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Columbia Crest Winery
PATERSON
Few wineries represent the iconic, pioneering spirit of the Washington wine
industry quite like Columbia Crest Winery. Founded in 1983, Columbia Crest
has grown from a small winery, in an unknown area, to one of the most
significant wineries in the US and a major force behind Washington State's
emergence as a world class wine region. It is among the nation's most highly
acclaimed wineries and is the only Washington winery to have the honor of
receiving
Wine Spectator's No. 1 Wine in the World ranking on its Top 100 list.
Under the direction of winemaker Juan Muñoz-Oca, Columbia Crest crafts
wines that are the product of traditional techniques and innovative technology,
as well as Juan's knowledge making wine in world-class regions of Bordeaux,
South Australia, Mendoza, and Spain. Juan believes that each wine is about
the experience—the nuances of the vineyard and vintage and the expression
of the region on the palate. From the thousands of barrels of Grand Estates
wines that are hand-stirred weekly to the Reserve wines that are made in the
Petit Chai—a separate "winery within the winery"—Columbia Crest produces
quality wines that are honest and approachable, even for the burgeoning
wine aficionado.
Columbia Crest has the largest vineyard in the state that stretches across
2,500 acres and three tiers of wine—many of which can be sampled at the
winery's tasting room throughout the year. Columbia Crest wines capture the
best that each varietal has to offer and the essence of the terroir.
LEFT This bold style Cabernet Sauvignon displays great complexity
and structure.
ABOVE RIGHT Overlooking the Columbia River, in the heart of
the Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Crest opened its doors in 1983,
offering a great atmosphere and selection of highly-acclaimed
wines.
Photographs courtesy of Columbia Crest Winery
