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Governor Christine Gregoire told a trade mission in Europe that California makes "jug wine." But that state may actually beat Washington wine in quality. (PHOTO: Brandi Kruse)

Yes governor, California does make 'jug wine'

BY Brandi Kruse  on April 24, 2012 @ 3:21 pm (Updated: 5:50 am - 4/25/12 )

When Washington Governor Christine Gregoire took a shot at the California wine industry Monday, she got a big laugh from supporters. But as it turns out, there may not be a whole lot of validity to her statement.

During the signing of a capital construction budget that allotted $5 million for a wine research facility in Richland, Wash., Gregoire recalled a trade mission to Europe where she was asked about California wine.

"They make jug wine. We make fine wine," she said. "We're the second largest producer, but no one holds a candle to the quality of Washington state."

According to a wine expert, her statement was a half-truth.

"I think the comment would probably be more accurate to say that Washington cannot keep up with California when it comes to making 'jug wine,'" said Certified Sommelier David LeClaire, owner and CEO of Wine World in Seattle.

LeClaire said there are few wineries in Washington that are capable of producing "jug wine," while California has many vineyards who can offer "mass-produced wine at a very affordable rate."

"When it comes to the high quality wine, I think Washington and California are very equal. It's the inexpensive wine that we have a hard time competing with."

But the award for overall quality may go to California as well.

When Wine Spectator ranked the world's "Top 100" wines of 2011, only one Washington winery was worthy of the top ten.

Baer Winery's Ursa Columbia Valley 2008 earned the sixth spot for its "suppleness and pure flavors," while three California wines ranked among the top ten, with the Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2009 taking home honors for Wine of the Year.

But LeClaire said that fine wines produced in Washington would beat out those in California for value.

Of all California wines tasted by Wine Spectator in 2011 (2,753), the average price per bottle was $71. The price for an average bottle of Washington wine tasted (722) was $44.

If price were not an issue, however, "California would be nudging ahead of Washington in a lot of categories."

"I think if you were to make the assumption that Washington does high quality wine and California does 'jug wine,' that would be insulting," LeClaire said. "I don't think she really meant that all their wine was 'jug wine.' She's just supporting the team."

Steve Warner, executive director of the Washington State Wine Commission, agrees that the governor's comment was not meant as an insult.

"I think the point the Governor was making is that Washington state is so unique, and because of that uniqueness the quality has consistently been there," Warner said. "I think the governor was just stating that she fully stands behind the people and the industry and we do make high-quality, fine wines."

Brandi Kruse, KIRO Radio Reporter
Brandi Kruse is a reporter for KIRO Radio who is as spontaneous and adventurous in her free time as she is on the job. Brandi arrived at KIRO Radio in March 2011 and has already collected three regional Edward R. Murrow awards for her reporting.
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Comments (24)


  • Add A Comment

  • CH wrote...
    I knew it . . . .
    April 25, 2012 5:46 am
    Yes the governor drinks California 'jug wine'. What else do you think she partakes in?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • ron prevost wrote...
    she was drunk.............
    April 25, 2012 5:50 am
    with power ?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Country_Dog wrote...
    We cannot trim any more fat from the budget
    April 25, 2012 6:35 am
    We are at the bare bones.

    ...oh, but we do have $5 million for a wine research facility.

    oh well, whatever, nevermind.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Paul T. wrote...
    But as it turns out, there may not be a whole lot of validity to her statement.
    April 25, 2012 7:04 am
    What else is new? Oh, don't go Christine. Just go away!!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • anotherfencewalker wrote...
    un-news...
    April 25, 2012 7:35 am
    Lame duck elected offcials are a hoot when it comes to public comments about stuff no one gives a crap about..
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Really??? wrote...
    OUR Governor makes a statement SUPPORTING Washington small businesses...
    April 25, 2012 8:11 am
    And all these commenters still want to find some fault in what she did/said, unbelievable!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • mnpat wrote...
    Nothing wrong with supporting small businesses
    April 25, 2012 9:03 am
    But being civil....you don;t need to lambaste the same small businesses in another state
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • maplefish wrote...
    She is the ENEMY
    April 25, 2012 4:04 pm
    of ALL Small business. Look at all the stupid friggin regulations she has put on Small Business...Aparently, you are clueless.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • 509 wrote...
    Well, it is all a game.....
    April 25, 2012 11:08 am
    California has the Matterhorn in Anaheim and Washington state has wineries in Woodenville!! My question is why are Washington wines so much more expensive in Washington than California?? Is it the Queen's taxes??
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Nickatnyt wrote...
    So, half of what she said was true?
    April 25, 2012 11:30 am
    Well that is 90% more than usual.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • lazarus wrote...
    The difference
    April 25, 2012 11:30 am
    Queen Christine wouldn't know Mateus from Mad dog 20/20, let alone a fine Klinderbrick Zin vs. Stags Leap Cab. What's amazing is that she hasn't learned to keep her foot out of her mouth after all these years.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • mawall wrote...
    Mateus & Mad dog
    April 25, 2012 11:47 am
    Name dropper!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • ron prevost wrote...
    All Cristie knows is like the late great (6'6") 'Tiny' Freeman said on his one venture into politics (1972 - US congress, of all things)
    April 25, 2012 12:24 pm
    "Tokay is O.K. . But muscatel is swell."
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • notmygov1 wrote...
    This ugly woman
    April 25, 2012 4:22 pm
    She has no clue on anything she has destroyed the State and i can not wait till she gone FOREVER..............
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }