A Visionary Heritage
A Visionary Heritage
Visionaries of Washington Wine
When Chateau Ste. Michelle was founded in 1967, many believed great wine could only come from Italy or California. Our founders set out to prove otherwise—and in doing so, established Washington’s first premium winery. From the beginning, Chateau Ste. Michelle helped put Washington State on the global map through terroir-driven winemaking, innovation, and award-winning craftsmanship. Today, it remains the most iconic winery in Washington and a leader in shaping the future of American wine.
Visionaries of Washington Wine
When Chateau Ste. Michelle was founded in 1967, many believed great wine could only come from Italy or California. Our founders set out to prove otherwise—and in doing so, established Washington’s first premium winery. From the beginning, Chateau Ste. Michelle helped put Washington State on the global map through terroir-driven winemaking, innovation, and award-winning craftsmanship. Today, it remains the most iconic winery in Washington and a leader in shaping the future of American wine.
1933
Prohibition ends, and the very same day—December 5—the National Wine Company (NAWICO) is founded in Seattle, beginning the Chateau Ste. Michelle story.
1933
Prohibition ends, and the very same day—December 5—the National Wine Company (NAWICO) is founded in Seattle, beginning the Chateau Ste. Michelle story.
1951
NAWICO plants Washington’s earliest vinifera grapes in the Columbia Valley, setting the stage for the region’s future as a world-class winegrowing area.
1951
NAWICO plants Washington’s earliest vinifera grapes in the Columbia Valley, setting the stage for the region’s future as a world-class winegrowing area.
1954
NAWICO merges with Pomerelle to form American Wine Growers (AWG), which quickly becomes the largest winery in Washington State.
1954
NAWICO merges with Pomerelle to form American Wine Growers (AWG), which quickly becomes the largest winery in Washington State.
1967
Under the guidance of legendary Napa Valley winemaker André Tchelistcheff, AWG launches the Ste. Michelle Vineyards brand—Washington’s first premium label—laying the foundation for modern winemaking in the state.
1967
Under the guidance of legendary Napa Valley winemaker André Tchelistcheff, AWG launches the Ste. Michelle Vineyards brand—Washington’s first premium label—laying the foundation for modern winemaking in the state.
1972
Ste. Michelle Vineyards Johannisburg Riesling wins LA Times blind tasting, and international attention turns to Washington wine.
1972
Ste. Michelle Vineyards Johannisburg Riesling wins LA Times blind tasting, and international attention turns to Washington wine.
1976
Ste. Michelle Vineyards label becomes Chateau Ste. Michelle, and winery opens in Woodinville, WA.
1976
Ste. Michelle Vineyards label becomes Chateau Ste. Michelle, and winery opens in Woodinville, WA.
1984
Chateau Ste. Michelle becomes the first Northwest winery to host concerts. This would grow to become one of the most popular events of the season as the renowned Summer Concert Series.
1984
Chateau Ste. Michelle becomes the first Northwest winery to host concerts. This would grow to become one of the most popular events of the season as the renowned Summer Concert Series.
1989
Washington State becomes the nation’s second-largest producer of classic wines, with Chateau Ste. Michelle at the forefront of the region’s growth and recognition.
1989
Washington State becomes the nation’s second-largest producer of classic wines, with Chateau Ste. Michelle at the forefront of the region’s growth and recognition.
1991
Canoe Ridge Estate Vineyard is planted in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. The site quickly earns acclaim for producing elegant, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay.
1991
Canoe Ridge Estate Vineyard is planted in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. The site quickly earns acclaim for producing elegant, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay.
1996
Artist Series, a Bordeaux stye blend celebrating the collaboration between artesian winemaking and fine art debuts. The inaugural 1993 vintage features internationally renowned glass artist, Dale Chihuly.
1996
Artist Series, a Bordeaux stye blend celebrating the collaboration between artesian winemaking and fine art debuts. The inaugural 1993 vintage features internationally renowned glass artist, Dale Chihuly.
1999
Chateau Ste. Michelle teams up with Ernst Loosen, famed German winemaker, to produce Eroica, a high-end Riesling from Washington, and Single Berry Select, an ultra-premium dessert wine (trockenbeerenauslese). Eroica is named to Wine Spectator’s “Top 100” for its first five vintages.
1999
Chateau Ste. Michelle teams up with Ernst Loosen, famed German winemaker, to produce Eroica, a high-end Riesling from Washington, and Single Berry Select, an ultra-premium dessert wine (trockenbeerenauslese). Eroica is named to Wine Spectator’s “Top 100” for its first five vintages.
2004
Wine Enthusiast magazine names Chateau Ste. Michelle “American Winery of the Year 2004.”
2004
Wine Enthusiast magazine names Chateau Ste. Michelle “American Winery of the Year 2004.”
2015
Washington State University dedicates the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Wine Science Center, a state-of-the-art research and teaching institution for the Washington grape and wine industries.
2015
Washington State University dedicates the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Wine Science Center, a state-of-the-art research and teaching institution for the Washington grape and wine industries.
2017
Chateau Ste. Michelle celebrates its 50th anniversary as Washington’s founding winery, marking five decades of heritage, innovation, and award-winning winemaking.
2017
Chateau Ste. Michelle celebrates its 50th anniversary as Washington’s founding winery, marking five decades of heritage, innovation, and award-winning winemaking.
2021
Katie Nelson Named Head Winemaker for Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery.
2021
Katie Nelson Named Head Winemaker for Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery.
2022
Chateau Ste. Michelle named "Top 100 Winery of the Year" by Wine & Spirits for the 24th time, more than any other American winery.
2022
Chateau Ste. Michelle named "Top 100 Winery of the Year" by Wine & Spirits for the 24th time, more than any other American winery.
2023
Chateau Ste. Michelle joins international wineries for Climate Action.
2023
Chateau Ste. Michelle joins international wineries for Climate Action.
2025
The Wyckoff family purchases Chateau Ste. Michelle, returning the company to local ownership for the first time in 50 years.
2023
Chateau Ste. Michelle joins international wineries for Climate Action.