that exist within a handful of vineyards that consistently produce outstanding wines.
Wines included are as follows- Red Willow Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Willow Milestone Merlot, Red Willow Sangiovese, Red Willow Syrah, Otis Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Otis Vineyard Chardonnay Block 6, and Wyckoff Vineyard Chardonnay.
Small Lot Series
Columbia Winery's Small Lot Series are wines produced exclusively for our wine club and tasting room. Produced in quantities of a few hundred cases, these wines allow our winemakers to experiment with winemaking techniques and/or new varietals.
Wines included are as follows- Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Milestone Red, Peninsula, Dry Style Riesling, Ice Wine, Rose’ of Sangiovese, Red Willow South Chapel Syrah, Unoaked Chardonnay, and Viognier.
Stone Cutter Series
Columbia Winery's Stone Cutter Series pays tribute to Winemaker Kerry Norton's twin passions, winemaking and lapidary work. This limited-production series of wine are produced exclusively for our Cellar Club at Columbia Winery.
Wines included are as follows- Breccia, Lapis, Opal.
Columbia winery harvest grapes from several vineyards in Eastern Washington
including
The most celebrated red wine vineyard in Washington, Red Willow lies in the remote northwestern corner of the Yakima Valley Appellation. Mt. Adams’ 12,000-foot peak and the Cascade foothills rise to the west. There are no other vineyards within 20 miles. It is a fairly warm site (mid-region 2 on the old UC Davis scale). At high elevations – 1,100 to 1,300 feet – Red Willow has complex soil formations and steep hillsides.
Established in 1957 by Otis Harlan, Otis Vineyard is one of the most celebrated vineyards in Washington State. Located in the Yakima Valley on the lower slopes of the Rattlesnake Hills, Otis boasts some of the oldest vines in the state and cultivates several varietals of outstanding character including Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Located in the heart of the Yakima Valley north of Prosser, Wyckoff Vineyard is composed of several vineyard blocks that lie on the southwest facing slopes of the Rattlesnake Hills. The vineyard grows Chardonnay for Columbia Winery.
Woodinville, Washington
Woodinville is a city in King County, Washington, United States. The population was 10,938 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Seattle metropolitan area. There is also a much larger population with Woodinville mailing addresses in adjacent unincorporated areas of King and Snohomish counties...
. The tasting room, main administrative offices and event facilities are located at 14030 NE 145th Street P.O. Box 1248 Woodinville, WA 98072. The winery production facility is located at 2310 Holmason Rd Sunnyside, WA 98944. Note: the production facility does not have a tasting room and has no tasting open to the general public.
The winery is currently owned by Ascentia Wine Estates. In June 2008, Columbia Winery (along with Covey Run Winery and other Constellation Brands wines) were sold by Constellation Brands
Constellation Brands
Constellation Brands, Inc., headquartered in Victor, New York, is the world’s leading wine company with a broad portfolio of widely admired premium brands across the wine, beer and spirits categories.-History and description:...
to newly formed Ascentia Wine Estates. Ascentia Wine Estates is made up of eight brands- 1) Geyser Peak Winery, Sonoma County CA 2) XYZin (made at Geyser Peak) 3) Gary Farrell
Gary Farrell
Gary Farrell is a California winemaker, specializing in the production of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley...
, Sonoma County CA 4) Buena Vista Winery
Buena Vista Winery
Buena Vista Winery , located in Sonoma Valley, is the oldest commercial winery in California. It was founded by Agoston Haraszthy in 1857.-External links:*...
, Sonoma County CA 5) Atlas Peak, Sonoma County CA 6) Columbia Winery, Sunnyside WA (production only) 7) Covey Run Winery, Sunnyside WA 8) Ste. Chapelle Winery, Caldwell Idaho.
Founded in 1962 by ten friends, six of whom were University of Washington professors, Columbia Winery is considered Washington State’s first premium winery. Originally known as Associated Vintners, the group was united in the belief that classic European Vinifera vines would thrive in the Washington climate and that fine wine could be made in Washington State. They began by making their wines in the garage of Dr. Lloyd Woodburne, Columbia Winery’s first winemaker, in the Seattle neighborhood of Laurelhurst.
