Welcome to Washington
As soon as I arrived in Washington I discovered that the potential of the region's wines was, like its roads, seemingly endless.
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Rattlesnakes at Milbrandt
My first visit to one of our producers involved a fascinating winery, some of the best vineyards of the entire trip, horror stories about rattlesnakes and the tastiest Mexican food I've ever eaten.
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Family fun at Hedges
A visit to the second of our producers saw me arrive at Hedges Family Estate, with the emphasis very much on the 'family' part of the name, including the sickeningly talented and cool Christophe Hedges.
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Reflections on a new wine region
This trip has taught me there's much to be excited about in the Washington wine region – and there are some wines I'll be watching very carefully indeed.
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Photo Gallery
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Washington, USA 2016
A common Washington vineyard scene at the small vineyard outside Sleight Of Hand Cellars
Experience trips to other countries with our buying team
Provence 2017
Pursuing pinks: two days in Provence
Forget fedoras and linens, if you're on a buying trip to Provence in January, you'd better pack your woollies!
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Austria 2016
Discovering Austria
The Society’s digital copywriter Martin Brown joins buyer Sarah Knowles MW on a tour of Austria, where they enjoy the fruits of the excellent 2015 vintage and blend a new Society wine.
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Portugal 2016
Portugal Unfortified
Considering its size, Portugal can stake a convincing claim to being the most diverse winemaking country anywhere. Its non-fortified wines continue to excite us.
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Spain 2016
Buyer Pierre Mansour makes a pilgrimage to Spain, to visit one of the country's oldest but least known wine regions, before returning with Trainee Buyer Freddy Bulmer to try some exclusive and very special blends.
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Washington, USA 2016
Freddy getting photo-bombed by the Wallula Gap, which was created by the Missoula floods, and a freight train!
Washington, USA 2016
Jerry from Sleight of Hand, probably the most rock and roll wine experience you could hope for
Washington, USA 2016
Syrah clones in the vineyards of Milbrandt
Washington, USA 2016
The barrell room at Milbrandt
Washington, USA 2016
Buck Milbrandt talking Freddy through the canopy management of some of his vines
Washington, USA 2016
The lovely and infinitely likeable Christophe and Maggie Hedges with their two boys
Washington, USA 2016
An idea of the landscape when driving through Eastern Washington
Washington, USA 2016
Wine culture is fast becoming engrained here, albeit a little differently than in France!
Washington, USA 2016
Doesn't look like much but the best Mexican food I've ever had!
Washington, USA 2016
Wine tasting at Hedges
Washington, USA 2016
A row of cabernet sauvignon grapes stretches down a long row in a vineyard on Red Mountain in Washington State
Washington, USA 2016
Atmospheric setting for a tasting at Pepper Bridge
Washington, USA 2016
Greg Powers of Powers Wines
Washington, USA 2016
The beautifully refurbished 19th century barn which is now part of Abeja winery. Complete with the original late 19th century disco ball.
Washington, USA 2016
Tyler at Dunham Cellars talking all things concrete egg