I cut my teeth in this business at CSM Woodinville as an enologist back in 2000-2001 when Ted took the helm. The thing that impressed me most was the lack of employee turnover over the years, (even though II left to pursue Pinot Noir production). I get that times and things change, but it is with a little sadness that we are witnessing the dismantling (to some extent at least) of an icon.
loved the perspective from allen and how relative it all is today. it is encouraging that at least a few of our name wineries are getting some national distribution, although that does come with the challenge of maintaining quality while increasing production. have seen it written many times that one issue we have in the state is that we have quite a few good but boutique wineries that are very enjoyable to have in our backyard, however they lack the scale to push their brand very far.
thankfully have plenty of good WA juice to drink while we ponder these great issues
Scale is the challenge, and winery growth occurs as a succession of steep stepping stones rather than any kind of smooth ascent. Every big step comes with big risks and brings big changes. But scaling up to a real national presence is certainly do-able in Washington, as more than a few wineries are proving.
I recently visited Patz & Hall, one of the wineries you mentioned being shed by SMWE in 2024. Obviously early days, but I hope the return to Jim Hall allows him to focus on the unique vineyard designates that put the winery on the map.
Nicely said, both a requiem for the past, and a paean for the future. Allen Shoup was a giantic force in the development of the Washington Wine Industry, along with David Lake, Chris Upchurch, Jay Soloff, Greg Lill, Rick Small, Gary Figgins Marty Clubb and Rick & Darcy Small. There are others for sure, like John Williams, Jim Holmes, Norm McKibben, and John Bookwalter. The history of the Washington Wine Industry is a history of it's people (not corporations, spreadsheet and algoriithms), and their shared vision for what the Columbia Valley Appellation, tonight smelling of dried grass, overlaid with the sounds of the car crash/ truck thing at the county fair, is, and has yet to become.
CSM's place in the promotion of WA wine cannot be denied. However, like Paul Mason and Almaden in the Santa Clara Valley's history of wine the pioneers have been surpassed. That said, after 40 years of living in WA, most WA wines are not to my taste. Too initially heavy and too fast to fade with age.
totally enjoyed this newsletter!
I cut my teeth in this business at CSM Woodinville as an enologist back in 2000-2001 when Ted took the helm. The thing that impressed me most was the lack of employee turnover over the years, (even though II left to pursue Pinot Noir production). I get that times and things change, but it is with a little sadness that we are witnessing the dismantling (to some extent at least) of an icon.
loved the perspective from allen and how relative it all is today. it is encouraging that at least a few of our name wineries are getting some national distribution, although that does come with the challenge of maintaining quality while increasing production. have seen it written many times that one issue we have in the state is that we have quite a few good but boutique wineries that are very enjoyable to have in our backyard, however they lack the scale to push their brand very far.
thankfully have plenty of good WA juice to drink while we ponder these great issues
Scale is the challenge, and winery growth occurs as a succession of steep stepping stones rather than any kind of smooth ascent. Every big step comes with big risks and brings big changes. But scaling up to a real national presence is certainly do-able in Washington, as more than a few wineries are proving.
I recently visited Patz & Hall, one of the wineries you mentioned being shed by SMWE in 2024. Obviously early days, but I hope the return to Jim Hall allows him to focus on the unique vineyard designates that put the winery on the map.
Nicely said, both a requiem for the past, and a paean for the future. Allen Shoup was a giantic force in the development of the Washington Wine Industry, along with David Lake, Chris Upchurch, Jay Soloff, Greg Lill, Rick Small, Gary Figgins Marty Clubb and Rick & Darcy Small. There are others for sure, like John Williams, Jim Holmes, Norm McKibben, and John Bookwalter. The history of the Washington Wine Industry is a history of it's people (not corporations, spreadsheet and algoriithms), and their shared vision for what the Columbia Valley Appellation, tonight smelling of dried grass, overlaid with the sounds of the car crash/ truck thing at the county fair, is, and has yet to become.
CSM's place in the promotion of WA wine cannot be denied. However, like Paul Mason and Almaden in the Santa Clara Valley's history of wine the pioneers have been surpassed. That said, after 40 years of living in WA, most WA wines are not to my taste. Too initially heavy and too fast to fade with age.