Columbia Winery Celebrates 40 Years of Premium Washington Winemaking

WOODINVILLE, Wash. - May 15, 2002 – Columbia Winery, Washington state’s first premium winery, is celebrating a major milestone this year – 40 years of premium Washington winemaking.

 “At precisely the same time that revolutionary winemakers in California and Australia emerged to challenge the supremacy of Old World wines, Columbia Winery’s founders were convinced that fine wine could be made in Washington state and set out to make it happen,” said David Lake, Columbia Winery Winemaker and a Master of Wine.  “They succeeded.  And by the mid-1960s they were making wines that put Washington state on the map as an emerging fine wine region and started to build the outstanding reputation the state’s wines enjoy today.”

Washington state has a rich history of producing fine wine.  With a new winery opening up in the state every five weeks, Columbia Winery (www.columbiawinery.com) stands out as a respected leader.

The winery was founded in 1962 by ten friends, six of whom were University of Washington professors.  Originally known as Associated Vintners, the group was united in the belief that classic European vinifera vines could survive the harsh Washington winters and that world-class wine could be made in Washington state.  This was the same year that the Space Needle, Seattle’s most renowned landmark, was built for the Seattle World’s Fair.

David Lake joined Columbia Winery in 1979 as winemaker and has continued the pioneering spirit of Columbia Winery’s founders.  David is renowned for his experimentation with grape varieties and for producing the first range of vineyard-designated wines in Washington state.  He introduced several varietals to Washington state, including Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Gris.  Today, David continues to explore new varietals and new directions.  Columbia Winery is a member of the Canandaigua Wine family.

Canandaigua Wine, a division of Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ, STZ.B), is the second largest wine company in the world.  Canandaigua Wine satisfies millions of consumers nationwide by providing quality wines for the enjoyment of everyday life. Canandaigua Wine produces, markets and sells more than 40 well known brands. Leading table wine brands include Alice White, Almaden, Columbia, Covey Run, Dunnewood, Inglenook, Talus and Vendange. Constellation is a leader in the production and marketing of beverage alcohol brands in North America and the United Kingdom and is a leading independent drinks wholesaler in the United Kingdom.

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