Washington’s largest wine producer, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, has closed two of its tasting rooms a year after steep cuts to its volume.
The Columbia Crest tasting room at the company’s production facility in Paterson and the 14 Hands tasting room in Prosser have both closed, said Lynda Eller, a company spokeswoman, in a statement to Good Fruit Grower.
“We have made the decision to close our 14 Hands and Columbia Crest tasting rooms in Eastern Washington as we continue our focus on winemaking and growing these iconic Washington wine brands nationally,” Eller said. “It’s been a privilege to host local tasting room visitors over the years, and we hope fans will continue to enjoy their favorite wines through their local grocery stores, wine shops and restaurants.”
Ste. Michelle still has three Washington tasting rooms — Spring Valley Vineyard and Northstar Winery in Walla Walla and Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville.
In summer 2023, Ste. Michelle asked its growers to reduce grape volume by roughly 40 percent and renegotiate existing contracts, growers told Good Fruit Grower at the time.
The company is owned by New York private equity firm Sycamore Partners Management.
The 14 Hands property also includes a production facility, which Ste. Michelle closed in 2023.
The Horse Heaven Wine Co. then purchased 14 Hands and crushed grapes there this year, while Ste. Michelle leased back the tasting room and viticulture office space, said Justin Andrews.
Ste. Michelle will continue to use the office space, Eller said.
Horse Heaven Wine Co. is operated by the Andrews family, which owns McKinley Springs Winery. Justin Andrews is a partner in both Prosser-based companies.
The 14 Hands facility has a capacity of about 15,000 tons. Horse Heaven Wine Co. planned to crush only about 1,000 tons this year.
—by Ross Courtney
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