Alumni, College Cellars of Walla Walla rock San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
The 2019 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition generated more critical acclaim for the Pacific Northwest, and much of it stems from College Cellars of Walla Wallaand alumni of the community college’s vaunted winemaking program.
Leading the Northwest highlights at the largest wine competition in North America was Aaron Peet, winemaker for Cellardoor Winery in Linconlville, Maine.
Peet, who graduated from Walla Walla Community College’s Institute for Enology and Viticulture in 2008, earned best of class for the Cellardoor 2017 Riesling and 2017 Chenin Blanc. His work also was awarded an impressive trio of unanimous double gold medals for his 2015 Pinot Noir, 2017 Syrah and 2017 The Buoy Red Blend. There were five gold medals, too.
“This is incredible news!” Peet said via email. “It means a lot to me and Cellardoor that a small, unknown winery can do well at a renowned competition like the San Francisco Chronicle.”
Peet’s winemaking amassed 10 gold medals for the Maine winery, and he relied on Washington grapes for most of his awards.