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3 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. The net proceeds of its annual Summer Concert Series help fund its charitable giving program, 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

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