September 12, 2003

Snoqualmie Winery Opens in Prosser Gateway to Washington Wine Country

Prosser, WA— Winemakers, members of the media and community leaders joined Stimson Lane Vineyards & Estates, owner of Snoqualmie, in a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the doors to the new state of the art winery on Wednesday, September 10. Snoqualmie's new winery, is located just off Interstate 82 in Prosser, Washington.

"Prosser represents the gateway to Washington wine Country, and is the home to many acclaimed wineries, drawing tourists from around the country. It is a must see destination for any complete tour of Washington Wine Country," said Stimson Lane President & CEO Ted Baseler in his opening remarks.

In fact, Prosser is so pivotal to the Washington wine industry, that the Prosser Economic Development Association will break ground on the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center in 2004. The center is named after the late Walter Clore, a Washington State University professor whose research pioneered the state's wine industry and a resident of Prosser. The facility will showcase the birthplace of Washington's wine industry, and educate visitors about Washington's viticulture, enology and culinary practices.

The evening also included special recognition for the growers by Snoqualmie winemaker Joy Andersen. Said Andersen, "We are fortunate to work with the best growers in the industry - their contribution to the Washington wine industry and focus on quality will help us all reach new heights in producing premium wines."

Guests attending the ceremonies, co-hosted by the Prosser Economic Development Association, included community and business leaders, media, grape growers, local wineries as well as Stimson Lane distributors from Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

The new winery is 44,816 square feet, with most of that dedicated to winemaking, including Snoqualmie's reserve wine program. Winemaker Joy Andersen's reserve program showcases what she feels is the best of the varietal and the terroir. Snoqualmie produces a reserve Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah in limited quantities, available in fine wine shops and restaurants nationally.

The gift shop and tasting room will give visitors a good feel for the Washington wine region, and is open daily from 11a.m. - 5p.m. The tasting room will showcase the best of what Snoqualmie wines have to offer, including a selection of wines available only at the winery, such as the new Sangiovese.

Although the visitor center and tasting room are just now opening for business, the production portion of the winery was ready in time to crush grapes from the 2002 harvest last September. More than 6,000 tons of grapes were crushed.

The first wine to release from the new facility is the inaugural vintage of Cirque de Rose. Cirque de Rosé - a traditional rosé with a whimsical twist--was made from grapes harvested in 2002. Says winemaker Joy Andersen, "I am very delighted with the first release of Snoqualmie Cirque de Rosé. My goal was to create a fun rose wine that captured the fruit essences of premium Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The wine showcases strawberry and spice aromas that carry into the palate and linger on the crisp, clean finish."

Founded twenty years ago, Snoqualmie Vineyards is one of Washington State's premium wineries, known mostly by connoisseurs and critics in the wine industry. The Native American name is a Northwest icon. Washington' highest road pass over the Cascade Mountains is also named Snoqualmie.

Snoqualmie makes several red wines, including Cabernet-Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. It also makes white wines, including Chardonnay, Riesling and Chenin Blanc. The wines have received numerous accolades in Wine Spectator and other publications.