News
WILLIS HALL WINEMAKER, JOHN BELL, HONORED
WILLIS HALL winemaker, John Bell, was honored by Seattle Magazine in their inaugural Washington Wine Awards. John was named Best New Winemaker in Washington. Check out the April 2006 issue of the magazine for details.
JOHN BELL HONORED AGAIN
In the March 7-13, 2007, issue of Seattle Weekly, Roger Downey wrote, 'It's no surprise when John Bell fields half a dozen knockout reds from his 2003 Willis Hall collection; Bell is a master winemaker who's mentored a whole generation of Washington producers.' Thanks, Roger. You do Willis Hall and John Bell honor.
WILLIS HALL IN THE NEWS
Many thanks to Braiden Rex-Johnson for her article in the November 9, 2008, issue of Pacific NW, The Seattle Times Sunday Magazine, "Six Savvy Young Wineries to Watch," in which Willis Hall is profiled.
GREGUTT LIKES OUR WINES, TOO!!
In the April 11, 2007, issue of The Seattle Times, wine writer, Paul Gregutt, wrote a very complimentary column on Willis Hall and winemaker John Bell. Paul also reviewed several of our wines and wrote very favorable comments on them. Thanks, Paul!
JOHN BELL ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Read what John Bell has to say about entrepreneurship in Pat Sisneros' excellent column in the December 7, 2009, issue of The Everett Herald. Thanks, Pat.
GREAT MENTION FOR JOHN BELL
Willis Hall winemaker, John Bell, was named one of 10 Washington Winemakers to Watch by Winefoot.com blogger, Duane Pemberton, one of the most followed and honest wine bloggers in the Pacific Northwest, and Sarah Bagdon, whose appreciation of wines of depth and character is unparalleled. Many thanks for the recognition, Duane and Sarah.
What's Happening
THE LATEST...
MOTHER NATURE is on track to providing the second year in a row of cold, wet weather in Washington vineyards, perhaps a record-breaking year. 2010 was generally the coldest year on record for Washington vineyards, and 2011, so far, is colder yet. Of perhaps even more consequence was a significant freeze event at the end of November 2010 in which many vines were frozen before their sap had returned to their roots, thus bursting and killing the vines. John is anticipating not making grape wine again this year and reverting as he did last year to making a de minimus amount of raspberry dessert wine to maintain Willis Hall's small-producer federal tax credit. This actually is not a bad thing for Willis Hall. Significant amounts of past vintages need to be sold, and John will focus his attention this fall on that aspect of winery survival rather than on the winemaking process. Besides, last year's raspberry wine, Razz-ma-Tazz, practically flew out of the winery, and all stocks currently are depleted. UPDATE - Razz v2.0 has been bottled and awaits only labeling in order to be ready for enjoyment by the time the holidays arrive!
John continues to work overtime to get the Willis Hall brand established. As previously reported, the Willis Hall brand is being represented in the Puget Sound area by A&B Imports, a specialty distributor headquartered in Seattle. John also has engaged 2 Acre Wine Company to sell and distribute Willis Hall wines in eastern Washington and northern Idaho. Be sure to frequently visit the EVENTS section below for updates on exciting wine events where John and/or Willis Hall wines will be featured.
Events
GIFTS FROM THE EARTH AUCTION DINNER
Willis Hall again will be supporting this annual auction and dinner that supports the activities of the South Seattle Community College Foundation. Scholarships and operational support are funded by earnings generated at this event. Join John for a fun evening of wine tasting followed by a fabulous dinner prepared by one of 15 acclaimed chefs from the greater Seattle area. It's an event not to be missed!
- South Seattle Community College
- Saturday, January 29, 2012 - 5:00pm
- (206)768-6616
ST. VALENTINE'S DAY SMALL-PLATES WINEMAKER EVENT
Join John at what has become a fantastic tradition - St Valentine's Day Small-Plates Winemaker Event at Wicked Cellars in Everett, featuring the fabulous culinary creations of Ritch Sorgen and Marlies Egberding, owners of The Savory Table and proprietors of Wicked Cellars. John, Ritch, and Marlies are working on the menu now, but you can bet the pairings will be exquisite and the event will be memorable. Treat your special sweetie to a special evening! Seating is limited, so sign up NOW.
- Wicked Cellars
- Tuesday, February 14, 2012 - 7:00pm
- (425)258-3117
GUIDE TO WASHINGTON WINES
John has again been invited by one of the most knowledgeable people in the wine and hospitality industry to participate in teaching about winemaking and the various growing regions (AVAs) in Washington. This class is one of a series encompassed within the continuing education curriculum at South Seattle Community College. The series instructor, Dieter Schafer, is one of the true gentlemen of the industry. He is a member of the Society of Wine Educators and has been involved in the hospitality industry for over 50 years. If you're curious about how Washington wines are grown and made, this is the class for you! Wine tasting is included with all classes in the series.
- South Seattle Community College
- Tuesday, March 6, 2012 - 6:00pm
- (206)764-5339
EASTSIDE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAM AUCTION
John and Kit will again participate in this annual auction to support the programs needed to protect and house battered individuals and families. Willis Hall wines and those from a few other wineries will be poured at the silent auction that precedes the auction dinner. Join us for an informative and enjoyable evening of bidding and dining, all accompanied by some of the best wines around. Bid frequently to support the much-needed services provided by the Eastside Domestic Violence Program (EDVP).
- Meydenbauer Center
- Saturday, May 5, 2012 - 5:00pm
- (425)562-8840; X-253
AUCTION OF WASHINGTON WINES PICNIC
Willis Hall wines will again be a part of the largest wine industry auction event of the year. John and Kit will be pouring Willis Hall wines on the grounds of Chateau Ste. Michelle as part of the PICNIC portion of the weekend-long Auction of Washington Wines. Proceeds from this auction weekend provide support for uncompensated care at Children's Hospital as well as operating funds and scholarships for the Washington Wine Industry Foundation. Many winemakers will be strolling the grounds, pouring their wines. Come on out and share in the fun as well as provide much-needed financial support to two very worthy charities.
- Chateau Ste. Michelle
- Thursday, August 15, 2012 - 3:00pm
- (206)326-5747