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
Portugal 2017
A tale of two trade fairs
Joanna Locke MW on two terrific trade fairs in Porto and Lisbon, tips for tourists and updates on Vinho Verde, Bairrada and Dão.
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South Africa 2016
Cape Expectations
A new generation has brought a new energy to the Cape's winelands, making this not just one of the most beautiful regions to visit, but also one of the most exciting.
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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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Argentina
Argentina: the present and the future
Argentina's malbecs, with their softly alluring, fruit-forward charm, are deservedly in vogue. I've been buying South American wine for over two decades and have been excited to see the increasing variety and nuance.
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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