The Inspired Intermedia digital book collection
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53 Quilceda Creek SNOHOMISH Quilceda Creek founders Alex and Jeannette Golitzin have relentlessly pursued their goal of crafting world-class Cabernet Sauvignon since establishing the winery in 1978. What began as a pioneering effort in the family's garage in the early days of Washington winemaking has grown into a second-generation winery now led by the Golitzins' son Paul. With a commitment to quality that rivals his parents, Paul has focused the winery's attention on its greatest asset, the vineyards of the Columbia Valley. Today, the wines are among the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignons in America. It could be said that the Golitzins' family heritage predestined the wines to greatness. A relative of Prince Lev Sergervich Golitzin, acclaimed winemaker to Russian Czar Nicholas II, the French-born Alex lived in Paris until 1946. His family immigrated to San Francisco, and throughout his youth, Alex regularly visited Napa Valley and his maternal uncle, André Tchelistcheff, legendary Napa Valley vintner at Beaulieu Vineyards. Despite his lineage, Alex's path to winemaking took shape slowly. A chemical engineer by training, Alex moved the family from California to Washington State in 1967 to accept a job at Scott Paper. In the mid-1970s, the couple's interest in high-quality wines led Alex and Jeannette to begin experimenting with a few barrels. Encouraged by what they tasted, they soon felt prepared to establish a small winery. With Alex as winemaker and Jeannette as sales director, Quilceda Creek produced its first commercially released Cabernet Sauvignon in 1979. The wines earned critical acclaim from the start, and the winery continued to grow throughout the 1980s. By 1994, Alex was ready to retire from his day job at Scott Paper to focus on the winery exclusively. FACING PAGE: The Estate of Quilceda Creek in Snohomish. Photograph courtesy of Quilceda Creek TOP: Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon wines and red blends consistently receive critical acclaim. Wine Advocate has awarded six 100-point ratings. Photograph by Keith Megay Photography