Chateau Ste. Michelle
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Winery, Wine production |
| Predecessor | National Wine Company (NAWICO), Pomerelle Wine Company |
| Founded | 1954 |
| Headquarters | Woodinville , United States |
Area served | International |
Key people | Bob Bertheau (Winemaker) |
| Products | Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Riesling, Col Solare, Eroica Riesling |
| Owner | Sycamore Partners |
| Parent | Ste. Michelle Wine Estates (acquired by Sycamore Partners in 2021) |
Chateau Ste. Michelle is a winery located in Woodinville, Washington, United States, situated roughly east of Seattle. Recognized as the oldest winery in Washington state, it specializes in producing prominent varietals such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Riesling. The company has established notable winemaking collaborations, including Col Solare, a partnership with Tuscany’s Piero Antinori, and Eroica Riesling, created alongside Mosel’s Ernst Loosen. In 2004, Wine Enthusiast honored Chateau Ste. Michelle as the American Winery of the Year.
Formerly under the ownership of Altria (previously Phillip Morris), the winery was purchased in 2021 by private equity firm Sycamore Partners for $1.2 billion. Producing over 2 million cases annually and distributing internationally, Chateau Ste. Michelle commands a substantial portion of the U.S. wine market. Its business strategy capitalizes on premium collaborations and a diverse range of varietals to sustain its competitive position and stimulate growth. Among its leadership team is Winemaker Bob Bertheau, who plays a key role in guiding the company’s strategic direction and product development.
History
Established in 1954 as the American Wine Company, Chateau Ste. Michelle holds the distinction of being Washington’s oldest winery. It originated from the merger of the National Wine Company (NAWICO), founded in 1934, and the Pomerelle Wine Company. The winery's French-inspired chateau is set on 118 acres that were once owned by lumber magnate Frederick Stimson, who operated it as Hollywood Farm, a rural working estate. Chateau Ste. Michelle acquired this property in 1976; it was subsequently listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
The winery has been instrumental in launching the careers of numerous Washington winemakers, including Kay Simon of Chinook Wines, who began her professional journey at Chateau Ste. Michelle.
In 2021, Sycamore Partners acquired Ste. Michelle Wine Estates for $1.2 billion. After this acquisition, wine production was shifted away from the Woodinville facility, which was briefly put on the market in 2022 before plans to sell were withdrawn. By 2024, Chateau Ste. Michelle proposed a redevelopment plan for the Woodinville site involving 90 single-family residences, a 120-room hotel, a new music venue with seating for 4,300 and total capacity for 5,800 attendees, along with retail spaces. This initiative aims to transform the company’s operations toward retail, housing, entertainment, and hospitality sectors but requires city approval for rezoning from industrial use.
Wines
Chateau Ste. Michelle produces more than 600,000 cases of Riesling each year. It owns several important estate vineyards across Eastern Washington, including Canoe Ridge located in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, as well as Cold Creek and Indian Wells situated within the Columbia Valley AVA.
In 2022, the winery transferred its white wine production from Woodinville to facilities in eastern Washington to enhance logistical efficiency and decrease diesel fuel consumption—a strategic decision aimed at optimizing operational performance.
Activities
An amphitheater located on the winery grounds serves as a venue for outdoor concerts during the summer months, contributing to increased brand visibility and fostering stronger connections with patrons.