Chateau Ste. Michelle

Fruit is sourced primarily from Washington’s Columbia Valley and its sub-appellations. The portfolio spans Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and other varietals.

Whites are commonly fermented in stainless steel for freshness or in oak for texture, while reds are typically matured in oak to develop structure and spice.

Reserve and single-vineyard bottlings focus on specific sites, produced alongside broader Columbia Valley blends.

Several factors contribute to its profile with consumers and the trade.

• Portfolio breadth — Produces wines from multiple varietals and tiers, from widely distributed Columbia Valley labels to limited releases.
• Collaborations — Historic projects include Eroica Riesling with German winemaker Ernst Loosen and Col Solare on Red Mountain (founded with Marchesi Antinori, who took full ownership in 2024).
• Visitor estate — The Woodinville chateau offers tours and tastings; the long-running Summer Concert Series at the estate remains a popular annual draw.
• Distribution — National reach across the U.S. via retail and restaurant placements.

• Where is Chateau Ste. Michelle located?

  Chateau Ste. Michelle is situated in Woodinville, Washington, about 20 miles northeast of Seattle. The estate features a French-style chateau.

• When was Chateau Ste. Michelle founded?

  The Chateau Ste. Michelle brand debuted in 1967. Its lineage traces to post-Prohibition wine companies that merged into American Wine Growers in 1954.

• Who owns Chateau Ste. Michelle?

  Chateau Ste. Michelle is the flagship brand of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, which was acquired by the Wyckoff family in December 2025.

• What types of wine does Chateau Ste. Michelle produce?

  The winery produces Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and other varietals, primarily sourced from Washington’s Columbia Valley.

• What is Chateau Ste. Michelle famous for?

  Notable wines include Columbia Valley Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon, along with the Eroica Riesling collaboration and the Col Solare project.

• Is Chateau Ste. Michelle a French winery?

  No. The name and estate design evoke European influences, but the wines are made mostly from Washington-grown grapes, primarily from the Columbia Valley.

• What makes Chateau Ste. Michelle unique?

  It is often credited as one of Washington’s earliest modern wineries and is known for large-scale production, vineyard sourcing across the Columbia Valley, and collaborations with international partners.

• Who were key figures and collaborators?

  Early and influential figures include Wally Opdycke, an early president in the 1970s, and Allen Shoup, a longtime leader of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. Bob Betz, MW, held winemaking and executive roles. Notable collaborations include Ernst Loosen for Eroica Riesling and Marchesi Antinori for Col Solare (formerly a partner, now sole owner of Col Solare).