Chateau Ste. Michelle

The state’s founding winery, Chateau Ste. Michelle has helped Washington become the second largest wine producing region in America. Originally founded in 1934, it pioneered vinifera grape growing in the state and has been producing classic European varietal wines under the Ste. Michelle label since 1967.

Today the winery owns 3,400 acres of vineyards in the Columbia Valley, including Horse Heaven, Canoe Ridge Estate and Cold Creek vineyards. The region’s warm, sunny days and cool evenings create the ideal conditions for growing world-class wine grapes. With a dedication to research and a commitment to classic winemaking traditions, the winery's mission from day one has never wavered: to bring consumers world-class wines from Washington state.

A GLIMPSE OF THE PAST

The winery's roots date back to the repeal of prohibition when the Pommerelle Wine Company and the National Wine Company were formed in 1934 and merged in 1954 to become American Wine Growers. In 1967, American Wine Growers began a new line of premium vinifera wines called "Ste. Michelle Vintners" under the direction of legendary California winemaker and consultant Andre Tchelistcheff.

In 1984, Chateau Ste. Michelle led the way in obtaining federal recognition of the Columbia Valley in eastern Washington as a unique wine growing region of American Viticulture Area (AVA). Today, the winery pursues vinifera grape growing in the Columbia Valley. Known for its highly acclaimed Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot and Cabernet, Chateau Ste. Michelle has received some of the highest accolades in the industry, including "American Winery of the Year 2004" from Wine Enthusiast Magazine and "2005 Winery of the Year" by Restaurant Wine Magazine.

A Legacy OF WINEMAKING

Chateau Ste. Michelle's winemaker Bob Bertheau joined in June 2003 as a maker of white wines and was later promoted to head winemaker in August 2004. Bob made his mark at Hambrecht Vineyards and Wineries with their Belvedere and Bradford Mountain labels. After graduating from University of California at Davis, he gained valuable mentoring from renowned winemakers Bob Sessions at Hanzell Vineyards and David Ramey at Chalk Hill.

In crafting wines for Chateau Ste. Michelle, Bob explains that he tries to honor Chateau Ste. Michelle's legacy by, "...taking advantage of our vineyard research and using innovative winemaking techniques. My goal is to use winemaking to bring out the natural varietal character and the regional expression in the wines."

Putting the Chateau in Ste. Michelle

In 1976 Ste. Michelle Vintners (originally in Seattle) built their French style Chateau in Woodinville on the 1912 estate once owned by lumber baron Frederick Stimson, and changed their name to Chateau Ste. Michelle to reflect the new facility.

Daily tours and tastings offer insight into the winery's rich heritage and the premier growing region of the Columbia Valley. For an additional small fee, guests sample Reserve and Single Vineyard wines, or can pay extra for a pre-arranged guided presentation of some of Chateau Ste. Michelle's most premium wines paired with food.

In addition, Chateau Ste. Michelle also offers wine tasting courses, intimate dinners, holiday events and an outdoor summer concert series which all enhance the appreciation of their fine wines.