Washington
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates has been a leader in Washington state winemaking since the 1930s when, shortly after Prohibition ended, two predecessor companies that later merged began operation. In the 1960s, the combined company, then known as American Wine Growers, pioneered the planting of vinifera grapes in Washington's Columbia Valley, which today is recognized as a world-class growing region, most notably for outstanding Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Washington’s premium wine identity and community of artisan winemakers is no coincidence. It derives from the uniqueness of its primary appellation, the Columbia Valley, in the southeastern region of the state. Like no other place in North America due to its northerly latitude, climate, soil and geological foundation, the Columbia Valley produces wines with elegance and structure more often compared to European wines. The appellation lies around the 46th parallel north, about the same as the premier wine-growing regions of France.
Wines under the Ste. Michelle label were first introduced in 1967, and today the company’s portfolio is the most significant in Washington state. The complete list of wineries in the state appears on the right.
