February 4, 2013 – Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, parent company to 14 Hands Vineyards, today announced its plans to open a 14 Hands winery in Prosser, Wash. by fall 2013.
Artist rendition of the 14 Hands tasting room provided courtesy of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
“The performance of 14 Hands has been nothing short of remarkable,” said Ted Baseler, President and CEO of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. “Since its initial introduction in 2005, we have watched 14 Hands evolve into a Washington powerhouse and the fastest growing wine brand to reach one million cases sold in the history of the Washington wine industry.
“We are excited to respond to consumer demand by creating a unique 14 Hands winery destination,” Baseler said.
Guest amenities will feature a tasting bar, lounge and a barrel room for Reserve wine tastings. Barn wood, stone and earth tones will be used throughout the interior and exterior courtyard to reflect the winery’s location at the base of the Horse Heaven Hills appellation.
The winery announcement comes on the heels of a major brand milestone: more than one million cases of wine were shipped nationally in 2012, just seven years after 14 Hands was initially launched as a wine available only in restaurants in select markets. Consumer demand subsequently drove expanded distribution, and today 14 Hands is available nationally and exported to 24 countries.
The winery’s Prosser, Wash. site is the former location of Snoqualmie winery. Extensive renovations will transform the facility into an important destination along the town’s wine tourism corridor. In addition to several wineries, this area also will be the home of the Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center which began construction in January. The “Clore” Center will be a tourism showcase for the Washington state wine industry.
The first stages of remodeling will begin in the first quarter of 2013. Completion is currently targeted for fall 2013. Snoqualmie’s production will move to Paterson, Wash.