BCI’s Market Development Team recently visited wineries in several American Viticultural Areas of Washington State. The purpose of these visits was to understand the industry’s international priorities and goals and to get a sense of what future inbound tours will experience.
The team was on a tight schedule but visited and met with officials from the following wineries: Chateau Ste Michelle, Mark Ryan Winery, DeLille Cellars, Matthews Winery, Columbia Crest, Canoe Ridge Vineyard, Col Solare’s Red Mountain Estate Vineyard and Winery, Hedges Family Estate, Airfield Estates, Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard & Winery, Ancient Lakes Wine Company, Powers Winery, Barnard Griffin, J. Bookwalter Winery, L’Ecole No. 41, Figgins Family Wine Estates, Sleight of Hand Cellars, Northstar Winery, and Woodward Canyon Winery.
The trip was a great experience to see these wineries just prior to harvest and to discuss export priorities and challenges. For two BCI staff members – Mellesse Williams and Bruno Fiorentini – it was their first visit to Eastern Washington. Besides the meetings they were able to learn about wine-making from the Head Red Winemaker at Chateau Ste. Michelle and the Head Winemaker at Col Solare.