Washington's Wine Culture

I grew up on a farm in the Yakima valley, home now to so many wine grape vineyards. One article states that there were fewer than 20 wine grape vineyards in the early 80s. I left for college in 1981, and back then, there was barely a wine grape vineyard to be seen. We were a farming, hard-working, beer-drinking folk. Wine was for sissies!

Fused Glass wine charms fit over a bottle of wine
given as a gift

Much has changed in the intervening 31 years, as Washington's wine production has risen to the number two spot in the US. And with that rapid rise has followed a growing interest and sophistication about wine in the local culture. 30 years ago, a person would've announced themselves an outsider by asking for a glass of wine with their meal at a Yakima restaurant. Nowadays, it holds a place of pride on the menu!

Winery tours are a big industry now in eastern Washington, and hopefully helping the faltering world of farming stay on its feet a bit longer. Tourism dollars now flow into what was previously a rather desolate desert landscape only made green through intensive irrigation techniques. (Yes, I was awakened at the crack of dawn to change sprinklers as a kid, and hated every minute of it!)

Original acrylic painting celebrates our wine passion - $76

I didn't grow up knowing anything about wine, so it has been a fun adventure to learn how to appreciate it, and what to look for as I attended various wine tastings. I listened to what I was supposed to taste in each sip. At first, I couldn't really distinguish much of anything, but I listened to the adjectives like cherry, blackberry, spice, tobacco and vanilla, and gradually taught my palette to recognize some favorite notes – all of which I mentioned in that list!

Aluminum and glass wreath makes
a particular awesome wedding gift - $62.50

And of course, along with our increasing love of wine comes the artist helping us find ways to enjoy wine in beautiful ways! At our gallery, wine-related art items are big sellers for us and make terrific gifts for wine-loving friends. It's a wonderful way to celebrate a special past-time you share with another person.

Next time your wine-loving friend has a birthday, or needs a holiday gift, come on by to see what our artists have created to honor the occasion! And don't forget to choose a silly wine-themed card to accompany it!   

Manya

www.ManyaVeeSelects.com