I was first drawn to the Naches Heights Vineyard (NHV) wines the same way that may aspiring wine drinkers discover bottles they love and hate, I looked at the label. While this isn’t the “scientific” or “conventional” way to discover new wines it is how this branding and marketing minded wine drinker explores the wonderful and sometimes overwhelming world of wines.
Phil shared his delicious wine at the Seattle Wine & Food Experience back in February and I was drawn to his charismatic personality and yes, the amazing wine labels! Located in lovely Yakima, the NHV tasting room offers rolling hills, waterfalls and breathtaking views of their vineyards. Their table brochure, absconded on my second trip to their tasting table, highlights facilities that accommodate weddings, meetings, wine tastings, Glamping…yes, they list Glamping. Sign a sister up!
Tell me a bit about yourself, and how you wound up in Wine.
I am a refugee from the tree fruit industry. When I left the apple business I wanted to continue farming. I have always enjoyed wine and a winemaker friend suggested I plant some grapes on the property. What drew me to wine was more the ability to sustain a lifestyle by planting something on my property that would be exciting and relevant to the future. Wine consumption in the United States continues to grow and it seemed like a good idea. I am not a wine maker. I am a grower and director of wine making. We proved high quality fruit for the wine makers to do their magic on. I direct the style of wine that is produced from the vineyards.
Favorite Wine this year?
My favorite wine this year is Carmen; a blend that turned out all to well. I love when that happens. (One a side note, this is my FAVORITE wine that I”ve tasted of his! I call it “the one that started it all!)
Favorite thing about the wine industry?
The people. The Washington wine industry is young enough that we all are helping one another. At some point I imagine that my change but till then. Hoopla!
Fun fact about you?
I love to eat not cook. I can do quite well in the kitchen when my mind is right. Breakfast is my favorite meal.
Fun fact about one of the wines?
Our Riesling goes with anything.
Advice?
New wine drinkers should have Fun first and then read Grapes and Wines: A Comprehensive Guide to Varieties and Flavors, by Oz Clarke & Margaret Rand if they want to get serious.
Connect with NHV
Head over to their website to learn more about their relaxing and welcoming tasting room and event space or read up their recent wine awards. You can also find them on Twitter and Facebook or read Phil’s blog, Grape Minds Think Alike.