07/07/08 Washington Wines, Big Scores

Washington Wines, Big Scores. I'm Greg Martin with today's Fruit Grower Report. Washington wines continue to wow. The latest issue of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate is sure bringing smiles to wine producers across the state according to the Communication's Director for the Washington Wine Commission, Gary Werner. WERNER: Within it, Dr. Jay Miller published his results of a visit to Washington State earlier in the year and it was really favorable. More than 270 wines from across the state were rated as outstanding or extraordinary which means scores of 90 or better. 277 wines to be exact and according to Werner that is a substantial increase. WERNER: This is a big increase from the previous year when we had 164 wines qualify to that level and quite a bit up on the previous year. We had 90 wines reach that level in 2006. Part of the increase is due simply to the ever growing number of wineries and wine production in the state but there is more to it than that. WERNER: At a very basic level it comes down to superior conditions for the production of high quality wine. In addition I think there is a culture in place. I think a spirit of innovation and a spirit of real cooperation in the community of wine growers and wine makers across Washington that generates these results. Werner says that many people use the Wine Advocate results as a buying guide. Sounds like another great year for Washington wines. That's today's Fruit Grower Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.