Barnard Griffin

In light of its title as Washington State's largest family-owned winery, Barnard Griffin retains the relaxing feel and enthusiastic focus on quality that are found among much smaller wineries of the Pacific Northwest. Producing 80,000 cases a year, Barnard Griffin offers an array of wines for every palate as well as a special place for sipping samples, all in the heart of Washington wine country.

The husband and wife team of Rob Griffin and Deborah Barnard are the long-time owners of this remarkable winery, which they founded together in 1983. With a passion for good wine, Rob graduated from University of California-Davis with a Master's degree in Viticulture & Enology. This science background, Rob says, has contributed to the winery's success for over 20 years—and he has the awards to prove it.

Modern Times

The winery is located in close proximity to many challenging golf courses and three rivers, not to mention mountains dotted with energy-generating windmills. The architectural style of the winery is modern, with a clock tower high above that's easily spotted from the road. On occasion, the winery's mascot, a very friendly golden retriever named after the Vino Rosso red table wine, will greet visitors at the door.

The comfortable décor suits the winery's famously accessible wines. At the tasting room, one can appreciate a fabulous glass of wine on the sunny garden patio. In the springtime, visitors can walk up the hill to a gazebo draped with sweet wisteria. In cooler seasons the fireplace is an ideal spot to warm up after spending time outside exploring the grounds.

In the gift shop is a gallery filled with original fused glass art pieces created by Deborah Barnard herself, as well as pottery and jewelry by other local artists. Stocking up for the requisite wine country picnic is made easy here with a selection of local cheeses, spreads, salamis and crackers.

Two Lips for Tasting

Barnard Griffin produces an array of varietals, from the traditional to the unexpected. The Tulip Label wines are available nationally, and its Reserve wines are produced in limited quantities. In the tasting room, samples of select Tulip Label wines are complimentary, while serious wine connoisseurs may want to pay the small fee to gain access to very limited Reserve selections, when available. The Barnard Griffin staff has a reputation of serving up wines with exceptionally friendly and helpful service.

In the Pink... and Red and White

Barnard Griffin has received a number of awards and distinctions, and was even nominated for the 2007 Legends Hall of Fame. Recently the 2007 Rose of Sangiovese brought home a Pink Sweepstakes award from the San Francisco Chronicle competition, marking several vintages in a row for that wine and level of awards. Other accomplishments include the title of 2006 Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year from Wine Press Northwest. The winery's 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2004 Merlot both rated 89 points by Wine Spectator.

Easily Accessible

With its location near the confluence of the Yakima, Columbia and Snake rivers, Barnard Griffin is readily accessible to many exciting water sports as well as challenging golf courses. So following a day of vigorous outdoor sports activity, Barnard Griffin may serve as a pleasant spot to stop, sample a few wines and watch the world pass by.