Austin Culver of Clyzm Wines
Photos Courtest of Clyzm Wines
The year Austin Culver was born, his father planted a small hobby Zinfandel vineyard. He did so, in part, to teach Austin the importance of work ethic, especially in the area of agriculture. So Austin was engaged in vineyard work at a very young age, but had no intention of becoming a winemaker. In fact, he went to college to major in biochemical engineering, but ended up graduating with a degree in biochemistry. Austin wasn’t your typical pre-med biochemistry major. His goal after graduating was to get a job to do with cannabis, beer or wine. Austin worked with cannabis, beer and urine samples before he eventually found his way back to grapes and wine. He worked two years for Cascade Cliffs Winery, before heading to New Zealand and eventually the Willamette Valley to work harvests. When he was ready to launch his own label, he returned to the Columbia Gorge.
Austin started Clyzm Wines in 2021 with the goal of creating unique and decadent wines. The name Clyzm is derived from one of Austin’s favorite words, cataclysm. On his website he defines clyzm as: “A wine that devastates the senses with a flood of liquid nirvana, often leaving the drinker craving more.” This drinker was definitely craving more of Austin’s unique wines. He makes a Gamay Noir that sips like a nice Cru Beaujolais. A white blend called Nepenthe and made with 5 Muscat varieties is an ideal pairing with spicy Asian food. Clyzm is one of two wineries in WA state to make a wine with Saperavi, an ancient red grape native to the country of Georgia. Visitors will also find more typical wines such as Syrah, Grenache, Sangiovese and Bordeaux style wines. Don’t miss Clyzm Wines on the ground floor of the new Hotel Iconica in White Salmon when you visit the Columbia Gorge.
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