7/27/10

Elise Griffin: 509-627-0266

BARNARD GRIFFIN CELEBRATES WASHINGTON WINE MONTH

These Wines Are Some of The Summer’s Best Values

RICHLAND, WA:  Washington is the second largest wine producing state in the U.S.  The Barnard Griffin Winery is celebrating August Washington Wine Month with a special retail display promotion in leading grocery outlets and top wine merchants with a strong message: “Think Local, Think Washington.”   Barnard Griffin’s signature Tulip Label wine, one of Washington State’s most recognized wines, is available across the country.

Washington Wine Month offers fans of Barnard Griffin with great choices at good value. “Washington Wine Month is a great opportunity for consumers to learn of the complexity and depth of our many different artisan wines,’ says Rob Griffin, winemaker for Barnard Griffin. Rob has been named honorary vintner for the prestigious Auction of Washington Wines and has been making wine on a continuing basis longer than any other state of Washington winemaker.  He is a true Washington Wine Pioneer.

Barnard Griffin has received major recognition for many of its wines, demonstrating continuing leadership in Washington state-produced wines.  Barnard Griffin’s 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon has been awarded best Cabernet in the 2010 Washington State Wine Competition.  The varietal scored extremely well with Best of Show, Best Red and Best Cabernet at the 29th annual competition held this summer at State Fair Park in Yakima that attracted over 300 wines from 90 participating wineries in the state:

This is the second year in a row that Barnard Griffin’s Cabernet Sauvignon has won Best of Show in this competition.  These awards come on the heels of Barnard Griffin’s stunning win for the fifth year in a row of Gold or better for its Rose of Sangiovese at the 2009 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.  WINE SPECTATOR named Barnard Griffin’s Riesling as on of the TOP 100 Most Exciting Wines of 2009.

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“The month of August is a great time for lovers of wine to learn more about the extraordinary value our wine provides in over 15 different varietals.  These include our limited production Reserve Wines as well as our Tulip label wines,” says Rob, “It is exciting to make small batch artisanal wines that are generating such recognition, proving once again Washington State is one of the great wine-producing regions in the world.”

Washington Wine Month generates wine sales and increase consumer awareness about the state’s Washington Wine’s impact on the national economy is $4.7 billion, according to an economic impact study by MKF Research.

According to the Washington Wine Commission, the number of high-quality wines produced in Washington has been growing steadily as the state’s national and international reputation as a top wine producer has grown. More than 32,000 acres of land are planted in wine grapes and the state has over 600 licensed wineries.

About Barnard Griffin

Barnard Griffin is a family-owned winery in Richland, WA and the tenth largest in the state by volume. Co-owners Rob Griffin and Deborah Barnard have been garnering international acclaim under the Barnard Griffin label since 1983, and Rob Griffin has been making exceptional wines in Washington State since 1977.  Barnard Griffin produces more than 70,000 cases per year including Barbera, Cabernet-Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Ciel du Cheval Merlot, Fume Blanc, Late Harvest Muscat Canelli, Malbec, Merlot, Orange Muscat, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Rosé of Sangiovese, Semillon, Syrah, Syrah Port, Viognier, and Zinfandel.

Barnard Griffin produces two labels; both available through retail stores, wine clubs and online wine venues.  The Reserve Label wines are crafted in very limited quantities from the best vineyard lots in the region, using European, French and American oak.  Barnard Griffin’s signature Tulip Label wine, one of Washington State’s most recognized wines, is available across the country.

Barnard Griffin selects its grapes from throughout Washington’s Columbia Valley including Wahluke Slope, Horse Heaven Hills, Red Mountain, Columbia Gorge and other AVAs.  Barnard Griffin works with small family growers and favors long-term contracts with dedicated acreage for vineyard continuity and quality. The winery is a strong supporter of wine tourism (Oenotourism) in the state, and is an important stop on any tour of Washington’s best wineries.

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Barnard Griffin is the only winery in the United States that contains a glass arts studio producing artisan works of fused glass.  Glass works are on display in the tasting room.

The winery, tasting room and glass arts studio are located at 878 Tulip Lane in Richland, WA. For more information, clink on the link: www.BarnardGriffin.com or call (509) 627-0266.

© 2010, Barnard Griffin™ Winery, Richland, WA  99352

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