DeLille Cellars Blog

2022 International Wine Report Scores

We are excited to share our 2022 scores from International Wine Report. 2021 Chaleur Blanc, DeLille's first white wine, and Le Dessein, a blend of Mourvedre, Grenache and Syrah, both achieved excellent ratings. 

2021 Chaleur Blanc - 95 pts

Another fantastic vintage of this storied white wine from Delille Cellars, this time a combination of 67% Sauvignon Blanc and 33% Semillon. Boasting a golden lemon core with a watery rim. Perfectly balanced notes of fresh gooseberry, white wildflower, freshly washed linen, dried pineapple, roasted peach, nutmeg, and just a hint of smoked lemon peel meld together with a full-body, phenomenal freshness, well-balanced levels of acidity, and a long finish that ends a bit spicy. Cellar this one for a decade or more. Drink 2022-2032

 

2020 Le Dessein - 94 pts

A blend of 44% Mourvedre, 36% Grenache, and 20% Syrah, the 2020 Le Dessein used to be named Le Metier, is aged in large format neutral French oak barrels for approximately 15 months. Showcasing a shimmering deep purple-colored core with a blueish rim, it’s stunning in the glass. Starting off with some strawberry fruit leather, black cherry, and barbecue beef tones, it progresses with some lovely Mouvedre qualities of black pepper and tomato leaf. The finish is balanced and luscious, ending with a touch of wild blueberry and orange caramel. Drink 2022-2032

About DeLille Cellars

DeLille Cellars is the third oldest operating winery in Woodinville, WA, founded in 1992. Known for pioneering Bordeaux-style blends from Washington State, the winery has maintained a tradition of quality and excellence with over 700 individual 90+ ratings from leading international critics. DeLille Cellars focuses on the Red Mountain AVA and sources grapes from Washington's most acclaimed vineyards. The winery is recognized by notable wine critics and influencers, including Robert Parker, as one of the top producers in the state. In 2019, DeLille Cellars moved all operations to the old Redhook Brewery in Woodinville.

DeLille Cellars named Top 100 Winery by Wine & Spirits

Drink wine from one of the world’s Top 100 Wineries right here in Woodinville! We are honored to announce DeLille Cellars’ presence on the 2022 Wine & Spirits Top 100 list.

This year, Wine & Spirits reopened its NYC office to blind taste and evaluate close to 10,000 wines from around the world. Wines were assessed solely based on appellation, variety, and regional distinction. 2022 marks DeLille's fifth year as a Top 100 Winery. (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022)

DeLille Cellars is one of six wineries in Washington State and one of two producers in Woodinville to achieve a spot on this highly coveted list. Chateau Ste. Michelle, Gramercy Cellars, L'Ecole No 41, Saviah and Sleight of Hand are also Top 100 Wineries this year. 

View the entire list of Top 100 Wineries here. 

“Our editors consistently rated certain producers highly, and we have chosen those 100 wineries to profile in our Annual Buying Guide and to pour at our Top 100 event,” said Joshua Greene, Editor, and Publisher of Wine & Spirits Magazine. “They are part of a very tight competitive set, and one thing they all share in common is a commitment to the place where their wines grow. Their wines are more delicious for it.”

Drink Top 100 Wine for Just $39 This August

In celebration of Washington Wine Month, enjoy D2 for just $39 (regular price $50). An acclaimed blend of 13 iconic Columbia Valley vineyards, 2019 D2 showcases an inviting freshness and pronounced herbal quality on the palate that leads to a structure that is refined despite the wine’s youth. Notes of cranberries, roasted coffee beans, cassis and burnt orange are highlighted by deep, rich barrels.

D2 takes its name from the grand route du vin, or great wine road that travels through the historic chateau region of Bordeaux. Always leading with Merlot, D2 is a traditional Bordeaux-style blend sourced throughout Washington State. Created as a second to Chaleur Estate, D2 has become the winery's most sought-after label. 

Grand Ciel: A Top 100 Wine

We are delighted to share 2016 Grand Ciel Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon received 94 points from Wine & Spirits and was named a Top 100 wine of 2022. 

