The Washington wine industry has been a hot topic this year as some of the biggest names in California wine have begun to capitalize on the region's growing notoriety. Recall, E & J Gallo purchased Columbia Winery and the Covey Run brand from Ascentia Wine Estates last year, Cakebread Cellars launched Mullan Road, a blended brand with grapes from Walla Walla, and Trinchero Family Estates formed a strategic alliance with Washington-based Charles & Charles brand, to name a few.