Any key wine destination, such as Walla Walla, is bound to have its home-state critics. Earlier this month, a developer in Yakima, called WW ‘cute’, saying “however, there was a lot of cute towns in E. Washington.”

Well, here in Walla Walla, we have never aspired to ‘cute’, preferring to reflect the genuine lifestyle that is our community. However, WWWN did like the comment made by the new majority owner (see our story below) of Three Rivers Winery, in the formal announcement of his purchase. William Foley (former Fidelity CEO and California winery owner) remarked, “(Walla Walla is) …the center of the wine world in terms of the state of Washington.”

Of course, the Three Rivers ownership change signals a huge wave of recognition from outside the state as to our importance as a wine growing region.

Add to that, the news that Precept Brands intend to build a 250,000 case winery and tasting room near Lowden (more in the article below.)

This super-charged attention to our valley, is due in part to the quality of our wines, but also can be attributed to the incredible focus our wineries (and their wine association) have made in maintaining our reputation as a ‘world-class wine region.’ The recent trade and consumer tasting in New York City and the upcoming June trade event in San Francisco will go a long way to garner national acknowledgment of the unique positioning of our appellation’s wines.

What’s up with the numerous applications to the liquor board for fruit and/or wine distillery licenses? (thanks to M, who alerted us) We will update you as we learn more about Northstar and Spring Valley Vineyards’ plans for their new WSLCB distillery licenses. Port or brandy comes immediately to mind. What DO you call port-like wines now that the word PORT is reserved for those fortified wines exclusively from Portugal?

Last year, we reported on a development project east of town that was to have 300 plus homes, a boutique hotel and 9-hole golf course. While it looked like a sure thing when first announced, our best bet now is that won’t happen under the current national economic climate. However, a development west of town, minus a hotel but with an 18 hole championship course, is gaining traction.

In January, we reported that permits for the Marcus Whitman Hotel’s move upwards for a rooftop lounge had been secured. Latest tidbit is that it is now on hold.

However, there has been no downturn in development projects, from new lodging proposals to a number of multi-winery tasting rooms, some already under construction. And how will the roar of big pipes pair with cabernet when a Harley-Davidson storefront opens in the former Brickstone Gallery location?