Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1399
H / the tasting panel / july 2009 The Gunkel vineyards, situated along the Columbia River at the winery site, provide a backdrop for—and are the source of—this Maryhill 2005 Reserve Sangiovese. Light-bodied with sour cherry and an earthy component, this red proves to be a delicious food wine. SRP $29. W I N E R Y The breathtaking views of south central Washington's Colum- bia Gorge provide a staggering backdrop for Maryhill Winery, voted 2009 Winery of the Year by Wine Press Northwest. When Craig and Vicki Leuthold opened the doors in 2001, Maryhill was one of just 100 wineries in Washington State. Now there are over 600. But clearly, Maryhill is a destination winery. Not only does its 3,000-square-foot tasting room, stunning views and amazingly tasteful wines draw a crowd, but the winery is home to a concert series of stellar proportions. Names like Crosby, Stills and Nash, Counting Crows and Jackson Browne fi ll the huge outdoor am- phitheatre. The winery estimates about 75,000 guests annually. Although the winery produces 19 different varietals and has a large-capacity production, it remains a family-owned business. Jay Turner, sales and marketing rep for Maryhill, sat with us on the outdoor patio, the breeze along the Columbia River cooling a warm day. "We still hang on to the boutique style, and our price and quality is right on target. That's a tribute to the owners." D M a r y h i l l W i n e r y Maryhill Winery's concert series attracts the crowds. The wines keeps 'em coming back.