Displaying classic varietal notes of blackcurrants, cedar and graphite on the nose, the 2016 Grand Ciel Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon displays refinement throughout.  Concentrated and obviously structured for the long haul, this wine is wonderfully integrated, with great purity and focus in its youth.  This wine beautifully represents the quality of the vintage and the impressive excellence of this estate vineyard.

Visit us for a Wine Tasting in Woodinville

Start planning your visit to our Woodinville Tasting Room! Taste five acclaimed wines from our portfolio. Through the end of August, enjoy a special tasting menu featuring DeLille “firsts”. Taste the wines that have laid a foundation for our craft and showcase the unique fruit from Washington State.

About DeLille Cellars

DeLille Cellars is the third oldest operating winery in Woodinville, WA, founded in 1992. Known for pioneering Bordeaux-style blends from Washington State, the winery has maintained a tradition of quality and excellence with over 700 individual 90+ ratings from leading publications. DeLille Cellars focuses on the Red Mountain AVA and sources grapes from Washington’s most acclaimed vineyards. The winery is recognized by notable wine critics and influencers, including Robert Parker, as one of the top producers in the state.

 

The Lounge at DeLille Cellars Named #4 Winery Restaurant in America by USA Today!

The Lounge at DeLille Cellars, DeLille’s newest restaurant and wine experience, made its debut on USA Today's Top 10 Winery Restaurants list, ranking number four in the nation. The Lounge opened just over a year ago in June of 2021 at the Old Redhook Brewery in Woodinville.

The menu is directed by Executive Chef Michael C. Toni, one of Woodinville's longest-tenured chefs who has worked with DeLille for nearly two decades catering private events and wine release dinners through his catering company A Platinum Event. Chef Toni blends local sourcing, scratch cooking and wine pairing expertise to offer an elevated "New American Cuisine" dining experience at The Lounge restaurant. 

“To receive placement in USA Today’s Top 10 Winery Restaurants in the nation at the start of our second year of operations is such an honor and is reflective of the dedication and passion of our team and the service we seek to provide our guests,” said Chef Toni. The menu features favorites such as steak frites and mushroom toast to seasonal homemade pasta and light bites. The drinks menu features DeLille wines as well as wines from around the world that have provided inspiration to DeLille or have been selected for their distinction by The Lounge management and DeLille’s winemaking team. The Lounge also serves local brews and select craft cocktails.

DeLille established its headquarters at the Old Redhook Brewery in 2019. In June of 2021, DeLille opened The Lounge next door to its new Woodinville tasting room, in the former Forecaster’s Public House. The old pub site has a long history in Woodinville as a gathering spot since 1994 when the Redhook facility first opened. DeLille Cellars is honored to continue the legacy of the Old Redhook Brewery as a hub of great food, libations, and memories for the community. DeLille Cellars is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and The Lounge just celebrated its one-year anniversary on June 17th.

The Lounge and its seasonal outdoor space, The Deck, are currently open Wednesdays through Sundays, starting at 3 PM weekdays and 2 PM weekends. Reservations are available and walk-ins are also accepted with availability. 

About DeLille Cellars

DeLille Cellars is the third oldest operating winery in Woodinville, WA, founded in 1992. Known for pioneering Bordeaux-style blends from Washington State, the winery has maintained a tradition of quality and excellence with over 700 individual 90+ ratings from leading publications. DeLille Cellars focuses on the Red Mountain AVA and sources grapes from Washington's most acclaimed vineyards. To learn more about DeLille Cellars, visit www.delillecellars.com.

 

The Best of Bordeaux - 2022 Auction of Washington Wine Lot

In 2018, DeLille Cellars’ Tour of Bordeaux auction lot received the highest bid ever recorded in the 31-year history of Auction of Washington Wines. The package included access to some of Frances’ renowned Grand Cru wineries such as Chateaux Haut-Brion, La Mission Haut-Brion, and Château Lafite Rothschild. 

