The world of Washington wines | Juan Muñoz Oca | TEDxSpokane
This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Washington state winemaking is earning well-deserved respect in the industry for the quality wines being produced in the region. The grapes are the key and the speaker shares his ideas on the recipe of success for the grape production resulting in award winning wines.
Juan Muñoz Oca is the head winemaker at Columbia Crest Winery in Paterson, Washington. Columbia Crest is recognized as the leading producer of acclaimed, high-quality wines from Washington state.
Raised in Mendoza, Argentina, Juan came under the tutelage of his grandfather, cellar master at Bodegas Toso winery, at a young age. The older man instilled in him a love and respect for wine, as well as his family’s Spanish culture, that was to become the root of a lifelong passion for winemaking. He has continued to develop his craft during stints at wineries in Argentina, Spain, and Australia.
Although his winemaking experience stretches across the globe, it is his time in Washington that has been most meaningful. Muñoz Oca says, “Washington state is a very special place for winemaking. We have high quality fruit, ideal growing conditions, and the best viticultural practices. I fell in love with the wine, and the people, and that’s why I’ve been here since.”
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Wine Tasting in Leavenworth Washington
Leavenworth, Washington is one of the hottest up-and-coming wine regions in the Northwest. The terrain gives the wines depth and complexity, and the growing number of wineries and vintners experimenting throughout the region produces amazing varietals. Join us for a wine tour of several of the over a dozen wineries and wine tasting rooms in downtown Leavenworth and the surrounding valley. Taste, sip, savor and repeat!
Wine Incubators Walla Walla
Denise from Trio Vintners shows you the wine incubators out at the Walla Walla airport. The incubators are designed to support start up wineries, there they can grow and after a six year period they must move on to bigger and better things and create their own estate or tasting room in Walla Walla. For information on Trio Vintners visit and for more information on Walla Walla visit wallawalla.org
Desert Wind Winery - Prosser, WA
Located a the eastern end of the Yakima Valley, Prosser is home to over 30 wineries boasting some of Washington States most revered labels and winemakers.
Conveniently located just off I-82, Desert Wind Winery offers visitors a full wine country experience. Inspired by the Southwest, the architecture is distinct and reflects the desert climate and landscape of the region.
The tasting room is inviting with cozy chairs, and a massive stone fireplace. Guests are offered complimentary wine tasting and welcome to purchase gift items, gourmet foods and of course Desert Wind wines.
The winery also has luxurious guestrooms available year round to relax in after a busy day of wine tasting.
To plan your visit to the the Yakima Valley, visit YakimaValleyTourism.com or call 1-800-221-0751.
This project was funded in part by a grant from Washington State Tourism, experiencewa.com.
Washington Wine - A Bright Spot for the State Economy - June 27th, 2012
The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce held Washington Wine - A Bright Spot for the State Economy, on June 27th, 2012 at the Kennewick Red Lion.
Steve Warner, Executive Director for the Washington State Wine Commission spoke at the luncheon about the results of the commission's recent economic impact study, the regional impact of the wine industry in Benton County, and how the commission's new marketing strategy aims to grow the economic impact of Washington State wine by raising awareness and demand.