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The renowned Rioja bodega Valdemar is the first European winery to open a branch in Walla Walla in the US state of Washington. The company, called "Valdemar Estates", has planted Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache there and is currently looking for further areas to cultivate. The Valdemar family, who own the winery, intend to market it as a "boutique winery". The first wines are to be exported to Europe as early as next year. In the Walla Walla wine-growing region there are currently about 120 wineries working on just over 1,200 hectares of vineyards. The five most important grape varieties are currently Cabernet Sauvignon (36%), Syrah (18%), Merlot (16%), Cabernet Franc (7%) and Malbec (4%).
(uka photo: Elektra Noelani Fisher)