Columbia Winery's 2013 Merlot Best-In-Class at San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

Congratulations to Columbia Winery and their 2013 Merlot, which took home a best-in-class award at the recent San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.  

"Sean Hails, winemaker for Columbia Winery, said the grapes for his best-of-class 2013 Merlot came from across the vast Columbia Valley, with a focus in the Horse Heaven Hills and Wahluke Slope.

Hails arrived just before the 2012 vintage from California’s Central Valley, so 2013 was his first full year living in Washington and working for the Gallo-owned Columbia Winery in Woodinville. He said he’s quickly learned that Washington is a special place to make wine.

'Washington does Merlot really really well, and this just shows it,' he said. “I’m excited the judges enjoyed the wine.”

Read more at NW Shines at San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and find a bottle at a store near you and Taste The New Expression!