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Doubleback Winery
WALLA WALLA
For former NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe, his field of dreams always
extended way beyond the stadium turf—all the way back to his Walla Walla
Valley hometown and to the land of the grapes there. Even during his 14-year
football career, which included time with the New England Patriots, Buffalo
Bills, and Dallas Cowboys, he had his sights set on his post-game plan. Owning
a winery was a longtime aspiration for the athlete, as it would allow him to
combine his passion for fine wine with his love of the valley.
Upon his retirement in 2007, Drew returned home to plant his original
estate vineyard, McQueen, on the southern end of the Walla Walla Valley
AVA. The following year, in 2008, Drew launched Doubleback as an estate-
focused winery with the goal to produce world-class Cabernet Sauvignon—
the winery's name a reference to his return back home.
To make his dream a reality, Drew hired Winemaker and General Manager,
Josh McDaniels. Josh, also a Walla Walla native, was named a "Game
Changer of Washington Wine" by Wine Enthusiast and has most recently
earned Doubleback's highest rating with 97 points from Robert Parker's
Wine Advocate.
Since the very first release—the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon—Doubleback
has received numerous accolades including a spot on the Wine Spectator
Top 100 List. The vision for Doubleback remains a premium wine experience
completely focused on quality.
FACING PAGE: Biodiversity in full swing at Bob Healy
Vineyard.
ABOVE: Drew & Maura Bledsoe enjoy a sunset bonfire at
McQueen Vineyard.
Photographs by Andrea Johnson
