Description

Columbia Winery has the distinction of being one of the state's first premium wineries. It was established in the early 1960s by a group of friends and professors from the University of Washington who wanted to test their theory that grapes that were usually associated with Europe could also grow in their state. It turned out that their hypothesis was true, and the grapes flourished, causing the winery to take off. In 1979, the group hired one of the most distinguished wine makers in the country, David Lake, to head up their operation. David led the winery to fame, producing some of the first varietal wines in the state, including Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Gris. A trip to Columbia Winery offers visitors gorgeous views of the rolling green hillsides of Washington, and, of course, the opportunity to taste some of the state's most delicious vino.