UNION GAP -- Sagelands Vineyard located along Interstate 82 south of Union Gap hasn't changed much on the outside over the years.

What has changed is on the inside. Sagelands Vineyard is owned by Diageo Brands, a name not known by many, though it is the largest seller of spirits in the world.

Founded in the 1980s as Staton Hills winery, Sageland was acquired by the Chalone Wine group out of California, which eventually sold to Diageo Brands.

Sagelands may be small stuff to a company that markets the likes of Captain Morgan, Jose Cuervo and Smirnoff, but it's a winery that turns out excellent low-cost wines.

Winemaker Frederique Spencer is a native of Provence, France, and was trained in Bordeaux. She came to Washington in the 1990s, worked at Covey Run, then Australia and Staton Hills as assistant winemaker. The Chalone Group named her head winemaker at Sagelands, a post she holds for Diageo.

The price range depends on where you buy Sagelands, at the liquor store, supermarket or the winery itself.

2006 Pinot Gris, Yakima Valley, $9 -12 -- Crisp apples dominate here with a bit of citrus. Just right for fish and chips.

2007 Riesling, Yakima Valley, $7 -$14 -- Sweet pea aromas and Rainier cherry flavors. A great cocktail wine on a hot day.

2007 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $9-$12 -- Well balanced with Fuji apple crispness and zippy citrus. A fine combination with coconut prawns.

2008 Gew&uulm;rztraminer, Yakima Valley, $12-$14 -- Aroma of flowers followed by sweet orchard fruit and citrus. Match with milder Thai dishes.

2008 rosé, Wahluke Slope, $10-$12 -- Made from Malbec. Dry, yet flavorful, tasty strawberries. Enjoy with cold fried chicken.

2005 Freddie's Blend red table wine, Columbia Valley, $8-$15 -- An easy-drinking blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Lemberger, Merlot and Syrah that offers some spice mixed with blueberries. Great with barbecue beef dishes.

2005 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $9-$16 -- Juicy blackberries with good acids to match up with a well-marbled New York strip steak.

2006 Malbec, Washington State, $18 -- Big and juicy, chocolate and cherries, smooth and balanced. Great with a marinated flat iron steak.

*Bob Woehler has been writing about Northwest wines since 1978. E-mail him at bwoehler@charter.net or check out his past columns at www.winepressnw.com.