Winemakers Review

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This company was to created to assist those that are passionate about wine, winemaking, wine-growing and viticulture. Our mission is to continue our journey in learning, evolving and creating a better product that is both a reflection of place and time.

Episode 18: Regional Explorations- Washington State with Chris Peterson of Avennia Wines

April 10, 2025  /  Nile Zacherle  /  Source

Washington State has a storied and unique geological history that offers terroirs that are both unique and varied. This offers winegrowers like Chris Peterson a wonderful palate of vineyards to work with to create wines with tension and power. Washington is a relatively warm region as one moves east toward the Yakima Valley area or AVA which has now added 21 total AVAs to its potential. Rhone varieties (Syrah/Mourvèdre/Grenache) and Bordeaux varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Etc) have been grown there since the mid 20th century on their ‘Own Roots’ thus offering a pure lens of plant material from ground to grape. In this podcast we skim Chris’s background, Avennia’s origin story as well as their other brand Liminal from the WeatherEye Vineyard of Red Mountain’s extreme terroir and how much personality Washington Wines offer. There is no question that this is just the beginning of our wonderings in this Pacific Northwest winegrowing region. Also refer to Washington State Wine for detailed maps of AVAs and Terroirs.