Maryhill Winery Celebrates National Recognition for Wine Portfolio and Columbia Gorge AVA

GOLDENDALE, Wash., Jan. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Commemorating their 10th Anniversary and a banner growth and sales year in 2009, Maryhill Winery has two new reasons to celebrate as they roll into 2010.  The Winery landed top scores on more than a half-dozen of their varietals in recent reviews from the nationally renowned Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. Additionally, the awe-inspiring Columbia River Gorge – encompassing the Columbia Gorge AVA where Maryhill is located – was recognized by National Geographic Traveler as one of the world's top sustainable destinations.

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The Columbia Gorge AVA is one of several bi-state wine regions on the Oregon/Washington border and was established in 2004 with only four wineries.  Now, after a five successful years, the Columbia Gorge AVA is one of the most diverse AVAs in the country with more than 30 grape varieties and 20 vibrant wineries.  

Producing 80,000 cases of award-winning wine each year, Maryhill Winery is the AVA's largest winery and the 10th largest in Washington state. Named the 2009 "Washington Winery of the Year" by Wine Press Northwest and "Best Destination Winery" by Seattle Magazine, Maryhill can now add national recognition from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate to its list of recent accomplishments.  The Wine Advocate scores were established by Dr. Jay Miller, one of the top wine reviewers and writers in the country, who stated: "Based on this superb and well-priced portfolio of wines, Maryhill Winery merits serious attention." Maryhill received outstanding scores on the following seven wines: 2006 Cabernet Franc Proprietor's Reserve (91 points), 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Proprietor's Reserve (90 points), 2006 Malbec Proprietor's Reserve (91 points), 2006 Merlot Proprietor's Reserve (91 points), 2008 Pinot Gris (87 points), 2006 Serendipity (91+ points), and 2006 Syrah Proprietor's Reserve (92 points).

Beyond the vineyards, the expansive and breathtaking scenery of the Columbia River Gorge is also making its mark, establishing the region as an ideal destination for scenic travel and award-winning wine.  The National Geographic Society's Center for Sustainable Donations, which recently released its annual scorecard of the world's most precious places, rated the Columbia River Gorge sixth internationally and second in North America for sustainable destinations in 2009.  Judged on aspects such as social and cultural integrity, aesthetic appeal, tourism management, environmental quality and outlook for the future, the judges also considered the Columbia River Gorge for its vibrant wine culture:  

"[The] burgeoning wine industry is bringing a new kind of cultural and environmental awareness to the area that is certainly going to be a boon for tourism and for the area's prospects…"

"We are pleased to have such a strong start to 2010 for Maryhill Winery and the Columbia River Gorge region as a whole," said Craig Leuthold, owner of Maryhill Winery.  "The Columbia Gorge AVA is producing some amazing award-winning wines and we're excited that our winery is helping to establish it on a more national level."

When Craig and Vicki Leuthold founded Maryhill Winery in 1999 along the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, it was one of only 100 wineries in the state; today Washington is home to more than 600. Producing more than 28 award winning wines, Maryhill Winery continues to expand its impressive wine portfolio and establish itself as an industry leader.  Expansive winery grounds include Maryhill's 4,000-seat outdoor amphitheatre, relaxing grape-covered arbor featuring live music every weekend during the summer and a scenic wedding ceremony site.  To learn more about Maryhill Winery and their wines, visit www.maryhillwinery.com.  

About Maryhill Winery

Established in 1999 by Craig and Vicki Leuthold, Maryhill Winery is the 10th largest winery in Washington state, producing 80,000 cases annually.  Nestled among rows of vines along the stunning Columbia River in Goldendale, Wash., Maryhill is a popular destination for picnics, weddings and special events, with an adjacent 4,000-seat outdoor amphitheatre that hosts a world-class summer concert series.  Maryhill's 3,000 sq. ft. tasting room draws more than 75,000 wine enthusiasts from around the globe each year, ranking among the top five most visited wineries in the state.  Maryhill sources grapes from some of the most highly-regarded vineyards in the state to produce 23 varietals and 28 award-winning wines.  

SOURCE Maryhill Winery