Washington State is now the second largest producer of wine in the United States. Over 540 Washington wineries now produce some of the best wines made in the world. In 1986 I moved to the southeastern corner of Washington State. This area is officially designated as the Columbia Valley appellation. Locally we refer to the region as the "Heart of Washington Wine Country". When I began drinking wine on a regular basis, I started with the easier to understand sweet white and pink wines. As my palette matured, I predictably drifted over to dry red wines. For years I reserved my nose and taste buds exclusively for red wines I did not recognize any varietal other than those for making red wine.

Three years ago I had my opinion of wine turned around. That is when I was referred to a part-time job working at a local winery in the winery tasting room. How could I resist? I love wine. Instantly I was comfortable embracing the red wines I had to sell and pour. The red wine lineup included about nine different bottles of several different varietals. To my horror, I found I also had to pour and sell five different white wines and a rose wine too! This is where my wine education truly began. Over the next two years I poured a lot of wine for a lot of people. Working in a tasting room I learned more about wine than I had drinking wine the previous twenty years.

One style of wine I've learned to appreciate is Rose wine. Many Washington Roses are made in the classic French style. They are pressed from red wine grape varietals and made dry, not sweet. The pink color of Rose wine results from minimal contact with the grape skins before the juice is separated from the skins. A good Washington Rose is the perfect summer wine. Enjoy it outdoors on the patio, or pair it with friends at a summer barbecue. Rose is a fabulous beverage to be enjoyed during the hot days and nights of summer.

Two of my favorite Ros wines are the 2007 Barnard Griffin Rose of Sangiovese and Syncline Wine Cellars 2007 Rose.

Rob Griffin makes his 2007 Barnard Griffin Rose of Sangiovese from 100% Sangiovese. While Sangiovese is traditionally used to make Chianti, a red wine, Mr. Griffin has created a truly special pink wine from this varietal. His Rose of Sangiovese has received gold medals at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition for the last three years in a row. His 2007 Rose of Sangiovese not only received a Gold medal, but also "Best of Class". You'll find his wine packed with flavors

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