Harbinger Winery and Camaraderie Cellars of Port Angeles, Wind Rose Cellars of Sequim and Eaglemount Wine and Cider of Port Townsend came away big winners at the recent Seattle Wine Awards.
Making the honors even sweeter was the fact that the small local cellars were competing against 1,000 wines from across Washington state, many of which are produced by huge, corporate-owned wineries.
Harbinger received two rare double-gold medals for two red wines — its 2008 Barbera and its 2008 Syrah, Winemaker’s Pick.
To earn double gold, all judges must unanimously agree upon a wine’s gold-medal status.
In addition, Harbinger’s La Petite Fleur (a blend of chardonnay, pinot gris and riesling) took a gold medal, and its 2009 Bolero (a tempranillo blend) won silver.
“All in all, a really nice showing of what the Peninsula wineries are capable of producing,” said Sara Gagnon, Harbinger Winery vintner and co-owner.
Harbinger Winery is located at 2358 W. U.S. Highway 101. It is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.
For more information, phone the winery at 360-452-4262.
Camaraderie Cellars, owned by Vicki and Don Corton, is celebrating its 20th year.
Labor of love
A labor of love for the couple, who moved from Renton, Camaraderie has gone from producing 200 cases to 3,500 — “pretty big for a small winery,” Vicki said.
Camaraderie Cellars’ winemakers at the Seattle Wine Awards won a gold medal for their reserve merlot, silver medals for their malbec and cabernet, and a bronze for their tempranillo.
Camaraderie, at 334 Benson Road, is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Phone 360-417-3564.
By contrast, Wind Rose Cellars is a young concern, ready to mark its first year in operation.
It won gold for its 2011 Rosato Dry Rose.
“It was real exciting,” said winemaker Dave Volmut, who runs Wind Rose with his wife, Jennifer States.
They also won silver for their red Dolcetto and Barberra wines.
Wind Rose Cellars is at 155 W. Cedar St. Hours are from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. Phone 360-358-5469.
Eaglemount Wine and Cider swept the sparkling cider categories, and also won double gold for its red blend.
Located at 2350 Eaglemount Road, the winery is open Thursdays through Mondays, from noon to 5 p.m. Phone 360-732-4084.
For all the 2012 winners, visit seattlewineawards.com.
