Women's History Month
In the words of Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, "Who run the world? Girls!" Diversity, equity, and inclusion is now in our daily vernacular, thanks to history-making women and humans of color who have persevered to create a more just society. It really wasn't that long ago that Congress passed joint solutions to celebrate Women's History Month, a canon event that began in March 1987. Today, women continue to face universal challenges in gender equality. In the meantime, celebrating Women's History Month is one way to support women. In honor of Women's History Month in March and International Women's Day on March 8th, here's are all the women winemakers and winery owners who are making their mark. Cheers!
Washington Women in Wine
Bellevue loves to visit Woodinville Wine Country for many reasons. It's just 20 minutes outside of the city, it's one of the largest concentrations of tasting rooms in the country, and there's a Women Winemakers Tasting Pass.
It is true though, that as one of the biggest wine producing regions in the country, the number of women in wine is still small. In Bellevue, we're lucky to be so close to the tasting rooms that were graced by the following women winemakers and winery owners.
LaShellé Wines
Address: 19501 144th Ave NE C700, Woodinville, WA 98072
For fabulous red wines from a Black Female-Owned winery that opened on Juneteenth 2021, head to Woodinville's Warehouse District for LaShellé Wines and meet Nicole Camp.
She began experimenting with mead-making with fruit from her yard in the early 2000s before deciding to take classes at the Northwest Wine Academy and interning at T2 Cellars in SODO. She was inspired by her mother Carol and grandmother Gladys to chase her dreams - we love to hear it.
The boutique winery is dedicated to offering top-quality wines in a warm and inviting setting. Keep an eye out for their events page, featuring paint and sips, wine and chocolate pairings, and more.
Adrice Wines
Address: 19495 144th Ave NE Suite 2A-160, Woodinville, WA 98072
Adrice Wines is the lovechild of two amazing women, winemaker Pamela Adkins and co-owner Julie Bulrice. With humble beginnings as an employee at a wine blending facility in Napa, Pam started making her own wines there before moving to Seattle. She calls it "secret squirrel winemaking."
Today, Adrice Wines exclusively makes Washington wines that you can try in their tasting room at the Woodinville Warehouse Wineries. They also serve beer, cider, and delicious snacks.
Baer Winery
Warehouse District: 19501 144th Ave NE #F100, Woodinville, WA 98072
Woodin Creek Village: 13590 NE Village Square Dr Unit 1025, Woodinville, WA 98072
Winemaker Erica Orr carries on the tradition of excellent winemaking from winemaker and founder of Baer Winery, Lance Baer, who passed in 2007. She's traveled the world to work in wine and produces incredible Washington wines with fruit from one of the top sites in the state, using mostly new French oak barrels.
The Baer Ursa is a red blend that is the star in their wine line up, blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec.
They have two tasting rooms in Woodinville, one in the Warehouse District, and the other in Woodin Creek Village.
Callan Cellars
Address: 18742 142nd Ave NE Woodinville, WA 98072
After starting a family with three children and working in real estate, Lisa Callan headed to WSU for the Enology Program and then landed a production internship at a prestigious Woodinville winery before hanging out her own shingle.
Callan Cellars is known for their award-winning Rhone and Bordeaux style red wines. They source their grapes from some of Washington's preeminent vineyards located in the Columbia Valley, Red Mountain, Walla Walla, and Lake Chelan AVA's. Lisa loves making Grenache Blanc, her every day drinking wine.
Damsel Cellars
Hollywood Hills: 14467 Redmond - Woodinville Rd NE, Woodinville, WA 98072
Artisan Hill: 18746 142nd Ave NE, Woodinville, WA 98072
Winemaker and Damsel Cellars owner Mari Womack says not all damsels are in distress. This is so true. She has two tasting rooms in Woodinville, a flagship in the Artisan Hills district, and one in the Hollywood Hills district. Meet her at the tasting rooms, typically on Fridays and Saturdays.
They also have a cheesemonger on site, which means there are cheese and charcuterie plates to enjoy.
Rocky Pond Winery
Address: 13475 NE Village Square Dr Suite 1010, Woodinville, WA 98072
The Rocky Pond Winery tasting room in Woodinville is a gorgeous new space with two large outdoor patios for intimate al fresco experiences and leashed pets.
Winemaker Elizabeth Keyser was appointed their new winemaker at the beginning of 2022 to take on their portfolio of premium Washington wines. Keyser hails from Napa Valley and her work history is dotted with prestigious wine houses such as HALL Family Wines and A to Z Wineworks. She started her career in New York, in the Finger Lakes wine community.
Enjoy a variety of wine and culinary tastings with their team in the Woodin Creek Village tasting room.
Woodinville Wine Country Female Winemakers Tasting Pass
One pass, many pours. In a predominately male industry, these female winemakers are stealing the spotlight with show stopping wines right in our backyard.
