Washington Wines- Bledsoe does a Doubleback

Having the US Open on the west coast has a distinct environment as with any location. Chambers Bay being outside Seattle attracts a large Washington state fan base as well as patrons from the west coast in general. This is evident from the numerous golf shirts with logos from west coast courses and affiliations, Pebble Beach,  Shadow Creek, USC and the many Seattle Seahawks NFL shirts. I would be lying if I did not say as I walk around I smile inside every time I see the Seahawks Fan #12. Just knowing he shares the same number as Tom Brady and in the end it is Brady that is wearing the Super Bowl ring.

  Another even more interesting connection is Drew Bledsoe, the New England Patriots starting quarterback from 1993 to 2001 ,is originally from Ellensburg, Washington. After a very successful NFL career Bledsoe founded the Doubleback Winery along with close friend Chris Figgins. This coming home and after his career proved inspirational when naming the wine. “For former NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe, owning a winery has been a longtime aspiration that would allow him to combine his passion for fine wine and the love of the Walla Walla Valley.”  The company’s grapes are harvested from McQueen Vineyards and Flying B Vineyards, located in and around Walla Walla, Washington where Bledsoe grew up. He is very proud of the region and notes the regions ability to produce great wines at a reasonable price as well as superior wines.  His first production, a 2007 vintage, quickly sold out of its initial 600 cases. In 2012, Marvin R. Shanken, noted NY Giants fan, invited Ernie Els, Greg Norman, Tom Seaver and Bledsoe to introduce their wines, despite Shanken’s dislike of the NE Patriots he welcomed Bledsoe and his wine.  A little bit of New England right here in Washington.