Submitted by Westport Winery
Going Coastal, the wineries most award-winning selection, brought home a gold medal. This sparkling Gewürztraminer is brisk and bright, like a spring sea breeze. The winery suggests this be enjoyed with a slice of their homemade raspberry cream pie and accompanied by the song Champagne by Andrea Bocelli. A portion of the proceeds of this wine benefits the Coastal Interpretive Center in Ocean Shores. The label was painted by Krister Lile.
Bordello Blonde, an off-dry blend of 80% Gewürztraminer and 20% Riesling grown at Red Willow Vineyard, earned a silver medal. Like its name suggests this selection is sexy and soft as “she goes with anyone and anything.” This is well-paired with Corks, Crab and Cheese from the winery’s Farm to Fork Restaurant while listening to Bad Romance by Lady Gaga. This wine benefits the Aberdeen Museum of History and features original art by winery co-owner Kim Roberts.
Both Nirvana and Bog Berry Blush were awarded bronze medals. Nirvana is a balanced blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from Discovery Vineyards in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. The tasting notes suggest it is like a magic, inviting red sunset that feels like fire. A Shut The Front Door Burger pairs perfectly with this wine as you enjoy Come As You Are by Nirvana. This wine benefits the West Coast Search Dogs of Washington. The label, an homage to Nirvana’s Nevermind album features an underwater photo of Carrie Roberts (now the winery’s cider maker) at six months of age.
The label of Bog Berry Blush by Tokeland artist Wally Mann tells the story of this delightful blend of cranberry and Gewürztraminer. The flavor is tingly, tart, refreshing, spirited and racy. It is terrific with Beachcomber Sandwich of cranberry chicken salad with crispy bacon on grilled whole wheat. The tasting notes suggest listening to Love Shack by the B-52s along with this meal. Proceeds from this wine are donated to the WSU Cranberry Museum and Research Station in Long Beach.
More than 600 wines were entered from across North America in this competition, one of the oldest in the nation. “The diversity of wines submitted and awarded is a testimony the quality wine being produced throughout the country,” said Joseph Dautlick, Director of Competitions.
