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When you hear stories of wineries’ and their estate vineyards’ origins, there always seems to be a common thread – a history that led to the winery’s creation. Sometimes it centers around families that immigrated from elsewhere, or perhaps it’s a family tradition in farming that lead to grape growing. Much like their name denotes, Airfield Estates has a unique and distinct story which is grounded in the history of aviation in Prosser, WA.

Founder H. Lloyd Miller leased the land, located primarily in south-eastern Washington, to the Olympic Air Transport Company just prior to World War II. The area was made into an airbase to train military pilots in 1941 (However, in retrospect, there are suspicions about the true purpose of this airbase that are quite interesting. Read HERE for more details). The operations continued until the mid 1940s – around the end of WW II. After the pilots moved off base, the buildings were sold back to Miller who used them as headquarters for his family’s farming operations. From growing produce to providing grapes to some of Washington’s best know wine producers since the ’70s, it didn’t take long for Airfield Estates to set up their own winery. With some of the original WWII airbase buildings still intact and a strong aesthetic focus on planes throughout their winery, Airfield Estates has a distinct personality that attracts both lovers of planes and wine. Amy Sonnichsen, assistant general manager, answered some questions about the winery while in the midst of harvest this year.

Stacy Buchanan: Obviously you have a strong theme based on airplanes, particularly vintage and fighter planes, have you had any plane lovers become fans of the winery based on your aircraft branding?

Amy Sonnichsen: Plane lovers are probably our best customers!  The minute they drive up to our tasting room they are filled with glee!  A large percentage of our wine club consists of individuals whom are connected to aviation in some form or another, either professionally or personally.

SB: Which wines would you say best represent what Airfield Estates is about and why?

AS: Airfield produces 22 wines, so there is a large range which represent who we are.  However, two wines strongly represent Airfield would be the Unoaked Chardonnay and the Bombshell Red.  These wines truly showcase the quality of our fruit in the vineyard while still maintaining a fantastic economic price point.

SB: Your winery seems to have a lot of fun between the love for planes, grape stomping, 5k Fun run, your upcoming ‘Murder Mystery Theatre’ and more. Can you talk about the importance of engaging your customers.

AS: We love engaging our customers.  One of our mottos is to “provide a sense of ownership”.  We want our club members and our patrons to feel a part of who we are.  We try and provide tours of our facility to each and every person that comes through our doors.

SB: What is some advice you’d give other wineries who are looking to broaden their fanbase or simply improve their communication to their current fans?

AS: It’s all about making those people who support you feel a part of what you are doing.  It’s also being passionate and enthusiastic about what you are doing.  The wineries passion and enthusiasm is contagious and will pass on to those people who are around it.

SB: Any new/fun stuff coming up for Airfield Estates?

AS: We will be bottling our first Malbec this spring and a new white blend which will line up with our Bombshell Red.  We continue to grow and reach into new markets, and with that spread we are also growing our production.

***Watch Airfield Estates’ “Straight from the Source” Video Short***

Champagne has always been a horse of a different color in the wine world. Besides the fact that champagne is only made in the aptly named Champagne region of France (if produced elsewhere it’s simply sparkling wine, with a few exceptions), I’ve always found the cork fascinating as well. As naive as it might sound, I just recently learned that the mushroom-shaped cork for champagne bottles actually starts out as a normal cork; it isn’t until the bottling process that the normal corked is mushroomified. Crazy!

Like the many different varietals of wine in existence, champagne also has a unique glass optimized for its consumption, commonly referred to as a flute. It’s thinner and taller bowl and stem help preserve the carbonation of the champagne by decreasing the exposed surface area. Of course, by gripping the flute by it’s stem you’re also not effecting the temperature of the wine. However I recently came across a great solution to help preserve the temperature of the champagne without the dainty and garish hand gesture that comes with holding a champagne flute: meet the champagne glass! It’s double walled to keep the champagne nice and cool (just like the parties you throw) while also holding the same volume of champagne as a normal flute.

It goes without saying that opening a bottle of champagne is a lot more exciting than just a normal bottle of wine. The “Pop!” sound as the cork shoots off (unless you’re in a posh setting where the quieter the cork, the better), the cheering company and laughs all signal a time of celebration. I happened to notice an upcoming device that takes the excitement of opening a bottle of champagne to new heights: it’s called the Rock-et Roll.

It’s a soft little toy rocket that attaches to your champagne cork. The rocket has streamers attached to it, so once that cork goes flying you can expect a burst of color flying to follow. Set to be released soon, you can even have a personalized message among the streamers. The Rock-et Roll is also an eco-friendly gadget, designed using bio-resin and recycled foam rubber to be 100% recycled and recyclable. Just plug a streamer, fix it on your champagne top and be ready for the countdown. Streamers are taught, enabling them to be textured with logos and messages and propel your thoughts through the air. This device was devised by FiftyTwoWays, who have made great little gifts and fun items that have been sold in Urban Outfitters, so expect to see the Rock-et Roll soon!

