Decanted

In this episode, we're pleased to welcome winemaker Drew Voit, whose career in Oregon's wine scene has made him sought after by both consumers and wineries alike for his skill in producing notable wines from the Willamette and beyond. He shares his journey from California cellar assistant to working for world-class Oregonian wineries like Domaine Serene, to creating his sought-after Harper Voit label. Also, we'll outline part two of our epic Willamette wine excursion and discuss the don't-miss wineries and wines we discovered there.

In this episode, you'll meet Biodynamic winemaker Doug Tunnell of Brick House Vineyard, whose fascinating life has led him to produce some of the country's most celebrated Pinot Noir. And, we'll recount part 1 of our epic trip to the Willamette Valley with a focus on the Ribbon Ridge nested-AVA, including several of the favorite wines, wineries, and winemakers we encountered, complete with must-try bottle recommendations.

In this episode, we chat with Greg and Shae Frichette, a husband and wife winemaking duo. Hear how the Frichettes changed their lives with a flip of a coin that landed them in the fabled Red Mountain AVA of Washington State where they planted an estate vineyard. We’ll also open some bottles of Frichette so you know what to expect from this iconic region. Plus, we discuss the new Alliance of Women in Washington Wine and make a few buying highlights from some of its members.

In this episode, meet Winemaker Michael Eddy and Vineyard Manager Brenae Royal from California’s revered Louis M. Martini winery and learn about making wine in one of California’s oldest and most desirable vineyards. Plus, we’ll examine the aging, maturation, and drinking of Cabernet Sauvignon. When exactly is the right time to open those big, bold reds? Plus, we’ll list a few of our favorite Cabs from Washington state.

Decanted year in review 2020: In this episode, we’ll try to redeem the WORST YEAR EVER (well, in OUR lifetimes, at least) by looking back through the lens of the best wines, events, and travel that Decanted experienced in 2020. And, we’ll list our favorite bottles of the year across several varietals.

Panther Creek Cellar’s winemaker Tony Rynders has had a fascinating journey as a vintner, one that’s taken him from the Pacific Northwest to California and back again. Along this path, he’s garnered one of the more stellar reputations in the industry for creating award-winning Pinot Noir and unique white blends highly prized by fans of wines from Oregon state’s terroir. Dave & Sandi will discuss wineries with a presence in both Washington and Oregon, and reveal some of the wineries with cross state boundaries between Washington and Oregon, highlighting how our shared AVA’s (American Viticulture Area) inspire collaboration. Plus, they discuss their tasting notes of Panther Creek Cellars’ three single-vineyard Pinot Noirs and the Winemaker’s Cuveé.

Chef Aaron Tekulve is one of Seattle’s up-and-coming culinary superstars, and his new restaurant Surrell on Madison is not stopping because of COVID19. In fact, it’s one of the bright spots in the city’s dining landscape. Join us to hear his journey from rock drummer, to working at some of Seattle’s most celebrated restaurants, and to hosting red-hot pop-ups around town. Today, Chef Aaron pairs Washington wines with his unique brand of cuisine in a setting made safe for socially distanced dining. Dave and Sandi also share their dining experience and what you can expect from an evening with this rising star Chef.

Since its inception in 1988, the Auction of Washington Wines has raised more than $50 million, benefitting Seattle Children's and Washington State University Wine Science Research. Events hosted by AWW give wine lovers the chance to support the Washington wine industry and families in our communities around the region. For this episode, we interview 2020's Honorary guests, including Honorary chair Karen MacNeil, wine consultant, and author of the award-winning book, "The Wine Bible," honorary winemaker Mark McNeilly, founder of Mark Ryan Winery and Honorary Grower Rob Mercer of Mercer Estates.

In this episode we introduce Anna Maria Ponzi, the owner, president, and director of sales and marketing of the celebrated Ponzi Vineyards. Her memoir “Pinto Girl” depicts her family’s history as pioneers of Pinot, and reflects on her own journey with the business. Hear the story of winemakers like her family, who blazed a trail for the state’s wine industry. PLUS, Dave and Sandi provide a short history of the Oregon wine scene, describe the influential pioneers that started it, outline the various AVAs that reside there and they’ll list the region’s common wine varieties.

