FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
8/12/10
Contact: Elise Griffin: 509-627-0266
ROB GRIFFIN OF BARNARD GRIFFIN WINERY NAMED
HONORARY VINTNER
FOR PRESTIGIOUS AUCTION OF WASHINGTON WINES
A true Washington Wine Pioneer, Griffin has been crafting fine wine
on a continuing basis longer than any other state of Washington winemaker
RICHLAND, WA: (August, 2010) – Rob Griffin, co-owner and winemaker at Barnard Griffin winery in Richland, Washington who is celebrating 33 years of Washington state winemaking this year, has received another of the state’s top winemaking awards – Honorary Vintner by Auction of Washington Wines: http://www.auctionofwashingtonwines.org/Chairs-HonoraryVintner.cfm.
Beginning his Washington career in 1977, Griffin has been making wine on a continuing basis longer than any other state of Washington winemaker.
Washington is the second largest wine producing state in the nation. Since 1999, the Auction of Washington Wines has honored industry leaders for contributions to the Washington wine industry. Selected by their peers and confirmed by the Washington Wine Commission, the Honorary Vintner Chair represents the state’s more than 600 wineries. The Auction, entitled “2010 – A Wine Odyssey,” will take place August 19 – 21st.
“I am extremely proud to be part of an effort that has raised millions of dollars over the years to help kids get the best care possible at Seattle Children’s Hospital,” Griffin said. “I thank all who have been a part of this important and on-going effort.”
The Road to Honorary Vintner
Griffin graduated with honors from the University of California at Davis in fermentation science in 1975. As a student, Griffin had recognized the great potential of Washington Wine country, which is on the same northern latitude as France’s winegrowing regions.
Against the advice of his college professors, who believed Washington had too cool a climate to sustain wine grapes, Griffin came to Washington in April 1977 to become Preston Winery’s first winemaker. He quickly established himself as an accomplished artist by winning the first Best of Show at the Seattle Enological Society’s Northwest Wine Festival with his 1977 Chardonnay. Griffin worked at Preston for seven years.
In 1980 Deborah Barnard moved to Washington and married Rob Griffin. Griffin began making his own “Barnard Griffin” label in 1983 with his wife. In its first year, 400 cases of Fume Blanc, Chardonnay and Riesling were produced. In its second year, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon were added to the production list.
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From 1984 – 1991, Griffin was Winemaker and General Manager at Hogue Cellars, and consultant to several Washington producers until the 1996 completion of the Barnard Griffin Winery and Tasting Room in Richland, Washington.
Among the winery’s many accolades their 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon won Best Red, Best Cabernet Sauvignon and Best of Show at the Washington State Wine Competition held this summer. This is the second year in a row that their Cabernet has won Best of Show from the largest blind tasting in the state of Washington. Their 2008 Tulip Riesling was voted by WINE SPECTATOR Magazine as one of the TOP 100 Most Exciting Wines of 2009. In January of this year, Barnard Griffin’s 2009 Rosé of Sangiovese received a Gold medal in the SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE’s Wine Competition.
This is the fifth year in a row that Rob Griffin’s Rosé has won gold or better in the largest American wine competition in the world. In 2006, Barnard Griffin was voted “Winery of The Year” by WINE PRESS NORTHWEST Magazine.
“With more than 600 wineries and 35,000 acres of vineyards, the Washington wine industry has come very far in the last 30-plus years,” said Griffin. “I feel honored to be a part of what has become the second largest wine growing state in the country.” Rob Griffin has served as President of the Washington Wine Institute and as a frequent spokesman for the Washington wine industry.
About Barnard Griffin
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 AVA’s. Barnard Griffin works with small family growers and favors long-term contracts with dedicated acreage for vineyard continuity and quality. Barnard Griffin has now become one of the largest privately owned Washington wineries. 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. The glass artist is Deborah Barnard co-owner of the winery. Glass works are on display and available for sale 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.BarnardGriffinNewsroom.com, email: info@BarnardGriffin.com or call Elise: (509) 627-0266.
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© 2010, Barnard Griffin™ Winery, Richland, WA 99352
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