The results far exceeded their expectations. "Those first years of the 1960s are the turning point in modern wine history" writes Hugh Johnson, one of the world’s most widely read and respected wine authorities. In his book “Vintage,” he pays tribute to the Associated Vintners and the industry they helped build in the Northwest, at precisely the same time that Californian winemakers were awakening to the possibility of making high-quality wine.
David Lake, Master of Wine, (1943–2009) joined Columbia Winery in 1979 as winemaker and continued the pioneering spirit of Columbia Winery’s founders. David Lake is credited with being one of the first Winemakers in the state of the Washington to produce varietal
Varietal
"Varietal" describes wines made primarily from a single named grape variety, and which typically displays the name of that variety on the wine label. Examples of grape varieties commonly used in varietal wines are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Merlot...
wines of Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is one of the major black grape varieties worldwide. It is principally grown for blending with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the Bordeaux style, but can also be vinified alone - as in the Loire's Chinon...
, Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris
Pinot gris is a white wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. Thought to be a mutant clone of the Pinot noir grape, it normally has a grayish-blue fruit, accounting for its name but the grape can have a brownish pink to black and even white appearance...
and in particular Syrah. David Lake also is most renowned for his experimentation with new varietals and for producing the first series of vineyard-designated wines in Washington.
In 1983, the winery released wines under its current name. In 1988, the winery moved to its current location in Woodinville Wine Country
Woodinville wine country
Woodinville wine country is an area of Western Washington situated around the city of Woodinville, near Seattle. Several of the state's notable wineries, such as Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Winery, Novelty Hill Januik, and Silver Lake are located here...
.
Due to failing health, David Lake retired from Columbia in 2006 and soon afterwards Kerry Norton joined Columbia Winery in early 2007 as Director of Winemaking. Prior to joining Columbia Winery, Norton served as winemaker for Covey Run Winery in Washington.
In 2008 after 20 years of wine production at the Woodinville facility, operations were moved to Sunnyside WA. Sunnyside Washington is located in the Yakama Valley AVA of Eastern WA. This now is where all of Columbia's wines are produced. This move was made in order to help improve the overall quality of the fruit delivered to the production facility, thus helping improve the overall quality of the wines produced.
Winemaking
Today, Director of Winemaking Kerry Norton honors the Columbia Winery tradition by crafting highly-acclaimed wines from Washington state. Wines from Columbia Winery exhibit the rich fruit flavors indicative of Washington from the refreshing Cellarmaster Riesling to the rounded berry-filled Merlot to the smokey Syrah, you will find that each wine has a superb balance of fruit and acidity to complement any meal or occasion.Core Series
Columbia Winery's Core Series of popular varietals has achieved distinction for their outstanding quality and superior value. Made from grapes sourced from the finest vineyards in Washington's Columbia Valley, these wines showcase the quality of Washington State as a premier wine grape-growing region.
Wines included are as follows- Cabernet Sauvignon, Cellarmaster’s Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Merlot, Pinot Gris, and Syrah. These wines are widely distributed and are available in many states outside of Washington.
Vineyard Designate Series
Columbia Winery's Vineyard Designate Series are wines that express the unique growing conditions that exist within a handful of vineyards that consistently produce outstanding wines.
Wines included are as follows- Red Willow Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Willow Milestone Merlot, Red Willow Sangiovese, Red Willow Syrah, Otis Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Otis Vineyard Chardonnay Block 6, and Wyckoff Vineyard Chardonnay.
Small Lot Series
Columbia Winery's Small Lot Series are wines produced exclusively for our wine club and tasting room. Produced in quantities of a few hundred cases, these wines allow our winemakers to experiment with winemaking techniques and/or new varietals.
Wines included are as follows- Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Milestone Red, Peninsula, Dry Style Riesling, Ice Wine, Rose’ of Sangiovese, Red Willow South Chapel Syrah, Unoaked Chardonnay, and Viognier.
Stone Cutter Series
Columbia Winery's Stone Cutter Series pays tribute to Winemaker Kerry Norton's twin passions, winemaking and lapidary work. This limited-production series of wine are produced exclusively for our Cellar Club at Columbia Winery.
