Chateau Ste. Michelle is one of the oldest and most respected wineries in Washington State, known for producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Pacific Northwest.
The winery was founded in 1934 by Dr. Walter Clore, a pioneering viticulturist who is credited with establishing the state’s wine industry. Today, the winery is one of the largest in the state, with more than 1,200 acres of vineyards in the Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills, and Yakima Valley regions.
Chateau Ste. Michelle is famous for producing a wide variety of wines, including Riesling, Chardonnay, and Merlot. The winery is particularly well-known for its Riesling, which is grown in the cool climates of the Columbia Valley and Yakima Valley regions. The winery’s Riesling is considered to be one of the best examples of the varietal produced in the United States.
In addition to its flagship Riesling, Chateau Ste. Michelle is also known for its red wines, particularly its Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery’s Merlot is grown in the Horse Heaven Hills region, which is known for its warm, dry climate and well-drained soils. The winery’s Cabernet Sauvignon is grown in the Columbia Valley, and is known for its rich, full-bodied flavors and firm tannins.
Chateau Ste. Michelle’s wine-making process is a combination of traditional and modern techniques. The winery uses both stainless steel tanks and oak barrels for fermentation and aging, depending on the varietal and the desired flavor profile. The winery also uses a variety of techniques to manage the grapes and the vineyards, including crop thinning, canopy management, and green harvesting, to ensure that the grapes are of the highest quality.
In conclusion, Chateau Ste. Michelle is one of the most respected and well-known wineries in Washington State, known for producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Pacific Northwest. With a long history and a commitment to innovation, the winery continues to produce some of the best wines in the region.
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Maria Barreat
a week agoChateau Ste. Michelle is such a beautiful winery to visit. The grounds are charming and make for a really enjoyable experience, especially if you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity on the weekend. While the winery itself isn’t huge, it has a cozy and welcoming feel that makes it easy to relax and enjoy your time. The wines are very good, and the setting makes them taste even better. It’s the kind of place where you can sip and take your time without feeling rushed. The atmosphere is definitely one of the highlights—calm, scenic, and perfect for spending a few hours with friends or family. The only downside is that seating can be a bit limited, so it may take a little effort to find a spot, especially on busy days. But overall, it’s a great stop if you’re in the area and want to enjoy good wine in a beautiful setting.
Dee Roberts
a week agoI would like to guide you to this beautiful winery. Its been 25 years since I have been here. The fish ponds are empty and the peacocks are gone, however, more activity and people means change. There is a large concert area and a restaurant now...But... the charm remains. Picnic areas, shady tree covered chill out areas and community awaits you. Free to enter, free to park. You must try the wine, order a charcuterie board or put together your own from the little store. Worth the visit.
Jeremy Yowell
3 months agoSte. Michelle was an amazing wine tasting experience with quite impressive grounds/atmosphere. The whole site is well appointed and beautifully presented. We did a VIP tasting package and had an outstanding experience with our guide Anders. Highly recommend the VIP tasting or just grabbing a glass during a visit. Will be back!
Jennifer Mann
a week agoWe attended the Counting Crows concert at the amphitheater the second week of August. The venue was well managed and easy to navigate. All of the staff were friendly and helpful. The off-site paid parking convenient and an easy way to travel.
O. Fross
a month agoI went for the wine tasting with a couple of friends. You can make a reservation or walk in if they have available spots. We did the Take Away Flights for $30. The service is great and you get to choose 4 selections from the menu. Here’s my perspective on the different wines we tasted. P.S., I don’t have any professional education with reviewing wines so take it with a grain of salt. 2019 Muscat Canelli - tastes sweet but not as sweet as a dessert wine 2023 Le Rose - tastes dry and watery 2024 Midsummer White - tastes like apricot and beer; too much hoops 2019 Canoe Chardonnay - very nice light Chardonnay; Chardonnay is a drier wine 2018 Cinsaut - my friend said it’s is a good mix of sweet and sour and the other one hated it because she doesn’t like red wine