Patrick M. Paul Vineyards

WineTrail fans know that when they find a good cabernet franc to pounce on it. Although many wineries often use cabernet franc for blending, few wineries have risen to the top for stand-alone cabernet franc. Patrick M. Paul Vineyards, however, is Exhibit A.

In the early 1980s, Mike Paul planted 3 acres of cabernet franc, intended for Leonetti Cellar. However, four years and considerable experimentation later, Mike decided to launch his own winery, and in 1988 Patrick M. Paul Vineyards was born. Although he produces small lots of cabernet sauvignon and merlot, Mike has gained a reputation for his cabernet franc, and a visit to the winery’s attractive tasting room reveals why. Here’s what Wine Press Northwest magazine had to say, “A pioneer in cabernet franc is Mike Paul, owner and winemaker of Patrick M. Paul Vineyards. He planted his first vines in the early 1980s and has produced stellar versions for nearly two decades.”

Chances are that Mike will be pouring when you visit, and it won’t take long for you to realize that Mike has a wealth of knowledge about the wine industry in general and Walla Walla Valley in particular. Mike still has a fire in his belly about wine, and he brings it with him everyday as winemaker and owner of Patrick M. Paul Vineyards. Mike talks about the experience of drinking wine, with friends, with food, and at events. He would never trade the experience of uncorking a bottle of wine, hearing the pop of the cork, and delighting in the swirling and smelling. You won't see any "bag in the box" wines coming out of Patrick M. Paul.

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  Patrick M. Paul Vineyards was featured in WineTrails of Walla Walla (coming November 2010) as part of the By-Appointment-Only Wineries -- Walla Walla on page !