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Amount (in millions of U.S. dollars) that Linfield College in Oregon’s Willamette Valley has been given to start a
wine studies degree program focused on wine management, hospitality and sales. The gift came from Grace and Ken Evenstad, owners of Domaine Serene. Linfield College is the site of the annual International Pinot Noir Celebration (IPNC) considered to be the top pinot noir event in the U.S. This summer the 31st IPNC will take place.

Washington State is the second largest wine region in the U.S. behind California. Which of the following is NOT one of top 4 wine grapes grown in the State?

A. Riesling

B. Merlot

C. Chardonnay

D. Syrah

More than 40 grape varieties are grown in Washington, but three quarters of the wine production is made up of just four grape varieties: cabernet sauvingon, riesling, chardonnay, and merlot. Syrah comes in fifth with only a half as much produced as fourth-placed merlot. That said, syrah is the grape to watch here. The quality of Washington State syrahs is shockingly good.

“Maybe it’s because I’m getting older, I’m finding enjoyment in things that stop time. Just the simple act of tasting a glass of wine is its own event. You’re not downing a glass of wine in the midst of doing something else.”

—David Hyde Pierce, Actor

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