Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/263110
38 MARCH 1, 2014 GOOD FRUIT GROWER www.goodfruit.com Gateway wines "I like to say our fruit wines are the gateway for those who want to drink wine but are not ready to step up to mature, full-bodied red wines," Kim said. "What's cool for us is to take the very serious red wine drinker, have him or her try our cranberry wine, which by its nature is very tannic, and hear, 'Wow, I can't believe I just liked fruit wine.'" She credits Dr. Thomas H e n i c k - K l i n g , d i r e c - tor of WSU's viticulture and enology program, for steering them into sparkling wine. Kim met Henick-Kling while serv- ing on the Washington Wine Commission board of directors. "He said our site is similar to England and that we would probably only achieve a classic vintage two out of every ten years," Kim said. "That was excellent advice and has opened the door for us to make different types of wine." Last year, which was a very warm year, the heat units or growing degree-days as mea- sured at a nearby WSU weather station totaled 1,752. The average for the area is 1,513. For reference, the long-term average GDD for Yakima Valley is 2,628. This year, hard ciders are being added to their product lineup. Kim sees great opportunity with hard cider, and believes that Washington, with its signature apple produc- tion, is poised to make significant impact on the hard cider market. "We've got the crop and the equipment, so it makes a lot of sense for us," she said, adding that they are using Jonagold apples from their orchard. Paying attention to what the customer wants and evaluating how to do things better have taken Kim and Blain on a jour- ney beyond grapes and wine. Among the unique amenities offered at what has become a destina- tion winery are a bakery, restaurant, culinary classes, retail nursery, outdoor sculpture garden, grape maze, nine- hole putting golf course, and 40-foot lighthouse. Their latest venture is glamping, and they will offer glamorous campsites to those who want to enjoy the area. A recent addition of 40 acres of timber, across the road from the winery, is being transformed into an arboretum and botanical garden. • 360.333.4044 Casey Schoenberger Mount Vernon, WA Dramm Corporation Manitowoc, WI • U.S.A. www.FishFertilizer.com Extremely high levels of available Calcium & Phosphorus Natural Fish Fertilizers for Organic & Sustainable Crop Production BERRIES VINEYARDS ORCHARDS The Roberts family from left to right: Dana, Kim, Blain, and Carrie. PHOTOS COURTESY OF WESTPORT WINERY