When you think of Washington State, is rain the first image that comes to mind?
Yes, it may be drizzly nine months of the year in Seattle, but when you hop across the Cascades into the Columbia Valley, the weather tells a different story.
Sitting underneath the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountain range, some of the regions in the Columbia Valley receive less than 8 inches of precipitation a year. Compare that to Seattle’s 37 inches of rain, and you’ll think twice when you picture Washington.
Thriving in this dry, semi-arid climate lies the best winery you’ve probably never heard of - Borne of Fire. Its sharp, head turning name succinctly reflects its rich flavor and deep-rooted history that began way back in the hands of the region’s early settlers.
A HISTORY RISEN FROM FLAMES
Borne of Fire is a winery unlike any other. Their Cabernet and Chardonnay grapes are grown in a remote region in the southwest corner of the Columbia Valley, known to locals as “The Burn”. The name originated from the time early settlers of the region set fire to the land in the fall to replenish and rejuvenate the grasslands for their horses come spring. With soil rich in clay, fierce winds, and the Columbia River rushing by its side, The Burn quickly found its calling as an unparalleled wine growing region.
To commemorate “The Burn”, Borne of Fire took one last commemorative burn to the land before planting their grapes. Now look at what has risen…
THE WINE
Borne of Fire produces two extraordinary wine varietals. Its most popular is the Borne of Fire Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, that blends 80% Cabernet and 20% Zinfandel grapes. Despite its dark origins, their Cabernet is contrastingly light and fruity. Its herbal expressive aromas and notes of red currant, black cherry, savory spice and red pepper please the palate with a smooth lacey texture and no hard edges.
Their Chardonnay is also bright and packed with flavor. Take a sip and you’ll taste juicy pear and citrus flavors along with floral notes and a hint of tarragon.
TASTE BORNE OF FIRE AT SKAMANIA LODGE
Now that your mouth is watering, discover where you can enjoy a bottle Borne of Fire yourself.
This September at Skamania Lodge, we’ve crafted a tantalizing wine menu composed entirely from the Columbia Valley, including Borne of Fire’s Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. This month only, you’ll save 10% off when you buy a bottle. And with fall just around the corner, September is the perfect time for a romantic getaway or midweek escape with friends. Come relax and unwind with a bottle on our outdoor patio surrounded by crisp fresh air, or gaze at mesmerizing mountain views from your table in the Cascade Dining Room.
Seating is available Sunday through Thursday for lunch & dinner from 11am to 9pm, first-come first-serve. Reservations for Friday & Saturday evenings in Cascade Dining Room are available to in-house guests only, while walk-ins are available first-come first-serve in the River Rock Lounge. Call 844-509-2508.
To learn more about wines of the Columbia Valley, click here to visit our website.
Take a Peek at our September Wine List:
Borne of Fire Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, WA 2018
Stone Fruits, Flowers, Hint of Tarragon
45 w/discount 39
Borne of Fire Cabernet, Columbia Valley, WA 2017
Pomegranate, Stoney Minerals, Cherry, Currant, Savory Spice, Red Pepper
52 w/discount 47
Balboa, Rose, Columbia Valley, WA 2017
Still waiting for tasting notes
48 w/discount 43
L’ecole “Lumineesce”, Columbia Valley. WA 2015
Citrus Honey, White Peach, Lemon Tart
55 w/discount 49
Bookwalter, Cabernet, Columbia valley, WA 2016
Aromatics of Cassis, Red Currants, Blackberries
49 w/discount 44
Quilceda Creek, Cabernet, Columbia Valley, WA 2013
Raspberry, Plum, Cassis, Fig, Violet, Graphite, Cedar
300 w/discount 270
Dunham Cellars, Cabernet. “XXI”. Columbia valley, WA 2015
Black Currants, Fennel, Dried Herbs
88 W/discount 80
Col Solare, Cabernet, Columbia Valley WA 2014
Black Cherries, Currants, Cinnamon, Rose Petals, Vanilla, Chocolate
120 w/discount 108
L'ecole, Merlot, Columbia Valley, WA 2014
Blackberry, Violet, mint, huckleberry, plum, baking spice,
68 w/discount 61
Efeste, “Final Final” red blend, Columbia Valley, WA 2014
Red, black, and blue fruits, barrel spice, savory grilled herbs
57 w/discount 52
De Lille Cellars, D2, Columbia Valley, WA 2013
Black cherries, raspberries, kirsch liquor, cocoa powder, toasty oak notes
90 w/discount 81
Quilceda Creek, “CVR”, Red Blend CV WA 2015
Crème de cassis, kirsch, violets
105 w/ discount 94
