Tag: ava

The name Westerly resonates in the Santa Ynez Valley. It was the name given nearly 50 years ago to a magnificent 3,900-acre Santa Ynez Valley horse ranch called Westerly Stud Farms. Today, the name Westerly represents one of the most diverse portfolios of wines in Santa Barbara County, California.

Based in the Santa Ynez Valley, Westerly is dedicated to producing exceptional AVA-specific wines from Santa Barbara County. The region’s diversity is reflected within the range of Westerly Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc from the rocky, warm, mineral-laden hillsides of the Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the cool, foggy, and maritime-influenced Sta. Rita Hills.

Located just 30 minutes northeast of downtown Seattle, charming Woodinville wine country is a showcase for almost every AVA in the state.

  In the past 20 years, Woodinville has grown from the pastoral home of Washington's first and largest winery (Chateau Ste. Michelle) to a chic little town dedicated to Washington wine. Today, Woodinville boasts more than 100 wineries and tasting rooms pouring wines that represent all of Washington's 13 AVAs. Yet Woodinville has kept its small town charm. It sits at the northern tip of the Sammamish Valley, a cradle for local farms with beautiful flowers, lavender, and fabulous fresh produce.

Located just 30 minutes northeast of downtown Seattle, charming Woodinville wine country is a showcase for almost every AVA in the state.

In the past 20 years, Woodinville has grown from the pastoral home of Washington's first and largest winery (Chateau Ste. Michelle) to a chic little town dedicated to Washington wine. Today Woodinville boasts more than 100 wineries and tasting rooms pouring wines that represent all of Washington's 13 AVAs. Yet Woodinville has kept its small town charm. It sits at the northern tip of the Sammamish Valley, a cradle for local farms with beautiful flowers, lavender, and fabulous fresh produce. Rent a bicycle and follow one of the many trails, stroll alongside the river, try a freshly brewed craft beer, and listen to live music. No matter the season, there's always a fun event happening at more than one local winery or tasting room.

Ten years ago, a small independent movie called "Sideways" was filmed in the Santa Ynez Valley and was released to rave reviews. The film, which tells the story of two old friends on a wine country getaway, garnered five Academy Award nominations and one win, for the adapted screenplay by writers Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor. It appeared on many "best" lists, launched or resurrected the careers of its actors, and had a measurable effect on the popularity of two wine varietals across the United States.