If you’re a winemaker, it’s hard not to be humble. That’s because if you are honest about what you do, you’ll admit that the wine in the bottle is only as good as the grapes, and since most winemakers are control-freaks, that little fact can bring you to your knees quickly. Fortunately, the Columbia Valley’s vintages are remarkably consistent, making the job of being a winemaker here easier than most growing regions around the world. Located in eastern Washington State and separated from Seattle’s marine climate by the Cascade Mountains, the Columbia Valley is a dry, warm growing region. Summer days are long; temperatures hover in the 80s; the average annual rainfall is less than 8”; fall days are warm and dry; cool evening temperatures during harvest protect the grapes’ natural acidity.

I’ve had the good luck to make wine here since the mid-1980s, working with an incredible group of dedicated growers along the way. In fact, I believe it’s Januik’s vineyard sourcing − Champoux, Seven Hills, Klipsun, Ciel du Cheval and Red Mountain, to name just a few − that is the single greatest point of difference in our wines. We work closely with the top growers in the state. I like it that way. It makes it easier for me to sleep at night.