Recently Announced Scores from The Wine Advocate Confirm that the Walla Walla Valley is a Wine Region on the Rise

Walla Walla, WA (September 4, 2007) – Robert J. Parker Jr.’s The Wine Advocate announced on August 28 the scores for Washington State wines, with a record breaking 145 of the wines reviewed coming from the Walla Walla Valley. Parker’s associate, Dr. Jay Miller, visited Washington State late this spring, spending the better part of three days tasting and touring in the Walla Walla Valley.

In his article, Miller reviewed 35 Walla Walla wineries with scores of 80 and above. Of that 35, 26 wineries received scores of 90 points and above. Walla Walla’s Cayuse Vineyards and Leonetti Cellar received scores of 95 or higher. Cayuse Vineyards earned multiple scores above 95, including two 99’s. Leonetti Cellar was awarded a 95 as well as a 97. Several of Walla Walla’s newest wineries – including Hence Cellars and Tertulia Cellars – joined the 90+ group, both receiving solid scores in the nineties for their first releases.

Miller gives a specific nod to Walla Walla in his article, recognizing the growth the community and the wine industry have seen in recent years. “In 1990 the city of Walla Walla appeared to be dying; now it is in the midst of a renaissance thanks to the booming wine industry, and it is now well established that great Bordeaux-style wines can be produced in eastern Washington,” wrote Miller.

The Walla Walla Valley is now home to roughly 100 wineries and over 1,500 acres of wine grapes. Walla Walla is becoming increasingly recognized by both trade and consumers as one of the nation’s top wine regions to watch. The wineries of the Walla Walla Valley are relatively small but make up for the lack of quantity in the quality of wines they produce. Walla Walla has become know for its hand-crafted Bordeaux-style reds but is also gaining notoriety for its Syrahs, Chardonnays, and Rieslings.

The Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance is a winery and grower membership organization committed to furthering the awareness of the quality wineries, wines, and vineyards of the Walla Walla Valley Appellation. Our mission is to support and promote quality and excellence in our wine industry and to further national and international recognition of our region. For more information, please visit www.wallawallawine.com.

For press information please contact Jordan Small, Communications Associate, at 509-526-3117 or at jordan@wallawallawine.com, or Elizabeth Martin-Calder, Executive Director, at 509-526-3117 or emcalder@wallawallawine.com.