Wines of Distinction It is fitting that the landscape, the experience and uniqueness of the Columbia River Gorge is celebrated with federal recognition of the Columbia Gorge as a unique American Viticultural Area. FROM THE MARINE INFLUENCED CLIMATE of
White Salmon Vineyards
Underwood Mountain to the
the White Salmon River in
arid dry land of the Eastern
Skamania County. Grower and
Gorge, it is no surprise that
winemaker, Peter Brehm and
the Columbia River Gorge
Brehm Vineyards have been
is one of America's most
providing grapes to winemak-
unique wine regions. The
ers since 1986. Peter is proud
diversity of grapes, the soil
of the quality of grapes pro-
and the elevation make the
duced on Underwood Moun-
Columbia Gorge a wonder-
tain. The region's cool climate,
ful place for growing grapes.
eastern slope, and volcanic
The Columbia Gorge has
soil provide a terroir for world
long been famous for its
class Chardonnay and Pinot
fine pears, apples, cherries
Noir. White Salmon Vineyards
and other fruits. Grapevines
is opening a new tasting room
were planted by early settlers
in Spring 2010.
lies on the western side of
the driving to a tour guide as you explore the many winer-
along the Columbia’s shorelines. Although these vines
Located at the eastern end
ies in the Gorge. Sit back,
prospered, there were few
of the Gorge, Maryhill Winery
relax and let a guide do the
who recognized their ease of
was named Washington
work for you. Martin’s Gorge
growth with the goal of mak-
Winery of the Year in 2009
Tours will help you discover
ing wine. The Columbia Gorge
by Wine Press Northwest—
the hidden attractions that
lay as an undiscovered viti-
and for good reason. They
make the Columbia River
cultural gem exploited by only
produce 27 different award
Gorge a National Scenic Area
a few brave souls in the early
winning wines and boast
as you make your way to visit
1970s. In the late 1980s and
gorgeous views of Mt. Hood
the wineries in the Gorge.
90s, some of the fruit from
and the Gorge from their tast-
the early vineyards planted
ing room. Consider leaving
began to get into the hands of very good winemakers. Soon
Text and photo courtesy of Peter Brehm, White Salmon Vineyards
W I N E • W AT E R F A L L • W I L D F L O W E R
TOURS
the Columbia Gorge was recognized for its world class grapes. The Columbia Gorge
In the beautiful Columbia River Gorge
brings a climate that is well defined and predictably varied. It has soils accumulated from floods, volcanic eruptions and landslides, creating well suited grape growing conditions.
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Experienced Guide Customized Trips
503.349.1323
877.290.TOUR (8687)
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2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
www.skamania.org
MARTIN
Estate Grown Wines from the heart of the Columbia River Gorge Wines Available Now Tasting Room Open Spring 2010 Call (509) 493-4640 www.WhiteSalmonVineyard.com