Description

Ginkgo Forest Winery Overview

Ginkgo Forest Winery, renowned for its extensive variety of wines, is situated in the fertile Wahluke Slope AVA. The winery notably uses estate-grown premium grapes to create a broad selection of wines tailored for every occasion.

History and Background

The winery is owned and operated by Mike Thiede, who marries his artistic flair and scientific knowledge to produce a distinctive array of wines. Recognizing the symbolic resilience and uniqueness of the ginkgo tree, the winery has planted nearly a thousand of these trees around its premises, aiming to make Ginkgo Forest wines as distinctive as its namesake. The evolution of the winery includes:

• Initial grape planting with varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.
• Establishment and licensing phase followed by the launch of the winery's first four vintages in 2005.
• Expansion to multiple tasting rooms, including one in downtown Tacoma and another in the Winemakers Loft of Prosser.
• Continuous updates to its branding, including logo and label redesigns.

Vineyard Details and Wine Production

Ginkgo Forest Winery boasts a rich variety of wines crafted from grapes nurtured on its estate vineyards. The production lineup includes:

• Varietal wines: Pure expressions of single grape varieties.
• Blends: Skillful combinations of varietals to achieve complex flavors.
• Dessert wines and port-style wines: Sweet, fortified options for post-meal enjoyment.
• Organic wines: Catering to eco-conscious consumers.

Visitor Information and Experiences

Ginkgo Forest Winery offers a plethora of engaging experiences for visitors at both of their tasting room locations:

• Mattawa Vineyard & Winery:

  • Address: 22361 Road T.7 SW, Mattawa, Washington 99349
  • Regular hours include Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday with special Wine Down Wednesday events.
  • Outdoor seating is available where visitors can enjoy the scenic vineyard views.

• Tacoma Waterfront Tasting Room:

  • Address: 2221 N. 30th Street, Tacoma, Washington 98403
  • Open from Friday to Sunday with extended hours and all-day happy hours on Sundays, featuring discounts on select wine glasses and beers.
  • This location also offers small plates to complement the wine tastings.

Visitors can expect regular wine tastings, wines by the glass, and can also attend special events and tours that deepen the understanding and appreciation of wine production.

Notable Wines or Specialties

Ginkgo Forest Winery provides an eclectic range of wines that includes everything from robust reds to delicate whites and specialty fortified wines. The vineyard specializes in using locally-grown grapes from the Wahluke Slope AVA, ensuring each bottle captures the unique terroir of the region.

Contact Information and Location

• Phone:

  • Mattawa: 509-932-0082
  • Tacoma: 253-301-4372

• Visiting Hours and Locations:

  • Mattawa: Open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday; additional bookings by appointment.
  • Tacoma: Open Friday to Sunday; all day happy hour on Sundays.

With its robust selection of wines and beautiful vineyard settings, Ginkgo Forest Winery is dedicated to providing memorable experiences and quality wines that reflect the character of the ginkgo tree itself.