31
Chateau Ste. Michelle
WOODINVILLE
Like many early Washington winemakers, the founders of Chateau Ste.
Michelle were inspired to prove that exceptional wines didn't have to come
from California or Europe alone. They based their aspirations on the early
research conducted by Dr. Walter Clore of Washington State University, which
showed that Eastern Washington's growing conditions and soil were ideal for
wine grapes. Sure enough, they were right to follow their instincts and thus
helped establish a culture of ongoing research, community development, and
the cultivation of the region's wine industry. Founded in 1934, the winery
pioneered vinifera grape growing in the state and has been producing classic
European varietal wines under the Ste. Michelle label since 1967. Now under
the direction of Ted Baseler, President and CEO, Chateau Ste. Michelle boasts
3,900 acres of vineyards in the Columbia Valley of Eastern Washington,
including the Canoe Ridge Estate and Cold Creek, LIVE and Salmon Safe-
Certified vineyards.
Bob Bertheau, Senior Director of Winemaking, heads the winemaking process
with the help of Red Winemaker Ray McKee and White Winemaker David
Rosenthal. Together, they craft an extensive portfolio of wines that has earned
the winery a vast collection of awards including 22 Top 100 Wineries of the
Year honors from Wine & Spirits and 18 Top 100 Wines designations from
Wine Spectator. As one of the longest-running wineries in the state, Chateau
Ste. Michelle is not only noted for its award-winning, yet approachable wines,
but also its long history of community involvement.
FACING PAGE: The entrance to Chateau Ste. Michelle winery,
located in Woodinville, Washington. More than 300,000
guests visit Chateau Ste. Michelle winery each year.
Photograph by J.D. Smith
ABOVE: Chateau Ste. Michelle's "chateau" opened in 1976 for
winemaking and visitor tours in Woodinville.
Photograph by Kevin Cruff