However, like a delicious dinner, this blog would be a little remiss without providing you with a parting glance at some indulgent dessert – in this case, themed around champagne. Enter the 24 karat gold lollipop. This little bad boy is champagne flavored with real flakes of gold in the center. Thanks to the comedic stylings of David Cross I’ve actually heard of REAL gold being used in desserts before. What I didn’t know before, though, was that apparently gold has some anti-bacterial properties. At just 3.75 British Pounds for each lollipop (just a little over $6 American dollars) I actually wouldn’t mind trying it given the opportunity.

So, a toast to the drink that often gets overlooked since it’s often in the glass being raised: champagne!

Amber Lane & Annette Bergevin

Annette Bergevin and Amber Lane are the dynamic duo that make up the core of Bergevin Lane Vineyards. Along with winemaker Steffan Jorgensen, the winery has earned distinction among Walla Walla area wineries with their highly acclaimed wine, charm and welcoming attitude. Annette and Amber collaborated in answering a few questions about the winery, their wines, and what it’s like to be located in the Walla Walla Valley.

Often times winery owners and winemakers can easily name something wine-related that has inspired them to pursue a career in the wine industry. However, I’m curious to hear what NON-wine things have inspired you, or continue to inspire you, to venture down your chosen path?

I am continually inspired by the personal connections that we make. We have met and continue to meet and make friends with amazing people from all over the world and that is inspiring!

Speaking of inspirational people, any noteworthy individuals in or out of the wine industry who have been especially motivating for you?

We have met incredibly inspiring people from all over, however, two people in particular pop into our minds. The first person is Elizabeth Slater-our wine marketing teacher from Santa Rosa, California. She’s savvy, funny, always encouraging, and always has great advice for us. The second person who comes to mind is Allen Shoup, the founder of Long Shadows Winery and ex-CEO of St. Michelle. He has been our advice guru and mentor in certain areas. With his vast expertise and success in the wine industry, we are fortunate to have his ear!

Since forming in early 2001, what has been the biggest challenge or obstacle along the way to where you are now?

For me personally, time management has been the most challenging. Balancing work, play, family, me-time, and friends between and around wine-related events and obligations makes time management a science that I haven’t mastered yet!

Also, related to the previous question, what would you say has been one of your shining moments of triumph or high points of Bergevin Lane so far?

Shining moments of triumph? I’m still waiting! Seriously, we are a young winery in a very competitive industry – we’ve had some “moments” related to recognition but perhaps our shining moment is yet to come.

Winemaker Steffan Jorgensen

Speaking of recognition, I notice some great scores and reviews for your wines continuously, which wine seems to be your most popular, or “flagship” wine that best represents Bergevin Lane?

Oh, that is tough question! For a white wine it would be our Viognier. It’s very limited; it’s distinctively Bergevin Lane style – creamy, big, complex, and fruit-driven. For a red wine I think our Intuition really captures Bergevin Lane and our commitment to consistency and quality. It is the “best of the best” of our Bordeaux varietals and delivers Bergevin Lane style with a POW!

There seems to be a strong communal vibe amongst the Walla Walla area wineries, can you please comment with your thoughts about camaraderie in this unique wine region?

There is a strong sense of “being a good neighbor” in the WW wine community.  We all understand that as a wine community, we are as strong as our greatest weakness so we help one another out.  At the end of the day, we all want to make excellent wine and have fun while doing it.

I think Walla Walla’s isolation from a major city has probably helped bolster this idea of neighborly wineries, what else do you think sets Walla Walla apart (besides terrior) from other geographic wine communities?
In addition to the great wine growing region we have we also have a wine alliance organization that sets the bar for quality representation of our wineries and wine growers across the state and across the country.  We have folks with many diverse backgrounds choosing Walla Walla to call home and start their wineries. These diverse backgrounds are fantastic for helping come up with strategic marketing ideas for our wineries as well. Our restaurants support our wine community and their quality adds value to a wine lover’s Walla Walla wine experience. We have a group of wine pioneers living in our community that are fantastic role models for wines being produced in our region and they continue to give back to our wine community by being leaders in all of the wine organizations across the state and within wine organizations across the country. We have artisan folks from cheese making to artists to local eateries and breweries who are adding to the colors of our community and providing a unique visitor’s experience. Walla Walla hosts a series of Historic Walking Tours downtown; we have great museums, universities and colleges in our area including the Walla Walla Community College Enology & Viticulture Center. We’re serious about our wines, however come to one of our homes for a BBQ and we’re just plain fun.

Bergevin Lane Vineyards

Care to explain some of the exciting new things coming up with Bergevin Lane (wine, events, surprises)?

Our idea of exciting news may not fit into the traditional idea of what’s exciting. For instance, we are thrilled when we get a new piece of production equipment for the winery! As far as events go, we have two great parties a year at the winery for our Club: Swirl Wine Club. If we told you the surprises, they wouldn’t be surprises anymore!  :-)

Okay, so without spoiling any surprises, can you mention any upcoming wines we’ll be seeing from Bergevin Lane sometime soon?

