Washington State recently announced Maryhill Winery as “Winery of the Year.” Maryhill Winery offers visitors a wonderful wine tasting experience. The ambience of the tasting room, views of the Columbia River, outdoor amphitheatre for summertime events and delicious wines all provide great reasons to visit Maryhill.

When we visited South Coast Winery in Temecula, California we learned that they were awarded “Winery of the Year” at the California State Fair for 2008.

For these two wineries, the awards are significant. South Coast Winery was the first Temecula Winery to win this award and brings attention to the Temecula Valley AVA. Maryhill Winery is located in the Columbia Valley AVA.

As wineries win these highly acclaimed awards in their own states, it focuses attention on some of the lesser known wineries and the wineries in their region. This translates into more visitors to the region and at the same time encourages all wineries to increase the quality of wines. As the saying says, “A rising tide lifts all ships” so goes the wine industry. As wine enthusiasts become aware of better wines, they will insist on quality wines from all wineries or they won’t buy it. Best wishes to these high performing wineries.

Cheers, Kathy