WINERY SUMMARY

Where meticulous vineyard selection meets unwavering quality standards, Quilceda Creek Vintners stands as Washington State's most prestigious Cabernet Sauvignon producer, crafting investment-grade wines from premier Columbia Valley sites that rival Bordeaux's finest estates.

Founded in 1978 by Alex Golitzin, a nephew of legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff, Quilceda Creek began as a garage winery with an audacious vision: to prove Washington could produce world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, under the masterful direction of Paul Golitzin, the winery maintains its founding philosophy of uncompromising quality over quantity. Paul's scientific background and artistic sensibility drive every decision, from vineyard management to final blending, ensuring each vintage represents the pinnacle of Washington winemaking excellence.

Quilceda Creek's flagship Cabernet Sauvignon consistently earns perfect scores from leading critics, with their Columbia Valley Cabernet and ultra-premium Red Mountain Cabernet commanding allocation-only status among collectors worldwide. The winery owns 79% of the legendary Champoux Vineyard in Horse Heaven Hills, plus holdings in Palengat and Galitzine Vineyards on Red Mountain, sourcing from sites with ideal warm, arid conditions and diverse soils. Annual production remains deliberately limited to approximately 8,000 cases, with meticulous hand-sorting, extended maceration, and aging in finest French oak barrels. Their CVR (Columbia Valley Red) offers earlier accessibility while maintaining the house style of power, elegance, and extraordinary aging potential.

Visiting Quilceda Creek requires advance planning, as this boutique operation offers intimate, appointment-only tastings at their Snohomish facility. The experience focuses entirely on the wines themselves, with Paul Golitzin often personally conducting tastings for serious collectors and wine enthusiasts. Tours provide insight into their exacting winemaking process, from grape selection through barrel aging, while the tasting room showcases current releases alongside rare library selections. Each visit offers exclusive access to wines often unavailable elsewhere, making reservations essential for this coveted experience.

For discerning collectors seeking Washington's finest Cabernet Sauvignon, Quilceda Creek represents the state's ultimate expression of terroir and winemaking mastery. Contact the winery directly to secure your appointment and discover why these wines consistently rank among America's greatest Cabernets.