Submitted by Westport Winery Garden Resort
Westport Winery Garden Resort earned one double gold, three gold, seven silver, and one bronze medal at the Cascadia Wine Competition held on March 16 -19 at the Columbia Gorge Hotel in Hood River, Oregon. Each of Westport’s wines benefits a different local charity, plus, each is commemorated in the winery’s display garden with a sculpture by different local artists.
The winery’s most popular red blend, Jetty Cat, earned a double gold medal. This blend of 32% Cabernet Franc, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Syrah, 15% Merlot and 5% Malbec, is described as “Wall street rich and ultra-luxurious with a bit of attitude.” It is suggested that this wine pairs well with the restaurant’s Italian Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms. A portion of the proceeds from this wine benefits the Harbor Association of Volunteers for Animals (HAVA). The wine’s label features an original watercolor painting by Dr. Brian McGregor of Aberdeen.
Charterboat Chick, a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Syrah grapes harvested from May’s Discovery Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA earned a gold medal. This wine is described as “An elegant, smooth and classic red fruit aria.” It perfectly pairs with the winery’s Tenderloin Au Poivre and benefits the Westport Charterboat Association.
Shiver Me Timbers, a unique blend of passionfruit, orange, guava and Riesling, earned a gold medal. It is said to “create waves of tropical bliss” when tasted, especially with the winery’s signature Benedictine Quiche. This blend benefits Grays Harbor Habitat for Humanity
Fleur de Lis Pinot Gris also brought home the gold with its “vision of jasmine, melon and white tigers.” In the winery’s bakery, this aromatic white is enjoyed with a homemade Lemon Roll. Proceeds benefit the 7th Street Theatre in Hoquiam.
Silver medals were awarded to Shorebird Chardonnay, Courage Hard Apple Cherry Cider, Night Watch (a blend of Cinsault, Counoise and chocolate), Bella (Merlot 41%/Syrah 41%/Malbec 18%), Nirvana (Syrah 60%/Cab Sauv 30%/Petite Sirah 10%), Peaches on the Beaches (decadent peach Riesling) and Mermaid Merlot. Lighthouse White, featuring a watercolor of the resort’s iconic lighthouse on the label, earned a bronze medal with its blend of sweet Riesling and Gewurtraminer.
Westport Winery Garden Resort is located on the corner of Highway 105 and South Arbor Road halfway between Aberdeen and Westport. The winery (including the restaurant, bakery, nursery and gardens) is open daily and offers lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
