Wine predates written history. As early humans became more sedentary (about 10,000 BC), wild grapes became domesticated with farming. Soon after, it's believed that formal winemaking began. The earliest archeological evidence of wine was found in Georgia, a small country at the crossroads of West Asia and Eastern Europe, and dated to about 6,000 BC. The first formal winery was found in Armenia and dated to about 4,100 BC, with equipment similar to what's used today.
Most wine production in the Americas is based on Old World grape varieties, and until the late 1900s, American wine was viewed as inferior to that of the famous wine-making regions of France and Italy. However, American wine is now more sophisticated and has began to garner respect worldwide.
Washington State is second in U.S. wine production behind California. But much of California's volume is jug wine, whereas Washington produces only premium wines, on a par with the Napa and Sonoma regions of California. Award-winning Washington wines are now available in all 50 states and in more than 40 countries worldwide.
Commercial-scale plantings began in the 1960s in Washington State. As in Europe, Washington State boasts a number of growing regions, each producing its own nuanced flavors based on the soil and growing conditions. From the Yakima Valley to Southwestern Washington, from Eastern Washington and to the Cascade Slopes, no wine is the same.
Here in the Cascade Farmlands, there are almost 70 wineries (out of 850 statewide); many also grow their grapes on site. Today, a new winery opens about once a month, joining Washington's almost 5-billion-dollar wine industry.
In the Chelan area, the wineries offer a wide range of varieties and blends. Pinot Noir, Malbec, Cabernet, Viognier, Riesling, and Syrah are common in the region. Lake Chelan is becoming known as a wine region that can hold its own, with many local wines bringing home awards, and the area is becoming an international destination for wine connoisseurs.
At the cache location, not only are the vineyards reminiscent of European wine regions, but the architecture also evokes the Old World. Here you can imagine a European castle or Italian estate with a large vineyard acting as a backdrop, a rustic setting with rolling hills and blue skies.
Cache was placed with awareness and permission of the winery manager.
PLEASE BE SURE TO REPLACE CACHE EXACTLY AS FOUND!!!
This cache was originally part of the 2016-18 Cascade Farmlands GeoRomp, a 12-cache series that showcased the agriculture, recreation, and scenery of north-central Washington, with pathtag prizes for finishers. Each cache had a different theme and highlighted a different community: Leavenworth, Plain, Peshastin, Cashmere, Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, Entiat, Chelan, Manson, Orondo, Waterville, and Quincy.