We have a few very limited and exciting wines that are just released. Our 2007 “Heart and Soul” Pinot Noir from Couse Creek Vineyard in Oregon. We are the only winery making Pinot Noir in Walla Walla so that makes this wine very special. We just released 47 cases of 2007 Grenache from Stone Tree Vineyards in the Wahluke Slope. It’s everything one would expect in a Grenache – juicy red fruits, earth tones, and spicy notes. Delicious! We also made 2007 Mouvedre for our wine club and we are hoping to bring back Cabernet Franc for a limited offering in the future.

Check out Bergevin Lane Vineyard’s “Straight from the Source” video…

Newton Vineyard isn’t just making good wine, they’re creatively exploring other great wine-related ideas. This beautiful wine-bar is one of those ideas.

Made from 100% reclaimed materials, mostly consisting of 300 year-old reclaimed oak from a Bristol-based wine merchant and previously used Newton Vineyard barrels, this creation was designed by Claire Danthois. Having visited the winery in September 2008, Danthois was inspired by the winery’s terraced vineyards and natural wines.

True to Newton Vineyard’s aim to reflect a unique and artistic interaction with nature, this piece can be viewed on display at the winery. For more information about this VERY limited production wine-bar, please visit the winery’s website.

We all have one or two really special bottles in the cellar – you know, the bottle of Cabernet you were given for your wedding, that bottle of Merlot with the gorgeous artwork on the label, or that pricey little Old Vine number you picked up in Napa a few years back. These are bottles you’ve been saving for a special occasion, but the occasion just hasn’t presented itself… until now. Open That Bottle Night makes the wine the occasion, and what makes the occasion so special is the people you share the evening with!

Spurred on by co-workers’ enthusiasm about the ‘Open That Bottle Night’ concept, an impromptu gathering was put together rapidly Friday afternoon. Luckily, a day’s notice was all that was needed for Saturday night’s ‘Open That Bottle Night’ to be a huge success with a lot of people, great wine and fun.

The overwhelming majority of wines were American wines, with at least half of them being from the Walla Walla area (clearly we’re patriotic about our appellation kicking some serious butt). Here’s a re-cap of some of the wines that guests brought along with them.

• JLC Winery 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon – 92 points, Wine Enthusiast. A smooth, fruit-forward cab that helped kick off the evening
• Dunham Cellars 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon (Lewis Vineyard) – One of the older Walla Walla wineries that many look up to, this Cab comes from one of the paramount years of wine production in Walla Walla
• Ensemble Cellars Release #1 – This winery focuses on just a single multi-vintage wine which winemaker Craig Nelson produces each year. With an extremely small production, get your hands on this rising star from the Walla Walla Valley.
• K Vintners 2005 K Syrah Cougar Hills – 92 Points Wine Advocate
• K Vintners 2004 The Boy – Delicious grenache and syrah blend with an intriguing nose
• Devin 2003 – 190 cases produced, red-blend from the top 8 winemakers in Walla Walla: Eric Dunham (Dunham Cellars), Marie-Eve Gilla (Forgeron Cellars), Ron Coleman (Tamarack Cellers), Chuck Reininger (Reininger Winery), Myles Anderson (Walla Walla Vintners), Charles Smith (K Vintners), Christophe Baron (Cayuse Vineyards) and Northstar Winery.
• L’Ecole No. 41 – 1999 Merlot
• Trust Cellars 2006 Syrah Lewis Vineyard - #13 out of the best 329 wines of the WinePress NW 9th Platinum judging
• Waters Winery 2006 Syrah Forgotten Hills – 174 cases produced. 90 points Wine Advocate
• Ash Hollow 2005 Somanna – 91 Points from Wine Advocate, Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator, and Wine & Spirits
• Flying Trout Winery 2006 Malbec Phinney Hill – Only 89 cases made
• Dusted Valley Cote-Du-Columbia Rouge 2004 – San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (Silver Medal)

Of course hors d’oeuvres and music played their part in the fun evening where everyone was all smiles (and how could you not be with all that great wine?), conversation and laughter. I’m definitely repeating this tradition next year and have been inspired to splurge on opening wine that I’d otherwise hold onto for who knows how long.

Some other wines that were enjoyed:

• Waterbrook Winery 2005 Meritage
• Waterbrook Winery 1st & Main Sauvignon Blanc
• Abeja 2007 Red Wine
• Bota Box 2007 Shiraz
• Marcus Whitman 2006 Red Wine
• McWilliams 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
• Hedges 2006 CMS
• Berger 2007 Grüner Veltliner
• Quinta de Tourais Touronio 2005 Douro
• A couple jokers brought energy/alcohol drink Sparks and a bottle of Framboise Lambic, no accounting for taste, right?

So, you’ve heard my first foray into ‘Open That Bottle Night’, how did YOURS go? What did YOU drink?