Now, six years later, the Woodinville winery is bringing back this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the 2022 Auction of Washington Wines. The ‘Best of Bordeaux Trip’ features five nights at a Bordeaux Chateau touring the best of France’s famous wine region.

The Best of Bordeaux 2022 Auction Lot

Five-night trip for two couples June 18-22, 2023

Tour renowned French Chateaux in Bordeaux with Chris Upchurch, Founding Winemaker of DeLille Cellars, and his wife Thea Upchurch, and feast on culinary creations from a Seattle area chef on this four-day, five-night adventure in France. 

You will have access to some of France’s Grand Cru wineries, including a tour, tasting, and lunch at Château Haut-Brion and visits to Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Margaux.

The trip will also include stops to Château Pétrus, Château Le Pin, and Château Léoville Las Cases. Rounding out the journey will be a day trip to Sauternes to visit one of the most renowned sites in all of France, Château d’Yquem, a Premier Cru Supérieur. 

The Pool at La Mouleyre

Throughout the trip, you will visit some of Chris’ favorite towns and sites in this historic wine region. In the evenings, enjoy a 17th Century Chateau near Saint-Émilion with Chris and Thea Upchurch and Chef where wine and food will be paramount. You will be delighted with locally sourced and inspired dinners from the charming markets in the region. Chris is known for his culinary skills as well, and is sure to join in on the culinary efforts! 

You will stay at La Mouleyre, a stunning Chateau built in 1602 on 3 acres of beautiful grounds surrounded by some of the world-famous vineyards of Saint-Émilion. The winner of this package will also take home a large format of DeLille Cellars for each couple.

2022 Auction Lot Includes*: 

Visits to the following

• Five night’s accommodations at La Mouleyre, a stunning Chateau built in 1602 

• Tours and tastings through Bordeaux and Sauternes, led by Chris and Thea Upchurch

• Large format DeLille Cellars wine for each couple

• Château Pétrus 

• Château Le Pin

• Château Léoville Las Cases 

• Château Margaux 

• Wine tasting at Château Lafite Rothschild

• Lunch, tour and tasting at Château Haut-Brion

• Lunch, tour and tasting at La Mission Haut Brion

• Day trip to Sauternes, Château d’Yquem

​*The Itinerary is subject to change based on chateau arrangements

Stay at Chateaux La Mouleyre, built in 1602

Attend the Auction of Washington Wines Gala

Saturday, August 13th | 4:30pm -10:30pm | Chateau Ste. Michelle

Join Auction of Washington Wines at the 35th-anniversary gala to bid on the Best of Bordeaux auction lot. The gala will be held on August 13th at Chateau Ste. Michelle, one of Washington's oldest wineries. The evening will feature a social hour with a mini-barrel auction, chef-prepared savory bites, Washington wine tasting bars, and more!

Can't join but are interested in bidding? Please contact the Auction of Washington Wines  

About DeLille Cellars

DeLille Cellars is the third oldest operating winery in Woodinville, WA, founded in 1992. Known for pioneering Bordeaux-style blends from Washington State, the winery has maintained a tradition of quality and excellence with over 700 individual 90+ ratings from leading publications. DeLille Cellars focuses on the Red Mountain AVA and sources grapes from Washington’s most acclaimed vineyards. The winery is recognized by notable wine critics and influencers, including Robert Parker, as one of the top producers in the state.

Celebrate Drink Up Week at DeLille Cellars

Join DeLille Cellars in celebrating the first ever Drink Up Week! The week-long event celebrates anything you can drink: from wine and cocktails to coffee and tea. Visit our Woodinville Tasting Room and The Lounge restaurant for special offers July 25th-31st.

Tasting Room

Mention “Drink Up Week” at your tasting reservation at DeLille Cellars July 25-31 and get a special taste of our first sparkling wine, Forget-Me-Not.

