A household name rich in history, they tell a dedicated story of triumph against all odds. In 1912, with the repeal of prohibition, Seattle lumber baron Frederick Stimson planted a vineyard of common vinifera. Over the next 100 years the Ste. Michelle Vintners would expand their vineyard holdings to 3,500 acres. By 1976, they had built the beautiful Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, thus changing their name to what we know today. Currently, they continue to craft all of their whites at the Chateau and their reds at their Canoe Ridge Estate.
As a large and well-known winery, they have several tiers of wine available: Artist, Ethos, Eroica, and Limited. These include the Ethos Reserve, limited vintages with unique character and marks above 90 from The Wine Advocate. Their quality and class is world-renowned. Chateau Ste. Michelle wine lovers should book a trip to their website or tasting room. There they can access many select limited-edition wines meant only for Vintage Reserve Club members.
Lead winemaker Bob Bertheau crafts European-style vintages from Washington State fruit. He oversees David Rosenthal They currently offer Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Late-Harvest Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Meritage, Merlot, Syrah, and a red blend. A collaborative effort with Piero Antinori of Tuscany produces the Col Solare label. Bertheau also works with infamous winemaker Dr. Ernst Loosen of Mosel to create the Eroica label. These carefully old-world style crafted whites have a distinction all their own. The Wine Advocate scored the elegant 2007 Single Berry select at a 97.
At the estate, their annual Memorial Day Staycation event draws many with the food, live entertainment, and classic car exhibition. Open daily from 10am-5pm they are Washington States’ oldest winery. Their gorgeous amphitheater boasts frequently sold out concerts during their summer concert series with such greats as the Steve Miller Band, Randy Newman, and Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. They invite concertgoers to bring a picnic and enjoy the wine and food on the lawn.
Ste. Michelle is concerned about the environment, sustainability, and conservation. Therefore, they are LIVE and Salmon Safe certified. They also provide charitable contributions to their scholarship fund, Seattle Children’s Hospital, and the Viticulture & Enology Program at Washington State University, as well as over 700 non-profits. They host the annual Auction of Washington Wines on their estate and with the assistance of Dr. Loosen they are hosting the 2016 Riesling Rendezvous.