Join us for a discussion with one of our favorite Washington state winemakers, Andrew Latta of Latta Wines and Kind Stranger. He’ll outline his fascinating path from Sommelier, to cellar-rat, to celebrated vintner of Rhône-style wines. We'll also discuss the differences between traditional Rhône wines and those made in Washington from similar varietals.

Peter Devison of Devison Vintners takes us on his journey across the globe where he learned the wine trade, blazed a trail to Washington state, and is creating exciting wines we can’t get enough of. Also, as a result of the Covid19 crisis, we’ll discuss how winemakers and wineries are developing creative ways to get their products to home consumers.

The Passing Time team has a winning combination. Damon Huard and Dan Marino—former super bowl winning Miami Dolphins quarterbacks—partnered with alluded winemaker, Chris Peterson with the goal to make some of the best Cabernet Sauvignons in Washington. PLUS, talk about ways we can support our favorite wineries and restaurants during the pandemic.

We welcome Jason Gorski, Director of Winemaking and Viticulture for one of Washington's most celebrated wineries, DeLille Cellars. Jason will take us through his journey as a winemaker and how he's managing the legacy of DeLille while creating exciting new wines for the future. And, we'll take you through the basics of Bordeaux wines.

Sean P. Sullivan & Dr. Owen Bargreen, share how they taste and review wines, the best ways to expand your palate, current Washington wine trends and the most prevalent crisis to wine . . . "cork taint." PLUS, we discuss some of the alternative wine enclosures that are “cork taint” free.

Tanya Morning Star Darling @cellarmuse is an official Bourgogne Wine Ambassador and wine educator. We talk wine education, travel and diversity and representation within the wine industry. Plus, our rundown of notable 2020 PNW wine events in Washington State, Oregon, and British Columbia!

Brian Carter is one of the most influential winemakers in Washington and specifically known as the king of blending. Brian has a fascinating resume, including having spent time at the legendary Chateau Montelena in California (Judgement of Paris!). He recounts his stories, talks about what makes a balanced wine and the art of the perfect blend. Plus, get ready for the New Year with Sparkling Wines! We quickly breakdown the types of sparkling wines, and we help you understand the styles you'll find on bottle labels and what they mean.

2019 marked Charlie Hoppes’ 32nd wine vintage in Washington State. Today, he and his son Will Hoppes share their winemaking enterprise together. It’s a wonderful discussion about their history, present, and future of @Fidelitas. PLUS, we take you with us on our trip through Red Mountain’s Anelare and Hamilton Cellars—where Charlie is their winemaker—and other wineries we recommend visiting.

John and 3rd generation winemaker, Tyler Williams share how Kiona Vineyards started, what it was like growing up in a winemaking family and what makes this region special. PLUS, we take you with us on our trip through Red Mountain’s Hightower Cellars, Hedges Family Estate and Tapteil Vineyard.

We recap the Auction of Washington Wines Private Barrel Auction and the Winemaker Picnic and Barrel Auction. We also whisked away Chris Peterson, Kevin White and Erica Orr down to a dimly lit cellar room at Novelty Hill Januik for lightening interviews. Our featured interview is with superstar winemaker Kerry Shiels, who talks about her award-winning Cote Bonneville wines, the DuBrul family vineyard and the ultimate wine cruise she has planned for YOU!

Hear how Javier Alfonso left his childhood vineyard life behind for a tech career, only to have it call him back. He describes the long process of getting his Spanish Tempranillo clones into the US and his use of clay amphoras in his winemaking. Plus, Albariño is one of the many great white wines you should be drinking this summer so we reveal the results of our Albariño blind tasting!

The Huffington Post recently named the Okanagan Valley, B.C. the number one wine destination in the world, and it’s natural beauty attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists year to their 185 wineries. Listen to Dave and Sandi's travel north through the valley and what aspects make this region unique. Plus, learn about barrel aging in French and American oak and Dave’s night at the B.C. Wine Experience with Okanagan winemakers, featuring cuisine from Seattle restaurant legend Tom Douglas.