Bubbles are what initially brought the founders of DeLille together in the late 1980s before the winery was formally founded.  Happily, they have made a return!  The 2020 Forget-Me-Not’s firm acid and linear style make it a perfect aperitif with our Pacific Northwest summer fare, with pleasant notes of Asian pear, honeysuckle, green apple, and crushed stone.  The effervescence hits the palate broadly and becomes more delicate over time in the glass, with a pronounced minerality and hints of citrus rind that dance on the palate.

The Lounge

Visit The Lounge at DeLille Cellars and try two new cocktails: The Butterfly Effect and the Purple Paradise ($15 each). The Lounge will also be pouring Forget-Me-Not sparkling wine ($14/glass).

The Butterfly Effect (left) and Purple Paradise (right)

The Butterfly Effect

2 oz. The Butterfly Cannon Blue Tequila

3/4 oz. Simple Syrup

3/4 oz. Lemon Juice

3/4 oz. Egg White

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and “dry” shake 30-45 seconds vigorously.  Add ice to shaker and continue to shake vigorously.  Double strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with lemon wheel and butterfly pea blossoms. 

The Purple Paradise

2 oz. Empress Gin

1 oz. Pomegranate Juice

1/2 oz. Orange Liqueur

1/2 oz. Lime Juice

1/2 oz. Simple Syrup

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake to chill.  Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Top with club soda. Garnish with lime wheel.

About DeLille Cellars

DeLille Cellars is the third oldest operating winery in Woodinville, WA, founded in 1992. Known for pioneering Bordeaux-style blends from Washington State, the winery has maintained a tradition of quality and excellence with over 700 individual 90+ ratings from leading international critics. DeLille Cellars focuses on the Red Mountain AVA and sources grapes from Washington's most acclaimed vineyards. The winery is recognized by notable wine critics and influencers, including Robert Parker, as one of the top producers in the state. In 2019, DeLille Cellars moved all operations to the old Redhook Brewery in Woodinville.

DeLille Cellars Releases 2021 Vintage of Chaleur Blanc

This week, DeLille Cellars released the new 2021 vintage of Chaleur Blanc, a beloved Washington wine. The Bordeaux-style blend has been a favorite among wine enthusiasts, connoisseurs, and collectors for over two decades. Wine critic Stephen Tanzer remarked, “it is no exaggeration to compare this Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon blend to the finest white Bordeaux bottlings made in oak”. He described the blend as an “utterly distinctive wine for Washington in terms of its texture, purity, complexity, savory character, and ageability”.

The 25th vintage (2019) was awarded Seattle Time’s Northwest Wine of the Year and named “one of the top Bordeaux white blends from the New World” by critic Jeb Dunnuck. The wait for Chaleur Blanc’s annual release is over - purchase your bottle online or visit us in Woodinville to taste and celebrate the release of this influential blend.

Celebrate The Release at our Woodinville Tasting Room

Celebrate the release of the 2021 vintage at our Woodinville Tasting Room, located at the Old Redhook Brewery. Guests will enjoy a side-by-side tasting of the 2021 vintage alongside the 2019 vintage from Thursday, July 14th through Sunday, July 17th.

2021 Chaleur Blanc

The 2021 Chaleur Blanc showcases Sauvignon Blanc in its youth, presenting a beautiful pale yellow color with hints of green and aromas of golden hay, grapefruit, and a whisper of tropical fruit.  Six months of aging in French oak contributes alluring aromas of forest floor, chocolate mint and savory baked brioche.  Fresh white peach fruit flavors combine with thyme on the palate, with a wonderful round presence from the cooperage. Although moderate for acidity versus recent vintages, there is plenty of energy to this wine, promising enjoyment for at least a decade.

Vineyard Breakdown: 

• 31% Boushey Vineyard 
• 30% Sagemoor Vineyard
• 27% Klipsun Vineyard
• 8% Phinney Hill Vineyard
• 4% Conner Lee Vineyard

2019 Chaleur Blanc - 25th Vintage

This energetic, canary yellow wine presents a complex nose with aromas of grapefruit, golden hay, lemon zest, petrichor and pastry dough.  2019 Chaleur Blanc offers fresh fruit flavors of apricot and white peach on the palate, deliciously balanced with savory herb notes of basil and tarragon.  This vintage is well proportioned throughout, with integrated barrel notes and the cuvée’s traditional crisp acidity. Read reviews from James Suckling, Steven Tanzer, and more critics here. 

