Swakane Winery began it’s journey in 2000 as many do, making wine at home for themselves. Starting with the most readily available fruit found in Southwestern Washington, Blackberries, but soon venturing on to more common wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlots purchasing grapes from the Columbia Valley.
This desire and love escalated and soon Mike was in school every weekend working on his degree in Enology “The Art of Wine Making” learning everything that goes into a glass of wine from the soil the grapes are grown in to the bottles the wine is later poured from and every detail in between. After graduating in 2004 he then worked for Milum and Katy at Tildio Winery in Manson for a couple of seasons.
Meanwhile they found the perfect piece of property on a gentle slope overlooking the mighty Columbia River just north of Wenatchee, and began the 6 year process of planting Riesling, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc grapes, plant by plant and row by row, and then the seemingly slow process of turning their shop into a winery.
They opened their doors in May of 2009 and discovered they had brought their dream to life. The now share their experience and handcrafted wines with friends and quests who visit Swakane Winery.
Swakane Leavenworth Tasting Room and Bistro
Front Street, Leavenworth Wa 98826
509 888 7225