Happy 10 Year Anniversary, Lake Chelan AVA! It’s another action packed episode exploring the Lake Chelan Wine Valley with our featured interview, Charlie & Lacey Lybecker of Cairdeas Winery. Also, Judy Phelps of Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards delivers a brief history of the Lake Chelan AVA. Plus,  and Dave and Sandi go on an e-bike wine tour with Chelan Electric Bikes and we list our recommended don’t-miss wineries.

In this episode, we talk all things rosé, including a brief rosé 101, and we discuss our recent in-home tasting where we placed Washington state wines alongside those from international producers. Plus, we feature a couple of on-the-spot interviews with two of our guests, Rachel Fay and Cori Omundson who are NW Wine Academy guests and they discuss, you guessed it—ROSÉ! 

In this episode we chose three winemakers, Justin Neufeld, Mari Womack and Casey Cobble, and swept them away to the press room for lightening interviews. Plus, our new discoveries from Taste Washington 2019 and we literally go to church for NW Women Stars of Food and Wine event!

Morgan Lee of Two Vintners and Covington Cellars shares his his journey to becoming one of Washington’s premier winemakers. We celebrate Washington Wine Month with wine events, like the Washington Wine Blog’s 2nd Annual Critics Choice where we met Christophe Baron of Cayuse. And we also compare and contrast an old world Brunello with Morgan’s new world counterpart.

In this episode of Decanted, we interview Richard Duval, who has become one of the most well-renowned photographers in the Washington wine scene and recalls his adventures in some of the most awe-inspiring vineyards in our state. And, up your tasting game

In this one-year anniversary episode, winemaker John Bigelow shares his transition from tech to wine and reveals the collaboration and details of JM Cellars new tasting room and production facility, coming soon to Maltby, Washington. And, decanting has the power to make great and/or expensive red wine more refined or an adequate wine more enjoyable, listen to our decanting tips and about the wine aeration devices we use.

On this episode, Dave and Sandi highlight “best-of” interview clips from our first year—Bart Fawbush, Lisa Packer, Chris Upchurch, Kent Waliser & Lacey Lybeck, Jarrod & Ali Boyle, Seth & Audrey Kitske and Roy Hersh. And, we feel gratitude for the winemakers and wine industry professionals who have partnered with Decanted for our episode interviews or mini-episodes.

We recount our whirlwind tour of Portugal, including the Douro Valley wine country. Learn about the different types of port so you can feel more confident when choosing your own bottle to open with friends or age in the cellar. And meet our guide Roy Hersh, professional port wine judge, writer and educator who is the only person to be inducted into both the Port and Madeira Brotherhoods.

The Wine Bloggers Conference 2018 event gathered citizen bloggers, industry writers, new media innovators, and wine industry members to drive deep into what makes the Walla Walla special. This year’s event was held at the iconic, Marcus Whitman Hotel and Conference Center located in Walla Walla’s historic downtown. And, meet Upsidedown Wine: husband and wife winemaking duo Seth and Audrey Kitzke are carving out spectacularly crafted wines from Candy Mountain. This unique terroir in Richland, WA is the birthplace for Kitzke family vines & wines and will soon be granted AVA status.

Part 2 of 2 with April Reddout, who will get you ready for your next wine adventure with her insights around tasting room etiquette. She reveals what goes into judging a wine and how to react to wine scores as a consumer. And if that wasn’t already enough great information, April clarifies five commonly held beliefs about wine. BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE. Dave and Sandi talk about the ultimate enemy of any extended wine tasting experience: Palette Fatigue—what it is and learn tips on what you can do to stave off this affliction.

We were honored to attend the Auction of Washington Wines Private Barrel Auction. It was a battle between collectors, restaurateurs and retailers vying to be the exclusive purveyor of what will be, one-of-a-kind bottles. Then hear about the public Winemak

Part 1 of 2 with April Reddout of Col Solare Winery, which is a partner of Chateau Ste Michelle. She has a passion for the future of the Red Mountain AVA and its part on the world stage. April also shares her insights about everyone's favorite pink drink�

Where can you find exceptional wineries no more than an hour outside of the city of Vancouver, B.C.? Listen to this BONUS episode (link in bio) where we answer that question, find Road Zero and taste floral estate whites that will expand your wine-mind.

