Isaac Schmid has been on a trajectory to open a winery as far back as 2003. He left the trades as a journeyman electrician and re-entered the workforce in the restaurant industry. After earning a sommelier certificate in 2009 he apprenticed with Joseph Miglino, owner of Martedi Cellars in Monroe. When Martedi relocated to Woodinville in 2013, Isaac was granted an opportunity to make a couple barrels of his own wine. “It was there that it really snowballed,” he says. “I made two barrels of Syrah with literally one ton of grapes. I didn’t know if I was going to drink it, sell it, or give it away as Christmas gifts but I knew I had to do it.” The success of those first two barrels gave him encouragement.
Fast forward to 2016 when Isaac’s trajectory had progressed to the point where he obtained a commercial winery license and was successfully selling to local restaurants.
After a decade of studying, living and breathing winemaking on a daily basis, Isaac made the quantum leap and opened a tasting room in 2020 with assistance from operations manager Nova Chamberlain. Starting a small winery in the early days of a global pandemic was no easy feat but Isaac is an optimist. “In hindsight there have been silver linings. I believe this has been a tempering for us as individuals and as communities. It has made us more resilient, harder and sharper.”
Isaac credits his achievements to mentors like Joseph and John Miglino, and John Patterson, for inspiration and knowledge they shared along the way.
The reserve Tempranillo is a head-turning rendition reminiscent of a vintage Gran Reserva from Rioja. Expect more creative offerings to come from this up-and-coming new player in Woodinville’s Warehouse Winery District.
Visit & Taste: Tasting fees range between $10 to $20 and are refundable with $20 minimum purchase. Located at 19501 144th Ave NE, Ste. C-300, Woodinville, phone (833) 888-0111. Learn more at www.synnecellars.com.
Below are two releases we recently reviewed:
Synne Cellars 2016 “Del Toro” Reserve Tempranillo
93 pts.
Plush, this Spanish-style red shows density without being weighty, offering tantalizing aromas of ripe cherry, plum, Mission fig and pipe tobacco. Noticeably firm tannins and fresh acidity keep the broad texture focused, with engaging background shadings of violet, dried currants, graphite and light vanilla that settle into the long finish. Aged 26 months in French oak. Can you say, Rioja! $42
Synne Cellars 2020 Rosé
91 pts.
Crafted from Syrah and Cabernet grapes, this silky, fuller-bodied version packs juicy, rich fruit of strawberry, raspberry and watermelon. Crisply structured, with concentrated red berry and currant flavors that linger on the smooth, minerally-toned finish. $16