Wines included are as follows- Breccia, Lapis, Opal.
Vineyards
Columbia Winery currently does not own any vineyards of its own, but has maintained long-term contracts with several Growers and Vineyards in the Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley and surrounding areas. Some of these Vineyards are listed as follows.Columbia winery harvest grapes from several vineyards in Eastern Washington
Eastern Washington
Eastern Washington is the portion of the U.S. state of Washington east of the Cascade Range. The region contains the city of Spokane , the Tri-Cities, the Columbia River and the Grand Coulee Dam, the Hanford Nuclear Reservation and the fertile farmlands of the Yakima Valley and the...
including
- Red Willow Vineyard-Yakima Valley AVAYakima Valley AVAThe Yakima Valley AVA was the first American Viticultural Area established within Washington State, gaining the recognition in 1983. Part of the larger Columbia Valley AVA, Yakima Valley AVA is home to more than of vineyards, giving the area the largest concentration of wineries and vineyards in...
. At 1300 feet (396.2 m) above sea level, this is the highest vineyard in the Yakima Valley. Planted with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet SauvignonCabernet SauvignonCabernet Sauvignon is one of the world's most widely recognized red wine grape varieties. It is grown in nearly every major wine producing country among a diverse spectrum of climates from Canada's Okanagan Valley to Lebanon's Beqaa Valley...
, MalbecMalbecMalbec is a purple grape variety used in making red wine. The grapes tend to have an inky dark color and robust tannins, and are long known as one of the six grapes allowed in the blend of red Bordeaux wine. The French plantations of Malbec are now found primarily in Cahors in the South West...
, MerlotMerlotMerlot is a darkly blue-coloured wine grape, that is used as both a blending grape and for varietal wines. The name Merlot is thought to derive from the Old French word for young blackbird, merlot, a diminutive of merle, the blackbird , probably from the color of the grape. Merlot-based wines...
, SangioveseSangioveseSangiovese is a red Italian wine grape variety whose name derives from the Latin sanguis Jovis, "the blood of Jove"...
, Syrah, and ViognierViognierViognier is a white wine grape. It is the only permitted grape for the French wine Condrieu in the Rhone valley.-History:The origin of the Viognier grape is unknown. Viognier is presumed to be an ancient grape, possibly originating in Dalmatia and then brought to Rhône by the Romans. One legend...
.
The most celebrated red wine vineyard in Washington, Red Willow lies in the remote northwestern corner of the Yakima Valley Appellation. Mt. Adams’ 12,000-foot peak and the Cascade foothills rise to the west. There are no other vineyards within 20 miles. It is a fairly warm site (mid-region 2 on the old UC Davis scale). At high elevations – 1,100 to 1,300 feet – Red Willow has complex soil formations and steep hillsides.
- Otis Vineyard-Rattlesnake Hills AVARattlesnake Hills AVAThe Rattlesnake Hills AVA is an American Viticultural Area located in Yakima County, Washington. United States Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau awarded Rattlesnake Hills its appellation status on March 20, 2006, making Rattlesnake Hills Washington’s ninth federally recognized American...
. First vineyard in Washington state planted with Pinot Gris, and home to the oldest currently producing Cabernet Sauvignon vines.
Established in 1957 by Otis Harlan, Otis Vineyard is one of the most celebrated vineyards in Washington State. Located in the Yakima Valley on the lower slopes of the Rattlesnake Hills, Otis boasts some of the oldest vines in the state and cultivates several varietals of outstanding character including Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Wyckoff Vineyards-Rattlesnake Hills AVA. Planted with ChardonnayChardonnayChardonnay is a green-skinned grape variety used to make white wine. It is originated from the Burgundy wine region of eastern France but is now grown wherever wine is produced, from England to New Zealand...
.
Located in the heart of the Yakima Valley north of Prosser, Wyckoff Vineyard is composed of several vineyard blocks that lie on the southwest facing slopes of the Rattlesnake Hills. The vineyard grows Chardonnay for Columbia Winery.