Toasting WSU Viticulture & Enology winegrape donors, October 2015
With the 2015 harvest season coming to a close, the WSU Viticulture and Enology Program is raising our glasses to the generous vineyard owners who have donated grapes for research at the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates WSU Wine Science Center.
Klipsun Vineyards
Located on Red Mountain, Klipsun Vineyards is a 120-acre estate founded in 1982 where Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Sauvignon blanc, Semillon and Nebbiolo grapes are grown.
Varieties donated: Malbec, Merlot
Research projects: Utilization of malic acid as an alternative acid for adjustment for musts with low acid concentration; evaluation of nitrogen additions to low nitrogen must
Contacts: Jim Harbertson 509-372-7506, Richard Larsen
Newhouse Family Vineyards
Located on Snipes Mountain, Washington’s second smallest American Viticultural Area (AVA) at 4,145 acres, Newhouse Family Vineyards grows Aligote, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot and Syrah grapes.
Varieties donated: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Research projects: Comparing viticultural impacts of early season leaf removal by hand and mechanical methods; evaluating wine quality and sensory attributes of these viticultural practices
Contacts: Michelle Moyer 509-786-9234, Jim Harbertson
Oasis Vineyard
Located in Prosser, grape varieties grown at Oasis Vineyard include Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet franc, Pinot gris, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon blanc and Sangiovese.
Variety donated: Riesling
Research project: Evaluating wine quality and sensory attributes of Riesling clones
Contacts: Jim Harbertson 509-372-7506, Thomas Henick-Kling
Sagemoor
Founded in 1968, Sagemoor is four vineyards encompassing 900 acres. Sagemoor Farms, Bacchus and Dionysus Vineyards are located north of Tri-Cities in the Columbia Valley AVA; Weinbau Vineyard is located in Mattawa on the Wahluke Slope.
Variety donated: Riesling from Weinbau Vineyard
Research project: Evaluating wine quality and sensory attributes of Riesling clones
Contacts: Jim Harbertson 509-372-7506, Thomas Henick-Kling
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
Planted in 1972 in the Columbia Valley, the Chateau Ste. Michelle Cold Creek Vineyard grows Cabernet franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Riesling grapes.
Varieties donated: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah
Research projects: Impacts of cultivar and grape ripening on color and tannin development in grapes and wine; impacts of hand pruning versus mechanized pruning and thinning on grape and wine composition
Contact: Jim Harbertson 509-372-7506
At the Chateau Ste. Michelle Horse Heaven Estate Vineyard near Paterson, grape varieties grown include Chenin blanc and Sauvignon blanc.
Varieties donated: Chardonnay, Riesling, Syrah
Research projects: White grape irrigation scheduling and deficit irrigation; mechanized production of red grapes
Contacts: Markus Keller 509-786-9370, Jim Harbertson
LEARN MORE >> Explore Washington’s diverse vineyards on the Washington State Wine website.
Do you know a WSU student, faculty member, alumnus or wine industry member who deserves a cheer? Submit their achievements to Voice of the Vine Editor Scott Weybright!