Gourmet Reviewer

The California wine industry lost two of it's iconic founders this last week. Raymond Duncan,  co-founder of Silver Oak Cellars, helping to raise the California Cabernet Saubignon to the status it holds today. He also opened another cellar with his sons, Twomey Cellers. Twomey produces Merlot using the "soutirage traditionne" from the Bordeaux region, they also have several varieties of Pinot Nior and Sauvignon Blancs. via - Wine Spectator  The Schug Winery lost their father and founder this past weekend, and California lost the Pinot Nior champion, pushing it before it was popular and always believing in it, having been raised on a Pinot vineyard in Germany’s Rhine River Valley. One of the pioneers of the wildly popular Meritage, blend wines. One of the first to recognizing the potential in the Carneros region. via -  The Press Democrat Our hearts go out to these two families as they mourn the loss of their patriarchs.

The Oregon and Washington wine‬ industry has shown an astounding growth in recent years. With Pinot Noir being the staple wine of the Pacific Northwest's and it's most famous varietal. The area now seems to produce nearly as much Cabernet Sauvignon  as Pinot Noir, and it is on our watch list for the stronger heavier varieties as well. Washington and Oregon are now producing grape varietals such as the light Sangiovese (used to make Chianti), one of my favorites is the very versatile Zinfandel, and of course Barbera. If you are looking to do some wine tasting this weekend, make sure to check the link below for an Oregon or Washington winery near you with a tasting room. http://www.oregonwines.com/