Visit The Lounge Restaurant for Special Pairings All Weekend

In addition to comparative tastings at the Tasting Room, The Lounge restaurant will offer special pairings throughout the weekend. Lounge Executive Chef Michael C. Toni has partnered with DeLille for nearly two decades catering private events and wine release dinners. Chef Toni also curated countless food and wine pairings during the COVID-19 closure and is preparing something special for the 2021 Chaleur Blanc release.

Enjoy Chaleur Blanc at Home: Pairing Suggestions

Can’t make it into Woodinville? Enjoy your own Chaleur Blanc dinner pairing at home. 

Recommended Pairings:

• Pan-Seared Scallops with Deconstructed Guacamole

• Arugula-based Salads

• Asparagus Risotto

• English Pea Ravioli with Crab or Lobster

• Yellowtail Sushi, Cod, Halibut, or Shellfish

History of the Acclaimed White Bordeaux-Blend

DeLille Cellars pioneered two red Bordeaux-style blends for its first vintage in 1992, Chaleur Estate and D2. These wines were produced with a focus on Red Mountain and showcasing the premier fruit of acclaimed vineyards in the Columbia Valley. In 1994, DeLille crafted another Bordeaux blend, Harrison Hill, from a historic vineyard located in the Snipes Mountain AVA, a sub-appellation of Yakima Valley, which itself is a sub-appellation of the larger Columbia Valley.

With three red blends gaining international notoriety from key critics, including Robert Parker Jr., the winery sought its next feat of French inspiration via white wine. California Chardonnay was already saturating the market, and DeLille Founding Winemaker Chris Upchurch knew the winery had a calling to produce the first white Bordeaux-style blend in Washington State. 

What better place to learn than the most prominent old-world wineries in Bordeaux? Upchurch and Co-Founder Jay A. Soloff set off on a journey to France, seeking wisdom and experience from world-renowned wineries such as Château Margaux, Château Haut-Brion, and Château Bellegrave. Read more about the founders’ journey and Chaleur Blanc history here. 

About DeLille Cellars

DeLille Cellars is the third oldest operating winery in Woodinville, WA, founded in 1992. Known for pioneering Bordeaux-style blends from Washington State, the winery has maintained a tradition of quality and excellence with over 700 individual 90+ ratings from leading publications. DeLille Cellars focuses on the Red Mountain AVA and sources grapes from Washington’s most acclaimed vineyards. The winery is recognized by notable wine critics and influencers, including Robert Parker, as one of the top producers in the state.

The Lounge Restaurant Featured Cocktail: Pride Month

Celebrate Pride Month at The Lounge Restaurant

Available Thursday, June 23rd - Sunday, June 26th

We're celebrating Pride Month at The Lounge with a special cocktail: the Honey Lavender Lemonade. This cocktail is made with Empress 1908 Gin, Lavender Honey Syrup, and Lemonde. $5 from every cocktail sold will be donated to The Trevor Project, an organization dedicated to ending suicide among LGBTQ+ youth through crisis services, peer support, research, public education, and advocacy to build a safer, more inclusive world. Make a reservation at The Lounge today. 

Honey Lavender Lemonade Cocktail Recipe

2oz Empress 1908 Gin

1oz Lavender Honey Syrup

2oz Lemonade

Combine Lemonade and Lavender Honey Syrup in cocktail shaker and shake over ice.  Double strain into rocks glass filled with crushed ice.  Using the back of a bar spoon, layer the Empress Gin on top and fill glass with crushed ice.  Garnish with a lavender sprig.

Lavender Honey Syrup:

Combine equal parts water and honey in a small sauce pan and heat until honey is dissolved.  Add 2 Tbsp of dried lavender buds and let steep for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes.  Strain the syrup and store in an air-tight container for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. 

