Charles Smith

Few winemakers have a story comparable to that of Charles Smith. Although he was born and raised an hour away from Napa Valley, California, Charles only discovered his love for wine after moving to Europe. During his time abroad, he managed several rock bands, including the famous Danish duo The Raveonettes. It was the meals and rock 'n' roll lifestyle of life on the road... Read more

Few winemakers have a story comparable to that of Charles Smith. Although he was born and raised an hour away from Napa Valley, California, Charles only discovered his love for wine after moving to Europe. During his time abroad, he managed several rock bands, including the famous Danish duo The Raveonettes. It was the meals and rock 'n' roll lifestyle of life on the road that sparked Charles' passion for fine wine . In 1999, while on a road trip to Walla Walla, Washington, Charles met a winemaker who convinced him to start making his own wine, true to his own history and vision. And in 2001, Charles released 330 cases of his first vintage.Eight years later, he was named Winemaker of the Year by Food & Wine magazine and again in 2014 by Wine Enthusiast. Charles' knowledge and respect for old-world winemaking techniques, combined with his commitment to how people actually drink wine, make his wines so unique. His reds undergo extended skin maceration, without racking once malolactic fermentation is complete. This allows them to remain on the lees longer, enhancing the mouthfeel. For the whites, he foregoes bâtonnage, and they are fined and filtered for stability. And once they are ready to drink, Charles says to drink them however you like.In 2008, Charles Smith Wines was recognised by Wine & Spirits magazine as one of the "Best New Wineries of the Last Ten Years" and as "Winery of the Year" in its annual buying guide. In 2009, Food & Wine magazine awarded Charles the title of "Winemaker of the Year." In 2010, Seattle Magazine recognised Charles as "Winemaker of the Year." And in 2014, Wine Enthusiast also named him "Winemaker of the Year."