From the biggest winery in the state to the smallest boutique producer, Washington State University alumni are making wine and growing grapes in every one of Washington’s appellations. Here’s the list of the wineries with WSU connections that we’ve been able to find, but we’re sure there are more out there.
Alexandria Nicole Cellars (Rob Mercier ’91, partner; Robert O. Smasne ’99, winemaker)
www.alexandrianicolecellars.com
Arbor Crest Cellars (Harold Mielke ’58, founder/owner; David Mielke ’62, co-founder/former owner)
www.arborcrest.com
Bonair Winery (Gail ’68 and Shirley Puryear ’68, owners)
www.bonairwine.com
Bergevin Lane Vineyards (Annette Bergevin ’86, owner)
www.bergevinlane.com
Bunchgrass Winery (Roger Cockerline ’66, and Cheryl Cockerline ’68)
www.bunchgrasswinery.com
C.R. Sandidge Wines (Ray Sandidge ’77, winemaker)
www.crsandidgewines.com
Chateau Ste. Michelle (Stimson Lane) (Ted Baseler ’76, CEO; Gordon Hill ’80, winemaker, Kevin Corliss ’86, Russell Smithyman ’99)
www.ste-michelle.com
Claar Cellars (Crista Claar Whitelatch ’72 and Bob Whitelatch, owners)
www.claarcellars.com
Columbia Crest Winery (See Ste. Michelle, of the Stimson Lane group)
www.columbia-crest.com
Cougar Crest (Deborah Hansen ’79, owner/winemaker, Dave Hansen ’77, owner/grape grower)
www.cougarcrestwinery.com
DiStefano Winery (Cheryl Barber-Jones ’76, winemaker)
www.distefanowinery.com
Gordon Brothers Cellars (Jeff Gordon ’71, owner)
www.gordonwines.com
Hoodsport Winery (Dick Patterson ’64 owner)
www.hoodsport.com
Kestrel Vintners (Flint Nelson ’91, winemaker)
www.kestrelwines.com
Kiona Vineyards (Scott Williams ’80, winemaker, John and Ann Williams, owners)
www.kionawine.com
L’Ecole No. 41 (Jean Ferguson ’46, founder, passed away in 1998. Now her daughter and son-in-law run the winery.)
www.lecole.com
Leonetti Cellar (Chris Figgins ’96, viticulturalist)
www.leonetticellar.com
Maryhill Winery (Craig Leuthold ’82, owner)
www.maryhillwinery.com
Northstar Winery (Gordon Hill ’80, winemaker)
www.northstarmerlot.com
Preston Premium Wines (Cathy Preston-Mouncer ’82, director of PR)
www.prestonwines.com
Sagelands Vineyard (Colin Morell ’85, grower)
www.sagelandsvineyard.com
Saint Laurent Winery (Laura Laurent-Mrachek ’77, Michael Mrachek ’74, owners)
www.saintlaurent.net
Samson Estates Winery (Rob Dhaliwal ’99, winemaker/partner)
www.samsonestates.com
Silver Lake Winery (Cheryl Barber-Jones ’76, winemaker)
www.silverlakewinery.com
Wedge Mountain Winery and Vineyard (Mary Ann Gates McKee ’71, owner)
www.wedgemountainwinery.com
Woodward Canyon Winery (Rick Small ’69, winemaker/owner)
www.woodwardcanyon.com