Chateau Ste. Michelle is a winery located in Woodinville, Washington, near Seattle. The winery produces various wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Chenin blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer and more. It is one of the few wineries in the United States that produces red and white wines from classic European grape varieties. The winery has a long history of producing award-winning wines, and its tasting room is a popular tourist destination.
This is the oldest winery in Washington state. It was founded in 1934 as the American Wine Company, but eventually, it got merged with the National Wine Company (NAWICO) and the Pomerelle Wine Company in 1954 to form the American Wine Company. The winery is located on a historic 87-acre (35-hectare) property that once belonged to lumber baron Frederick Stimson. The area included mature trees and was used as a hunting retreat and a rural working farm called the Hollywood Farm. The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
Over the years, many Washington winemakers have gotten their start working here. Notable alumni include Kay Simon and Clay Mackey, who co-founded Chinook Wines after working as a vineyard manager for the winery.
For those who have toured Chateau Ste. Michelle, they have found it to be an informative and enjoyable experience. They appreciate the beautiful views of the vineyard, their tour guides are very knowledgeable, and the numerous samples of wine were especially delicious. Many exciting concerts have been held here. The atmosphere is ripe (pun intended), and the fact that the venue offers a great view of the vineyard makes it apparent. Many exciting concerts and performances have been held here by artists like Jason Mraz, John Legend, Carrie Underwood, Earth, Wind & Fire, Santana, and more.
Try visiting when you get the chance. Seeing the winemaking process is a joy and explore the history of the winery.
