Goose Ridge News

NEWS SEASONAL NEWSLETTER • MARCH 2020

A Climate of Excellence Family owned. Estate grown.

Letter from the Monson Family Greetings from Goose Ridge, Welcome to our new seasonal newsletter. We are excited to share our family’s legacy and diversity in Washington agriculture, and look forward to bringing you the latest from our winery, including news on wine releases, product updates, events at our tasting rooms, as well as the in the moment happenings on our 2,200 acres of estate vineyards, apple and cherry orchards and more. As a third-generation farming family from the heart of Washington state, we believe that we don’t farm for this generation, but for the next one. Our grandfather passed this belief on to our father who passed along to each of us. We know it holds true not just for our farming and vineyard practices, but as we grow our winery operations, too.

Tiffany Stetson, our general manager of DTC sales, will keep you up to date on special wine offerings and events at our four (yes four!) tasting rooms in Woodinville, Walla Walla, Leavenworth and here in Richland.

Now we have the fourth generation coming up the ranks at Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard & Winery. With their arrival comes curiosity, innovative thinking and great ideas for the future. We’ll keep you informed of our momentum by offering you direct access to our family and team each quarter. You’ll hear from our head of winemaking, Andrew Wilson, as well as our viticulturist Sydney Anderson, who will take you behind the scenes with vineyard and cellar updates.

Will Wright, our head of sales, along with Taylor Monson will bring you account and product news, while

Valerie Monson | Bill Monson | Molly Monson Stutesman

Along the way, we’ll introduce you to our entire team, who truly are a part of our extended family. Most of all, we look forward to meeting you over a glass of wine soon, either in one of our tasting rooms or when we’re out on the road at tastings and events across the country. Here’s to a great 2020!

Cheers!

The Monson Family

From the Vineyard

Working on the Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard definitely requires a rhythm with the seasons. With 2,200 acres of estate vineyards and an additional 800 acres of cherry and apple orchards, we’re managing three major harvests over the course of one year. We’re grateful for our permanent crew who rotate off of vineyards and onto our apple and cherry orchards throughout the year. Consistency matters and we couldn’t do it without them. With the 2019 grape harvest behind us, we’re pruning and preparing for budbreak.

I’m also keeping an eye on our petition for Goose Gap, a new sub-AVA within Columbia Valley that’s with the TTB for review. From the peak of our estate on Goose Mountain, we can see major eastern Washington land marks. Red Mountain to the north, Candy and Badger Mountain to the east, the Horse Heaven Hills to the south and Skyfall vineyard to the west. From this view point we can also see the geographical features of Goose Gap and its unique micro climate that contributes to a rain shadow affect on Goose Mountain with its natural downward slope to the Yakima River. While at the top of Goose Mountain, you have a front row seat to rain clouds and fog that maneuver around the mountain instead of crossing over the top. This makes Goose Mountain the apex of viticulture and winemaking here at Goose Ridge. Composed of the most exceptional blocks on the Estate, these vines are handled with exacting attention to detail before we turn the fruit over to our winemaker Andrew Wilson for prestine vinification and aging that yields wines with the truest expression of our Estate’s terroir. We invite you to see Goose Mountain for yourself on your next visit to Goose Ridge. Andrew might even share some Goose Mountain wine with you.

Sydney Anderson: Viticulturist

From the Cellar

Andrew Wilson, Winemaker As a winemaker, it all comes down to harvest. All we do year round in the vineyard and cellar prepares us for picking and crushing those grapes. 2019 was a bit cooler than past vintages, but I find cool years result in more structured and ageable wines than warmer vintages. Also, what some call a challenging harvest, often turns out to be the most intriguing, letting us winemakers demonstrate a different stylistic impression on the wines than in warmer vintages.

Our 2019 whites and early ripening reds are showing more fruit intensity than past vintages here at Goose Ridge. We recently completed bottling of the 2019 Pinot Gris, Riesling and Rosé wines, and all have a delightful intensity and balance I am excited about. I’m working with Viognier, Roussanne, and Grenache Blanc from the estate vineyard to craft our expressive Rhone white blend, as well as the varietal wines we release for the wine club. If you get a chance, pick up the 2017 Goose Ridge Viognier, which is showing beautifully right now! Next we will be assembling the 2019 Sauvignon Blanc blend, as well as the 2019 Stonecap, Tall Sage, and G3 Chardonnay blends. We’re also playing with the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, which is proving to be a very balanced and focused style I’m loving. I am eagerly looking forward to finishing that blend and getting it into bottles.

I invite you to come and taste with us. Just let Will Wright or Taylor Monson know when you’ll be in our neck of the woods. I look forward to opening a bottle with you soon.

Wind in our Sales

This past November, we celebrated our 11-year partnership with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits by hosting the Washington Leadership team at our winery. Reach out to plan your own visit. We look forward to hosting you and your teams soon!

The Evolution of g3: The 2016 vintage kicked off a major label ‘refresh’ for our g3 series. The eye catching three geese represent the Monson’s three generations of farming.

Continuing the evolution, the 2018 g3 red wines will see another slight label update with font enhancements. Due to hit the market Spring 2020.

On the Road: We have an aggressive market visit schedule in Q2 2020. Our Goose Ridge team will be visiting Alaska, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California, Illinois, Nevada, Arizona & Maryland. Q3 will be equally busy with an East Coast blitz in select markets. Hope to see you in 2020!

