Director of Winemaking & Viticulture Gilles Nicault Reflects on 30 Years in Washington

I couldn't be more proud to be part of such a captivating and dynamic industry here in the Pacific Northwest for the last thirty years. The industry has experienced incredible growth over the past three decades, both in terms of quantity and quality; reaching a level that now competes with some of the top wines from around the world.

The Washington Wine Commission has a staggering 30-year overview of this incredible growth.

Back in 1994, after earning a four-year degree in winemaking and viticulture in the Rhône Valley, I followed my passion for wine and travels and I committed to a one year internship at Staton Hills Winery in Yakima. At the time, the Washington wine industry had only 75 wineries. I moved to Washington from France, with little knowledge about this place I would eventually call my home. I was surprised to learn that we can grow bold, solid wines here. Despite being close to Canada and the well-known cool climate wines of the Willamette Valley to the south, Washington's Vineyards have thrived.

The truth is that the majority of the state's vineyards are located on the Eastern side of the state, a wine region known as the Columbia Valley (CV). This Region is situated in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains and boasts cool winters, hot summer days, and cool nights, perfect conditions that lead to rich, well-balanced wines.

Washington State is a diverse growing region, home to 21 different American Viticultural Areas (AVA). The largest AVA is the Columbia Valley which encompasses 16 of the 21 AVA in itself. Each capable of producing different styles of wine and achieving perfect physiological maturity, making the CV one of the most diverse wine regions I know of. From mind-blowing Cabernet Sauvignon, seriously delicious Merlot, lip smacking Syrah, Sangiovese and Tempranillo, to lively vibrant whites and all the Rhône varietals so dear to my heart! There is truly something for everyone here. Earlier this year, James Suckling's team conducted an interview with me while tasting the Long Shadows wines and talking about the CV's diversity.

I fell in love with the Pacific Northwest, not only for its vast potential for making top notch wines but also for the warm welcome I have received throughout the years and what nature offers in this part of the world. There are many incredible places on earth, but the genuine people, the dramatic landscape, the ever growing gastronomy scene and outside activities are what make the Pacific Northwest such a unique place to be... So here I am, thirty years later, still roaming the vineyards of the CV and loving it.

I am deeply grateful for the many people who supported me throughout the years. I feel blessed and very fortunate. I owe my winemaking career to two people who took me under their wings and trusted me. Having worked at Woodward Canyon with Rick Small from 1996-2003, I was exposed to his passionate commitment to quality. When Allen Shoup hired me to oversee the production at Long Shadows Vintners, his visionary leadership and dedication to our industry propelled me into a dream winemaking position, one that I am still passionate about today.