ISSUE #5: Winter 2014

“I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes.

Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You’re doing things you’ve never done before, and more importantly, you’re Doing Something.

So that’s my wish for you, and all of us, and my wish for myself. Make New Mistakes. Make glorious, amazing mistakes. Make mistakes nobody’s ever made before. Don’t freeze, don’t stop, don’t worry that it isn’t good enough, or it isn’t perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work or family or life.

Whatever it is you’re scared of doing, do it.

Make your mistakes, next year and forever.”

– Neil Gaiman, Author

As we see 2014 winding to a close, I am brought back to all of the highlights that embodied this year.

From the winery, we introduced two new outstanding Browne Family Vineyards varieties: the 2011 Merlot and the 2011 Petit Verdot. We received a total of 10 critical scores of 90 points or higher from a major wine publications and competitions, which felt great as a proprietor.

It’s also tough to believe that just this spring we opened our Browne Family Vineyards tasting room at 31 E. Main in historic downtown Walla Walla. We share this inviting space with our friends and Associated Vintners: Cavatappi (Washington-grown Italian varieties), Ross Andrew (Syrah and other varieties from legacy regional vineyards) and Waitsburg Cellars (old vine, Washington aromatic whites such as Chenin Blanc). If you’re ever coming through the Palouse, stop in!

From marrying my lovely Courtney, to the numerous memorable trips– including a standout experience in Bandon Dunes–this year has been one of high note after the next!

Cheers, Andrew