Blooming! Estate Grown Organic Lavender
It is said that the ancient Greeks and Romans added lavender to their bathwater, both for its fragrance and therapeutic properties. This would explain the botanical name of this ancient herb, from the Latin ‘lavare,’ meaning ‘to wash.’ But lavender isn’t limited to the bath. It can be used in any room of the house and even has a home in the spice cabinet (after all, it is in the same family as mint). A bundle hung in the closet is thought to deter moths and the oil is used in aromatherapy in the treatment of headaches and to reduce tension.
The next: chapter
In 2005, we embarked on a simple mission: produce the best food friendly Riesling possible. Our customers demanded that the Riesling remain affordable, and we wanted to meet that demand, so we set a limit of a $12 price tag.
The mission took us on a journey through some of the Northwest’s finest Riesling vineyards and finally led us to the breathtaking Wallula Vineyard in the Eastern corner of Washington State’s Horse Heaven Hills AVA. The Wallula Vineyard, which has since been redubbed The Benches, is a spectacular southward-sloping vineyard site on the banks of the Columbia River in Washington’s Wallula Gap. The terraced vineyard blocks range in elevation from 320 to 1,350 feet.
Acrobat & Signature Pinot Gris are 2 of 10 winners at the Pacific Coast Oyster Wine Competition
The first round of judging began at the end of March with 163 wines, and over 1,800 oysters. Over 6 days, 5 judges completed two rounds of judging, and the first phase of the Oyster Wine Competition was complete. The contenders were narrowed down to 20 wines, and King Estate had 2 wines out of the remaining 20, 2008 Acrobat Pinot Gris and 2008 Signature Pinot Gris. The wines were then prepared for the final round of tasting, a grand affair which takes place over 3 days (April 20th-22nd) and across 3 different cities (Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle). The judges consisted of some of the foremost experts in the world of wine & oysters, ranging from sommeliers to wine writers and beyond.
King Estate ranks among the most popular wine brands in America’s top restaurants
In the April issue of Wine & Spirits Magazine, the results of the 21st Annual Restaurant Poll were announced. The poll represents the best selling wines in America’s top Zagat rated restaurants.
Cutting estate grown organic daffodils in support of the American Cancer Society
At the end of February we harvested some beautiful organic daffodils grown alongside our pinot gris and pinot noir vines. Employees joined in cutting flowers and bundling bouquets for the American Cancer Society, and of course they took a few home for themselves too. The flowers, along with everything other than grapes, are grown under the watchful eye of Jessie Russell our Garden Manager and resident horticulturist.
Sheep return to our organic vineyard for more weeding and mowing
Yesterday afternoon marked the return of some of our favorite little farm workers. Sheep are naturally gifted when it comes to weeding, mowing, watering, and fertilizing.
NAC Recipe: Roast Salmon w/Sweet & Sour Onion Confit, served w/Sauteed Spinach & Deep-Fried Polenta Croutons
by Christopher Israel
Suggested Pairing: King Estate Pinot Gris
From King Estate’s New American Cuisine Pinot Gris Cookbook (1995)
King Estate shows gold in the S.F. Chronicle’s annual competition
The results of the 2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition are in and King Estate had two double gold medal winners and three gold medals. 2008 Signature Pinot Gris was also named one of the San Francisco Chronicle’s top 100 wines of 2009.
Northwest Palate cover story: Organic Grandeur in King Country
From the July & August 2009 issue of Northwest Palate, comes this six page article by Peter Szymczak about King Estate. The article focuses on some of our eco-friendly farming practices, as well as our rapidly growing culinary program. There is beautiful photography by Andrea Johnson throughout, and great Halibut recipe from our Executive Chef Michael Landsberg.
‘08 Signature Pinot Gris is one of Wine Spectator Magazine’s Top 100 Wines of 2009!
Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines in The World is considered by many to be the authoritative list of the year’s best wines. We are proud to announce that King Estate’s 2008 Signature Pinot Gris made the cut and also received a 90 Point score and the “Smart Buy” designation.