Here are some news items to start off the new year.

Va Piano Buys Acreage in SaVein Vineyards

Last week, Justin Wylie's Va Piano Vineyards announced the purchase of 53 acres in the SeVain Development in the South Valley, on the Oregon side. The vineyard will be planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, primarily for the winey's Club varietal program. Also some Sangiovese will be grown for a "Super Tuscan" wine program. METIS facilitated the acquisition.

The Marcus Whitman Hotel Sold to Columbia Hospitality

Also announced last week was the sale of Walla Walla's venerable hotel has been sold to the Columbia Hospitality management company. Kyle Mussman remains a partner in the operation. There are plans to upgrade the hotel and dining facilities. 

Chateau Ste Michelle's Paula Elam Passes Away

On December 20, Paula Renée Elam who headed Chateau Ste Michelle's Sparking Wine division since 2015 passed away. She was largely responsible for expanding the Winery's sparking wine program which in addition to the Domaine Ste Michelle line, includes the upscale "Luxe" line which will be reviewed in the February issue of the Review of Washington Wines.

Dan McCarthy Passes Away

Another death in the wine industry is that of Dan McCarthy of the Seattle wine retailer, McCarthy & Scheirin, on December 3 in Mexico. I knew Dan as a highly respected competitor when I owned Esquin Wine Merchants until 1997. As a friendly and affable gentleman, he will be missed. 

Washington Wine License Plates Now Available 

The law establishing a program for Washington wine vehicle license plates has gone into effect. The plates depict The Benches Vineyard at the Wallula Junction on the Columbia River. Applications for the new plates is on line only, through "Washington Wine Commission Plate" website.