Visit The Lounge Restaurant in Woodinville

Visit us in Woodinville! Located conveniently off the Sammamish River Trail and next door to our Tasting Room, The Lounge is the perfect stop for dinner on your adventure through Woodinville wine country. Walk-ins are welcome, however, we do recommend making a reservation. We offer indoor and weather-dependent reservations for outdoor patio seating on The Deck. Looking for a traditional wine tasting experience? Visit our Tasting Room next door for a 45-minute tasting of our acclaimed Bordeaux and Rhone-style wines.

Spring Releases at our Woodinville Tasting Room

Long days and summer weather has us reaching for a bottle of crisp rosé or refreshing chardonnay. Welcome summer with our spring release wines alongside some of our favorite pairing dishes. Not sure which to try first? Visit our Woodinville Tasting Room for a traditional, seated wine tasting. 

2021 Rosé

Our 2021 Rosé’s pink salmon hue is a shade lighter than past vintages.  There is a delectable weight and mouthfeel for a wine built without oak or much skin contact.  Watermelon Jolly Rancher, passion fruit, nectarine and orange blossom all pop from the glass.  The rich, ripe flavors work perfectly with the sturdy acidity, resulting in a lush, balanced finish.  Blending some of our warmer and cooler vineyard sites results in a wine with a personality that will pair with a wide range of foods.

In his recent Rosé vertical tasting, Owen Bargreen wrote "Showing off a more orange hue, the 2021 DeLille Cellars is a silky blend of 49% Grenache with 46% Mourvedre and the remainder Cinsault. Aromatically very vibrant this reveals salmonberry and ripe melon tones that combine with shades of nectarine skin. The palate displays dazzling finesse with a soft mouthfeel. The pretty red fruits from the Grenache is really shining through here. Dazzling at this juncture, this has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2022-2030- 93"

Pair with: 

• Fresh seafood: grilled salmon, fried calamari, shellfish and seared tuna
• Burgers and fatty meats

2021 Roussanne

The 2021 vintage offered plenty of sun and warmth for the Roussanne at Ciel du Cheval to reach its full potential.  Lemongrass, Granny Smith apple and chamomile intertwine seamlessly.  Crushed stone and a creamy, honey-like texture is enjoyed on the palate.  There is serious concentration and noticeable weight compared to recent vintages.  The slightly structured finish balances perfectly with the juicy acid and savory undertones.  Pair with your favorite mild Asian dish now or cellar for up to 10+ years.

Pair with: 

• Butter meats such as lobster, crab, foie gras, and pate

• Roussanne also pairs well with spicy flavors such as those found in Asian cuisine, roasted chicken, and a vast array of different hard and soft cheese and cream sauces

 

2020 Le Dessein

In its youth, 2020 Le Dessein (formerly called Métier) is showing dark, brambly fruits that are offered up by Mourvèdre (44%) and Syrah (20%), with Grenache (36%) adding Bing Cherry and strawberry leaf. There is a serious meaty, bacon fat component to things wine that is accentuated by notes of black pepper, violets and cranberry. The silky structure is lifted by wonderful acidity, bringing a sense of freshness to the palate. This wine always drinks well on release and can be cellared for 12+ years.

Pair with: Wild boar, pork chops, and roasted, spice-driven dishes like Morrocan chicken or smoked cauliflower steaks.

2020 Roofline Chardonnay

The 2020 Roofline Chardonnay opens with aromas of cucumber, Asian pear, lemon rind and wet stone.  The slight hint of reduction, subtle oak presence, low alcohol, and racy acidity give this Willamette Valley cuvée an old-world feel, with a freshness and liveliness that make this wine very appealing in its youth.  This will easily pair with your favorite grilled seafood or summer cheese plate.  Enjoy now or cellar for up to seven years.

Pair with: Grilled seafood or your favorite summer cheese plate. 

Coming Soon: Chaleur Blanc

Blanc is almost back! Watch out for the release of 2021 Chaleur Blanc in July.

