A Pioneering Legacy in Washington WinesChateau Ste. Michelle is the oldest winery in Washington state with some of the most mature vineyards in the Columbia Valley. The winery’s roots date back to after the Repeal of Prohibition, when the Pommerelle Wine Company and the National Wine Company were formed in 1934. They merged in 1954 to form American Wine Growers and produced mostly fortified sweet wines. 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. Ste. Michelle Vintners planted its first vines at its Cold Creek Vineyard in Eastern Washington in 1972. Cold Creek Vineyard remains one of the oldest and most renowned vineyards in the state.
In 1976 Ste. Michelle Vintners built a French style Chateau in Woodinville, outside of Seattle, and changed its name to Chateau Ste. Michelle to reflect its new facility. The winery was built on the 1912 estate owned by Seattle lumber baron Frederick Stimson. The original Stimson family residence still stands on the winery grounds today and is on the National Register of Historical Places.
Today, Chateau Ste. Michelle is not only recognized for pioneering vinifera grape growing in the Columbia Valley, but is also a leader in modern day viticultural research. The winery combines an ongoing dedication to research with a commitment to classic winemaking traditions. Known for its highly acclaimed Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot and Cabernet, Chateau Ste. Michelle receives 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.
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