Tagged: Wine

In the wine business one good review can mean a lot of money. Now, one of the most prominent wine writers in the Northwest is getting into the wine business himself. And that’s agitated some in the industry. Former Seattle Times columnist Paul Gregutt defends his winery in southeast Washington, but others see a conflict of interest. Correspondent Anna King reports from Waitsburg.

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber is on a trade mission in Germany this week. One item on his agenda is to promote Oregon wines at a major tourism trade show. Meanwhile, back in Salem, lawmakers are trying to make it easier for Oregonians to buy more of that wine.

The Oregon House Wednesday approved a measure that would let wine aficionados fill up their own container at a store or restaurant. The bottles are sometimes called "growlers."

Democratic representative Paul Holvey told lawmakers the law would put wine on an equal footing with beer.

Northwest winemakers are trying to whet-the-whistle of China's emerging middle class. Demand for wine is growing significantly there. And that’s drawn Chinese business delegations, restaurateurs and tourists to our region. There even may be a reality TV show that would feature Northwest wineries. Correspondent Anna King begins our story in Walla Walla, Washington.

Washington State University is known for its study of agriculture. This week, the university is dedicating a site that will be a research hub for wine.