The Lemberger grape is rooted in Washington wine industry history. For more than a quarter century this vigorous grape, which begets a fruit-forward, ruby red wine, has thrived in vineyards east of the Cascade Mountain range. But a wine that sounds like a stinky cheese naturally has its share of skeptics – most of which are quick to pass Lemberger by when perusing store shelves for wine. Fortunately, the grape still has a number of champions in the industry today, and they are working hard to change its image.

Medium-bodied with lots of bright fruit and soft tannins, Lemberger is an approachable wine that is sure to appeal to Pinot drinkers, and those who prefer something lighter than a big, bold Bordeaux-style red. The name may stink, but it’s really about what’s in the bottle!

Three Olympic Peninsula Wineries offer handcrafted Lemberger wines, and all are award-winners!

FairWinds Winery’s 2004 Lemberger is oaked and unfiltered; Olympic Cellars’ 2006 Dungeness Red Lemberger wine is made in the Beaujolais-style; and  Harbinger Winery’s Rose de Lemberger is a blend of barrel fermented Lemberger grapes.

Visit the Olympic Peninsula Wineries and give Lemberger a try!