About DeLille Cellars

DeLille Cellars is the third oldest operating winery in Woodinville, WA, founded in 1992. Known for pioneering Bordeaux-style blends from Washington State, the winery has maintained a tradition of quality and excellence with over 700 individual 90+ ratings from leading publications. DeLille Cellars focuses on the Red Mountain AVA and sources grapes from Washington’s most acclaimed vineyards. The winery is recognized by notable wine critics and influencers, including Robert Parker, as one of the top producers in the state.

An Interview with Woodinville Wine Country Scholarship Recipient Andrea Hernandez

In 2021, DeLille Cellars partnered with Woodinville Wine Country and Chateau Ste. Michelle to create the Woodinville Wine Country Diversity Scholarship supporting Washington State University School of Viticulture and Enology. The scholarship supports minority and under-represented students within the program who demonstrate passion and dedication to the winemaking craft. 

“This is a small but important step to creating more inclusivity and diversity within our wine community,” said Tom Dugan, CEO of DeLille Cellars. “WSU has a world-class viticulture and enology program, and we’re honored to partner with Chateau Ste. Michelle and Woodinville Wine Country in creating this scholarship. It reflects the great collaboration and community of Washington wine.”

We interviewed 2021 scholarship recipient Andrea Hernandez about her experience and future goals within the wine industry. 

Can you tell us about your background and how you first became interested in wine?

I am a first-generation student from Saint Helena, California, attending Washington State University. I knew from the start that I wanted to do something that required me to be outside. So, when I was in high school, I joined FFA and was able to take viticulture classes, which ignited my interest in wine.

What aspects of your wine education so far have you found most interesting?

I've developed a passion for chemistry, which has piqued my curiosity in the fermentation process, but I'm also fascinated by the entomology side of vineyard management.

What do you find the most challenging?

The most difficult aspect for me was remembering. I didn't realize how important internships were until I worked for Wilbur Ellis. I was then able to connect with my lectures and retain the information when I had more hands-on experience 

What advice would you give others interested in pursuing an education in enology & viticulture? 

Go to class, and make sure you master the fundamentals from the start. Over the summer, go out and hunt for internships to build your network.

What are your goals after graduating from the program?

After interning with vineyard management companies the past two summers, I hope to intern with a winery and learn more from the winemakers once I graduate.

Do you have a favorite wine memory?

My favorite memory is seeing the movie Bottle Shock for the first time, which was a significant inspiration for me to start making wine. I recall wanting to know what it's like to make such a flawless wine.

What advice/insight would you tell an incoming student about the wine program?

Don’t be scared to reach out and because we are such a small group, making friends with my classmates has been quite beneficial, as has talking with the students on the tri-cities campus during field trips. 

Support the Woodinville Wine Country Diversity Scholarship

The Woodinville Wine Country Diversity Scholarship supports minority and under-represented students in the Enology & Viticultural program, with the goal of fostering diversity and inclusion within the wine industry. Community members who would like to make a donation to grow the endowment fund for the Woodinville Wine Country Diversity Fund can donate here. 

About Woodinville Wine Country Association

Woodinville Wine Country Association is a group of vintners and affiliates who represents the growing presence of the Washington state wine industry in the Greater Woodinville area. The association’s mission is to create a world-class wine destination and a supportive and profitable environment for Washington vintners and affiliates.

About Chateau Ste. Michelle

Founded in 1934, Chateau Ste. Michelle pioneered vinifera grape growing in Washington State and has been producing classic European varietal wines under the Ste. Michelle label since 1967. The winery combines an ongoing dedication to research with a commitment to classic winemaking traditions. The winery owns 3,900 acres of vineyards in the Columbia Valley of Eastern Washington, including Canoe Ridge Estate and Cold Creek, which are LIVE and Salmon Safe certified. Chateau Ste. Michelle enjoys winemaking partnerships with some of the world’s most distinguished vintners. Col Solare is an alliance with Tuscany’s Piero Antinori, Eroica Riesling is a partnership with the Mosel’s Ernst Loosen and Tenet is a collaboration with Michel Gassier and Philippe Cambie of France.

