Westport Winery Goes Solar

Aberdeen, WA - The Westport Winery off of Highway 105 south of Aberdeen is going green. Owner Kim Roberts tells us the winery is working with Global Green Energy Corporation (GGEC) of Tumwater to construct a 7 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system. This 24-foot by 24-foot series of solar panels, manufactured in Marysville WA, will be installed over the winery’s patio within the next two months.

Blain Roberts, who co-owns Westport Winery with his wife, Kim, said, "Our interest in working with the GGEC started from a casual conversation at the tasting bar. When I met Zack Butler and heard his company’s values, we set up a meeting right away." Kim, who has two degrees in architecture from Washington State University and had done her thesis on earth sheltered housing and sustainable living in 1982, was onboard immediately. "I’ve always wanted to pursue this type of system but had not found the financial implications in alignment with the philosophy. This collaboration allows me to invest in one of my life goals."

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The secondary benefit of this project will be to offer winery guests covered areas to relax outdoors while enjoying food or wine. The new solar array is just the latest example of sustainability-minded operations at Westport Winery and Vineyards By-the-Sea, which became Salmon Safe Certified in 2007. Other innovative work includes recycling of all blue wine bottles on site for use in the landscape, and this year converting to foliar fish fertilizer for the vines for nutrition and fungal prevention.

The winery is open for wine, cheese, chocolate and charcuterie tasting daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The winery’s restaurant is open for lunch daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with lunch until 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Dinner is served on Friday and Saturday evenings from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Remember to sample one of the winery’s hand-crafted cocktails when you visit for lunch or dinner.

Dinner reservations are recommended by calling 360-648-2224. Westport Winery and Vineyards By-the-Sea with its unique sculpture garden and grape maze is located on the corner of Highway 105 and South Arbor Road halfway between Aberdeen and the Westport ‘Y’. To check out what’s coming up at the winery visit their website at www.WestportWines.com.