Townshend Cellar

Don Townshend is the mad scientist of winemaking. He’s constantly tinkering to find the right blend, best grapes, and optimum oak for aging. His portfolio of table wines, dessert wines, and port-style wines is extensive, offering about 20 different reds, whites, and specialty beverages. When he’s not mixing and matching in the winery, he sheds the lab coat and is occasionally seen at events wearing a tux as he introduces his wine to guests, pouring and getting feedback from soon-to-be-loyal fans.

Townshend Cellar winery and tasting room is located north of Spokane in the tiny hamlet of Colbert. The area’s panoramic views reveal that this is rolling hills and ponderosa pine territory. Inside Townshend’s comfortable tasting room, you’re struck by the number of wines to sample, and it occurs to you that you’re going to be here for a while. Let your taste buds work their way through the Townshend Cellar whites, which feature chardonnay and dry riesling, and then onto the reds, which are highlighted by syrah, cabernet franc, and merlot. While in the red zone, be sure you sample Don’s special red blends, such as “T3”. The “T3” may strike a familiar note; there’s a chance you imbibed this wine at one of the select Northwest restaurants where it is often served. Also, be sure to save room for Don’s very popular huckleberry port wine, made from wild huckleberries picked in northern Idaho.

Recently the Townshend family of wineries expanded with the acquisition of two Spokane wineries -- Caterina Winery and Lone Canary Winery. Visitors to downtown Spokane can head to the historic Broadview Dairy Building just north of Riverfront Park. Here you can taste through Don's extensive portfolio of wines including the Lone Canary brand. Alas, if you want to experience the wines of Townshend Cellar, you will need to drive to Townshend Cellar tasting room in Colbert.

By the end of your visit, you realize that Don Townshend lives and breathes wine, 24/7, from purchasing grapes to putting the labels on the bottle. You imagine him racing from one event to another and meeting with his distributors. Then add to the equation the Caterina and Lone Canary labels and you realize Don has solved the need for sleep. He doesn't.

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  Townshend Cellar was featured in WineTrails of Washington as part of the Spokane Valley-Kettle Falls WineTrail on page 560!