Wine can be such an integral part of cooking and eating that I really feel I should write about it here more often. My excuse for not doing so is that, for all the wine we drink, I really feel I know very little about it. Beginning now, I’m going to try to get over myself and just occasionally tell you about wines we like.
Sometimes we find ourselves looking for big occasion wines—as a gift or to open for a special event. And when we do, we have some go-to favorites as well as the unfailing advice of certain wine stores in town. Much more often, though, we’re looking for modest bottles of wine we can open without thinking about it to have with dinner or as the evening winds down.
Two Vines Chardonnay, from Columbia Crest Winery in Washington state, is a light, crisp Chardonnay, not big and oaky. And while I like oaky Chardonnays, particularly with a big flavored meal, this wine’s lightness makes it perfect for pairing with fish or chicken or drinking on its own. From my first sip, I felt I was drinking something that performed beyond its price point. Of course, Columbia Crest’s head winemaker Ray Einberger has a reputation for crafting “amazing wines at pedestrian prices.” Here’s how he describes its taste: “The Two Vines Chardonnay offers fruit-forward apple and pear aromas with a hint of lemon citrus leading into a balanced crispness and creaminess on the palate and a lingering, lushly fruity finish.”
I’m as guilty as most (or perhaps guiltier than most) of automatically thinking California when I hear domestic. But it turns out Washington state is second only to California in wine production in the United States. According to the Washington Wine Commission, the state is home to more than 600 wineries, with about 33,000 acres of wine grape plantings—a $3 billion industry.
And Columbia Crest is one of the bigger producers in the state. While big isn’t always better, their size means their wines are generally more findable in most markets. At about $8 a bottle, dry, drinkable Two Vines Chardonnay is definitely a find. And if you’re near a Trader Joe’s, where I picked it up for just $6.49 this weekend, it’s a steal.
If you ever get a chance to visit this winery, do……it is lovely. The grapes are not there, but they have a terrific staff and tasting bar. Right across the street is the St. Michele Winery, so you can make it a fun day visiting both places! I lived just a few miles from here years back and still make visits when I am back in Washington. Cheers! P.S. You are correct, it’s great wine for the price!
Jann—Thanks so much for the winery tips. We’ve been talking about a trip to the Pacific Northwest—Seattle, Portland, maybe Vancouver… We’ll definitely have to put some wineries on our list of things to see.
Don’t forget to stop in Cannon Beach if you’re out this way. Some really great winery options nearby and the most beautiful coastal town & beach anywhere. I’ll be delighted to share some kitchen time! stop in at Rain N’ Shine.
Truly the pacific NW offers a whole lot more than you would expect. A nicely kept secret I think.
I hadn’t heard of Cannon Beach before, Carey. Just spent some time on “the Google” looking at it—sounds like we need to add it to our itinerary!