Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1787
G ary Hogue never wanted to start a winery; his brother Mike talked him into it. Although they grew up in the Yakima Valley in a family with more than 60 years of farming experience, Gary and Mike Hogue had no knowl- edge of winemaking. Now, after more than 25 years of making award-win- ning wines, Gary has watched the business grow, from the time this "winery" was set in Mike's daughter's playhouse, to produc- ing more than 650,000 cases annually. After receiving his only encouragement from family, friends and the local community, Gary initially showed skepticism toward starting a winery business. "One thing I realized early on that's a big problem with the wine industry is that when you present your wine to someone, it's the same thing as presenting your newborn baby. Nobody tells you 'You have an ugly kid,'" Gary jokes. Pacific Northwest august 2009 / the tasting panel / 69 From Pioneer to Trend-Setter A quarter century of winemaking experience in Columbia Valley keeps Hogue Cellars on the leading edge in Washington State wine ning wines, Gary has watched the business grow, from the time this "winery" was set in Mike's daughter's playhouse, to produc- ing more than 650,000 cases annually. After receiving his only encouragement from family, friends and the local community, Gary initially showed skepticism and the local community, Gary initially showed skepticism "One thing I realized early on that's a big problem with the wine industry is that when you present your wine to someone, it's the same thing as presenting your newborn baby. Nobody tells you 'You have an ugly kid,'" Gary jokes. august 2009 / the tasting panel / 69 Gary Hogue PHOTO: AMY K. FELLOWS