Westport Winery’s sparkling cranberry wine, Rapture of the Deep, earned a gold medal and Best of Class award at the 2018 Capital Food & Wine competition held in early March.
Located in the heart of Washington’s Cranberry Coast, Westport has created quite a following with this special wine. Winemaker Dana Roberts said, “It’s always a surprise to red wine enthusiasts that they love this 100% non-grape wine. It features tannins, acid, and boldness, similar to a traditional big red wine.” At the same time, it is also favored by those who enjoy fruit wines, especially during the holidays as it pairs so well with poultry, beef, and pork.
Each of Westport’s labels benefits a local charity. A portion of the proceeds from Rapture is donated to Harbors Home Health & Hospice. Additionally, each wine has a sculpture in the winery’s 20-acre display garden. Rapture’s sculpture hangs under a living roof structure in the Something Blue Garden. It was created by Cosmopolis artists Johnny and Darlene Camp of Opal Art Glass.
Jetty Cat, a red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Petite Sirah garnered a silver medal at the competition. Shiver Me Timbers a unique blend of passionfruit, orange, guava and Riesling brought home a bronze medal.
Dana Roberts will be pouring and selling these wines at the St. Martin’s Alumni Capital Food & Wine Festival in Lacey on Saturday, March 24 from noon to 9pm.
In 2017 the Westport Winery was named Greater Grays Harbor Business of the Year. The Sea Glass Grill at Westport Winery Garden Resort was voted #2 winery restaurant in the nation by USA Today. The business has been voted Best Winery by King 5 Evening Magazine seven times.
In 2016 Westport Winery was honored as one of the top twenty most-admired wineries in North America by Winery & Vineyard Management Magazine. The business earned Best Winery, Best Wine Shop, and Best Boutique Winery for 2016 by South Sound Magazine. They received the Grays Harbor Environmental Stewardship Award in 2015. They were named the Best Washington Family Business Silver Medal winners in 2012 by Seattle Business Magazine. And in 2011 they garnered Washington Winery to Watch by Wine Press Northwest.
Westport Winery’s new location at 810 Broadway in Seaside is open daily from 11am to 6pm and until 8pm on Friday and Saturday. Family-friendly Westport Winery Garden Resort, is located on the corner of Highway 105 and South Arbor Road halfway between Aberdeen and Westport. The Sea Glass Grill at the resort is open daily or breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and until 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. For more information or reservations call 360-648-2224.