About DeLille Cellars

DeLille Cellars is the third oldest operating winery in Woodinville, WA, founded in 1992. Known for pioneering Bordeaux-style blends from Washington State, the winery has maintained a tradition of quality and excellence with over 700 individual 90+ ratings from leading international critics. DeLille Cellars focuses on the Red Mountain AVA and sources grapes from Washington's most acclaimed vineyards. The winery is recognized by notable wine critics and influencers, including Robert Parker, as one of the top producers in the state. In 2019, DeLille Cellars moved all operations to the old Redhook Brewery in Woodinville.

June at The Lounge Restaurant - Celebrate with Us!

June is here and although summer weather is yet to fully arrive in Woodinville, The Lounge is ready to celebrate all that June has to offer. Between the restaurant’s one-year anniversary on June 17th, Father’s Day Weekend, and Pride Month, there is plenty of opportunities to join in on the festivities. Make an indoor or outdoor reservation and visit Woodinville’s wine-centric restaurant, conveniently located next door to the Tasting Room.

The Lounge One-Year Anniversary

Friday, June 17th

The Lounge opened its doors one year ago this Friday! Celebrate one year of hand-crafted fare and local cuisine with all-day glass pour specials.

Father's Day Weekend

Thursday, June 16th - Sunday, June 19th

Treat Dad to a steak and Cabernet Sauvignon dinner at The Lounge restaurant. Enjoy a special discount from Thursday, June 16th through Sunday, June 19th.

Celebrate Pride - Cocktail Special

Available Thursday, June 23rd - Sunday, June 26th

The Honey Lavender Lemonade Cocktail is made with Empress 1908 Gin, Lavender Honey Syrup and Lemonde. $5 from every cocktail sold will be donated to The Trevor Project, an organization dedicated to ending suicide among LGBTQ+ youth through crisis services, peer support, research, public education, and advocacy to build a safer, more inclusive world.

Date Night at The Lounge

Every Wednesday 3-9 pm

A take on DeLille Cellar’s Date Night pick-up meals throughout the course of 2020, Wednesday night Date Nights at The Lounge are the perfect opportunity to enjoy local cuisine paired with DeLille Cellars wine. The date night menu changes weekly, and New American-style dishes are crafted by Executive Chef Michael C. Toni. Main courses range from Pan-Seared Black Cod to Grilled Pork Tenderloin to Fresh Gnochetti Sardi Pasta. 

The Date Night menu includes a three-course dinner for two (starter, entree, and dessert) and a bottle of wine. Choose from four bottle choices including Chaleur Blanc, D2, Panther Creek Pinot Noir, and Panther Creek Chardonnay. Follow our Facebook page for menu updates and Date Night information at The Lounge.

Live Music at The Lounge

Every Thursday 5:30-8:30 pm 

Join The Lounge at DeLille Cellars Thursday evenings from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm for live music at our Woodinville restaurant. We feature local artists whose styles range from acoustic folk and indie to soft rock and pop. Check out the live music schedule here. 

Happy Hour

Every Wednesday through Friday 3-5pm

Enjoy Happy Hour specials at The Lounge Wednesday through Friday from 3 pm to 5 pm. Guests can enjoy $10 glass pours on select wine including D2, Triennes Rose, Panther Creek Chardonnay, Jean Baptiste Roussanne, and Panther Creek Pinot Noir. Looking for a different beverage? No problem! Our Woodinville restaurant features a wide selection of beer and cider on tap, including ales from Fair Isle Brewing, Black Raven, and Sumerian Brewing.

Visit our Woodinville Restaurant

Visit us in Woodinville! Located conveniently off the Sammamish River Trail and next door to our Tasting Room, The Lounge is the perfect stop for dinner on your adventure through Woodinville wine country. Walk-ins are welcome, however, we do recommend making a reservation. We offer indoor and weather-dependent reservations for outdoor patio seating on The Deck. Looking for a traditional wine tasting experience? Visit our Tasting Room next door for a 45-minute tasting of our acclaimed Bordeaux and Rhone-style wines.