The iconic Barnard Griffin winery was started by Rob Griffin, head winemaker, and his wife Deborah Barnard, in 1983. Their first vintage was a small truckload of borrowed fruit that Rob fermented in rented cellar space while working as winemaker for Preston Cellars.
Their daughter, Megan Hughes, is following in Rob’s footsteps as second-generation winemaker and enologist. She joined the family winery after graduating in 2010 with a degree in Viticulture and Enology from WSU.
Rob and Deborah’s lifelong dream was to make world-class wines on their terms: a desire to put the absolute best wine in everyone’s glass, regardless of their budget. “We strive to make exceptional wines that speak to the Columbia Valley, a journey which starts with having the highest standards for growers and the winery’s production,” Rob says.
The Richland-based winery has opened a satellite tasting room in Woodinville. (across from Valdemar Estates). This new location is across from Valdemar Estates in the Schoolhouse District area of town, offering top-tier reserve wines and other special bottlings.
Wine isn’t the only artistic contribution from the Barnard Griffin family— installed in the space are glass tiles making up the front of the bar, all handcrafted and fired by Deborah Barnard in her db Studio at the Richland winery.
Sustainability is a key element throughout the tasting room’s design. “We also do our best to utilize materials that are beginning their second life, for instance, patio furniture fashioned from single-use plastics destined for a darker end. We want to make sure the space has a tranquil yet inviting feel for guests to explore our portfolio of wines,” says Deborah.
The wine selection offers something for everyone. The two reserves we reviewed below are rock-solid, rendering pure enjoyment. They are located at 17401 133rd Avenue NE, Suite C108, Woodinville and you can find them on the web at www.barnardgriffin.com.
Barnard Griffin 2017 Red Mountain Merlot
94 pts.
Decadently rich and lushly textured, offering pure flavors of macerated cherry and dark plum with well-honed acidity and ethereal, dusty tannins that weave through expressive crushed pebble, spice and mineral details. $50
Barnard Griffin 2017 Côtes du Rôb
92 pts.
Well-marked by herbaceous undertones and lively acidity permeated with pretty violet, earthy plum, red berries and peppercorn. Vanilla accents surface with a touch of firmness on the finish. $38