On this episode of Decanted, you’ll go with us on a journey to the heart of Washington’s vine country to one of the most revered and iconic vineyards in our region. We interview Kent Waliser, Director of Vineyard Operations and Lacey Lybeck, Viticulturist and Vineyard Manager of Sagemoor Vineyards about the history, challenges, and future of their operation including a bold, long-awaited venture: Sagemoor Wines.. And, get to know Washington’s Big 13 AVAs!

Sisters of the Vinifera Revolution formed in the alley of the Warehouse District in Woodinville, WA in the Fall of 2012 during crush time by women working as interns and trying to break into the winemaking business. Their goal is to lift up, help find opportunities, mentor and provide visibility to all women in the Washington State wine industry. Listen about their 2nd annual event organized by Belle & Bottle and the wines we added to our ever growing collection.

On this episode of Decanted, we share our experience in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA where we partake in the Annual Trail Drive event, visit Alexandria Nicole Cellars’ glamperous vineyard tiny houses as seen on HGTV Tiny House Big Living, the Estate mansi

There’s gold in the El Dorado Hills! Dave describes his wine tasting journey beyond Washington to California’s “Gold Country”, the El Dorado AVA sub-appellation where he explored the robust winemaking community in his old childhood stomping ground. The AVA is high in the Sierra Nevada Foothills of Northern California, where many wineries are utilizing mountain-grown grapes in volcanic soil. Check out these four notable wineries!  

In Washington state, the names Chris Upchurch and DeLille Cellars rarely needs an introduction. Chris is a wine-making legend. In this episode, he shares the stories about his part in founding the distinguished DeLille Cellars, his family's sustainable vineyard and Upchurch label and his thoughts about the history and future of Washington’s wine industry. Plus! We talk about the most EPIC wine event—Taste WA 2018 and how we survived with 230 wineries and 65 restaurants in attendance.  

This bonus episode features a tasting from Gård Vintners, who we encountered at the Taste Washington 2018 event in March. We discuss how owners Josh and Lisa Lawrence are joined by winemaker Aryn Morell in creating spectacular wines from Columbia Valley

We share our tasting experience with two wines by Elephant Seven, out of Walla Walla, WA. The winemaker, Josh West was inspired by the Elephant 6 collective, a group of independent musicians dedicated to an individual and personal approach.

Lisa Packer of Warr-King Wines discusses the power behind her wines' namesake, her winemaking style and business philosophy. Sandi reports on the Northwest Women Stars of Food & Wine event

Navigate wine shopping with Leonard "Lenny" Redé who is the Marketing Manager at Esquin Wine and Spirits, Seattle’s oldest and largest independent wine shop. A restaurateur, wine steward, chef and educator with over 30 years of industry experience Chef Redé has an unique blend of culinary and wine expertise. His refreshing perspective will reveal the benefits of shopping at a well curated wine shop. And we give practical advice to self-guided wine buying and discuss the results of our $20 and under Bottle Shopping Challenge  

One of our wine obsessions, Cabernet Franc, needs to be on your radar. We interview the Double Gold award winning Cab Franc magician, Kevin Correll of Barrage Cellars about his focused, Garagiste style of winemaking. We reveal the results of our Cabernet

The new wine concept hotel, The Lodge at Columbia Point was home base for this Tri-Cities wine adventure. Wendy Higgins, General Manager at The Lodge talks about the late founder’s dream, their dedicated Sommelier and the exciting future of the hotel. 

Vintner and owner of Bartholomew Winery, Bart Fawbush talks about his journey into winemaking, what he’s learned and his expansion from Seattle to Kennewick. Dave and Sandi describe their experience and standout wines at the Seattle Urban Wineries First Annual POUR event.

Join Dave and Sandi talk about why they started their wine journey and what they plan to bring to the podcast and website. Also, a relaxing day JM Cellars in Woodinville, WA which was voted “Best Tasting Room” in Washington and they taste their now sold out, 2016 Cinsaut Rosé.