Sasquatch Sightings: In Q2 of 2020, we’re introducing our refreshed Cascadian Outfitters can label, highlighting Sasquatch in a simplified design.

Celebrating Diversity & Inclusion: Cascadian Outfitters supports the Greater Seattle Business Association (GBSA) Scholarship Fund with a limited-edition rainbow designed can. THE GSBA gives students the gift of education and works towards a future of equality. Make sure to catch the Cascadian Rosé Bubbles this spring and summer!

What’s Coming Next: 2020 is full of exciting Goose Ridge news. In our next newsletter look for updates on 1.5 and 3 liter Premium Estate Boxed Wine, ultra-premium Estate Cabernet, premium hard-ciders and our highly anticipated VIDO Vodka launch!

Will Wright National Sales and Marketing Manager willw@gooseridge.com

Tasting Room News

My name is Tiffany Stetson and I’m the GM for Direct to Consumer Sales at Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard & Winery. That’s a fancy way to say I manage all four of our fabulous tasting rooms, as well as our very popular Goose Ridge Wine and Cider Clubs. With the launch of our newsletter, I’m looking forward to bringing you updates on events and special offerings from our four tasting rooms, as well as select pouring events across Washington. Whether you’re in Woodinville, Leavenworth, Walla Walla or right here in Richland, we look forward to welcoming you in for a tasting.

The Monson family exudes homegrown generosity and graciousness and that extends into each of our tasting rooms with a convivial setting that encourages visitors to relax with friends and family. It’s our goal to create a casual and inviting spaces where our guests can get to know our wine and cider offerings and take them home to share with their own family and friends.

You are invited to visit our Tasting Rooms.

Please contact tiffany@gooseridge.com

Woodinville – Located in the heart of the Hollywood district. Our passion for live music has inspired the creation of our own Goose Ridge Spotify play list paired with our wines. Come in and feel the vibes, while tasting new releases, including the Goose Ridge 2019 Rose and 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Leavenworth – Our tasting room in Leavenworth boasts a patio and fireplace with comfortable seating throughout. Its central location and specialized tastings make Goose Ridge a favorite with local club members hanging out with tourists from all over the state.

Tiffany Stetson, GM Walla Walla – Our downtown location sits across from the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel, making this tasting room a busy destination for leisurely tasting experiences, featuring live music, special wine releases and our delicious cider.

Richland – This is our mothership. When you visit us here, you’re coming home. It’s not uncommon to see the Monsons visiting with locals and visitors alike.

Located in the heart of our estate vineyards, our tasting room is a renovated cattle sale barn, paying homage to the Monson family’s history as cattle ranchers. With an average of only 8 inches of rain a year, you can bet we take advantage of the sunshine with our endless yard games and bocce ball courts. Our proximity to the winery also means guests can access our Director of Winemaking, Andrew Wilson. In early March, we offered a blending experience with Andrew letting participants create their own blend – and labels – to take home.

Ten Questions with Suzanne Monson 1. W hat do your grandchildren call you?

They call me ‘Amma’, which was started by my eldest grandson. I find those endearing names so special!

2. W hat’s your favorite thing to cook?

I have many favorite recipes, but my most favorite dish is the one I get to prepare from start to finish for my family! Having everyone around the table is the most special.

3. I f you weren’t a farmer / rancher what would you be?

Pursuing golf!

4. W hat favorite advice did you give your kids?

The world is yours. Be honest, turn the negatives into positives and be true to yourself.

5. What would those close to you be surprised to know about you?

A big part of my life has always been the game of golf. I started playing when I was 11 years old, and along the way won many city titles out of Yakima, Washington. It is very special to me now, because I still get to enjoy the sport with my kids and grandkids.

6. W hat’s your favorite family tradition at Goose Ridge?

Spending quality time at the farm, whether that be riding quads through the vineyards, tasting grapes before harvest, family picnics, and many, many laughs at our special park.

7. Cherry pie or apple pie?

Cherry, but I love making apple pie out of our Granny Smith apples!

8. W hat’s your fondest memory from the cattle?

One of many fond memories is when I got the chance to get behind the wheel of our new feed truck! We drove it all the way from Eaton, Colorado to Outlook, Washington.

9. W hat do you love most about your home state of Washington?

Having four seasons and how it affects our agriculture.

10. W hat are you drinking right now?

The Goose Ridge Chardonnay.

In 1998, Suzanne Monson, with her late husband Arvid, worked with Dr. Walker Clore to establish Goose Ridge’s vineyards on Richland’s arid hills and valleys.

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Regional Tastings We look forward to keeping you apprised of future events where we will be pouring our Goose Ridge wines.

Please stop by and say hi!

Let’s Be Social

www.gooseridge.com

Tasting Room at Richland, WA 16304 N Dallas Rd Richland, WA 99352 509.628.3880 info@gooseridge.com

Tasting Room at Woodinville, WA 14450 Woodinville Redmond Rd NE Suite #108 Woodinville, WA 98072 425.488.0200 info@gooseridge.com

Tasting Room at Leavenworth, WA 920 Front Street B3 Leavenworth, WA 98826 509.470.8676 info@gooseridge.com

Tasting Room at Walla Walla, WA 9 North Second Ave Walla Walla, WA 99362 509.876.4046 info@gooseridge.com

Production & Corporate Office 63615 East Jacobs Road Benton City, WA 99320 509.627.6249 info@gooseridge.com