20 Years of Snoqualmie History
2008

Snoqualmie adds Merlot, its first red wine, and Rose to the Naked line of wines made from organically grown grapes.

2007

Snoqualmie is named a Value Brand of the Year by Wine & Spirits magazine in June.

Snoqualmie adds Chardonnay to the Naked line of organically grown wines.

Snoqualmie's 2006 Winemaker's Select Riesling is named #2 in Top 100 Best Buys 2007 by Wine Enthusiast.
2006

Snoqualmie named "Washington Winery of the Year" by Wine Press Northwest.

Joy Andersen named to list of "Best U.S. Winemakers" by Dan Berger's Vintage Experiences.

Wine Enthusiast names the 2004 Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc #39 on its "Top 100 Best Buys of 2006" list.
2005

The 2002 Reserve Merlot receives 90 points from Wine Spectator.

The 2002 Reserve Syrah receives 91 points from Wine Spectator.

Wine Enthusiast names the 2004 Winemaker's Select Riesling #29 on its "Top 100 Best Buys of 2005" list.

2004

Snoqualmie introduces “Naked” Gewurztraminer and “Nearly Naked” Riesling. Naked is made from organically grown grapes using certified organic production methods, and Nearly Naked from organically grown grapes using some conventional production methods.

2001 Reserve Syrah receives five prestigious 90+ scores:

  • 92 points from Wine & Spirits
  • 91 points from Wine News
  • 90 points from The Wine Advocate
  • 90 points from Wine Spectator
  • 90 points & Editor’s Choice from Wine Enthusiast
2003

Snoqualmie introduces three new products to its portfolio:

  • 2002 Cirque de Rosé, the first rosé in the portfolio, made in the traditional method, from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Distribution is limited.
  • 2002 Winemaker Select Riesling, replacing the Johannisberg Riesling. New vineyards were sourced for the blend, lending to a sweeter, richer, more Germanic–style Riesling.
  • 2001 Rosebud Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, represents the first single vineyard wine in the portfolio. The vineyard produces powerful, expressive grapes, and Joy’s winemaking showcases its distinct character.
Snoqualmie Winery opens tasting room to visitors, September 2003

2002

Plans are announced to open a new tasting room in Prosser, Washington, in the coming year. A new Reserve Syrah, 2000 vt., joins the line-up of Snoqualmie reserve wines with a planned August release.
2001

National expansion is complete and Snoqualmie wines are now available in all 50 states. Joy Andersen is featured in a Seattle Times article, "Women in Wine," a story highlighting three Washington state winemakers. Wine Enthusiast names Washington "Wine Region of the Year".
2000

Snoqualmie begins national expansion with distribution opening in 28 states outside of the Northwest. New releases include the 1998 Syrah (which sold out quickly!), 1999 Sauvignon Blanc and 1999 Chenin Blanc.

1998 Snoqualmie introduces its first Reserve wines, the 1996 Reserve Merlot and 1996 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.
1997 The 1995 Cabernet-Merlot earns "Gold Medal-Best of Show" honors from the Tri-Cities Wine Competition. Snoqualmie introduces a new, two-piece label design incorporating its namesake mountain range in the art and cut of the label.
1995 The 1994 Chardonnay and 1994 Fume Blanc, both made by Joy Andersen, are released. These are the first new vintages of the two varieties since 1990.
1994 Snoqualmie's 1992 Cabernet-Merlot is released, the winery's first vintage of this blend. The wine is awarded the only gold medal in its category at the 1994 Pacific Northwest Food and Wine Festival Wine & Spirits gives the 1989 Cabernet Sauvignon a score of 90 and a "Best Buy" designation.
1991 Stimson Lane Vineyards & Estates purchases Snoqualmie Winery, acquiring Snoqualmie and Saddle mountain labels, the Mattawa facility and lease rights to the western Washington Snoqualmie tasting room. Joy Andersen becomes Snoqualmie's winemaker.
1990 Mike Januik leaves Snoqualmie for Chateau Ste. Michelle.
1987 Joel Klein leaves Snoqualmie. Mike Januik of Stewart Vineyards in Granger, WA becomes winemaker for Snoqualmie as well as for Langguth and Saddle Mountain.
1986 Joel Klein finds new investors and moves his base of operations to F.W. Langguth Winery in Mattawa, WA. Klein's partners reorganize Snoqualmie Winery and purchase controlling interest in F.W. Langguth with plans to phase out Langguth. Saddle Mountain is also acquired. Ownership of Snoqualmie and Saddle Mountain is now held by Snoqualmie Falls Holding Co.
1985 Snoqualmie's first red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, are released. Snoqualmie Winery's new tasting room opens in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains.
1984 Snoqualmie's first white wines, Johannisberg Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Semillon, and Muscat Canelli, are released.
1983 Joel Klein, previously head of winemaking at Ste. Michelle Vintners, establishes Snoqualmie Winery. He teams up with David Wyckoff of Coventry Vale and Snoqualmie wines are produced at Coventry Vale's custom crush facility in Grandview, WA.

Mailing List

Interested in the latest news from Snoqualmie? Join our on-line mailing list.