Quilceda Creek adds established high-elevation vineyard on Red Mountain

Washington State's benchmark Cabernet Sauvignon producer expands prestigious vineyard portfolio with premier Red Mountain property purchased from Duckhorn

SNOHOMISH, WA – [Sept. 2, 2025] – Quilceda Creek Winery, one of the oldest family-owned wineries in Washington, has added a pristine 16.8-acre vineyard planted to Bordeaux varietals on Red Mountain to its vineyard portfolio. The transaction strengthens Quilceda Creek's position in one of Washington's most prestigious wine appellations and adds exceptional terroir to the winery's exclusive vineyard collection.

Established in 2014 under the guidance of renowned vineyard manager Dick Boushey and developed in partnership with The Duckhorn Portfolio team, the vineyard sits strategically at 1,100 feet elevation between Antinori’s Col Solare vineyard and Force Majeure. Located two-thirds of a mile from Quilceda Creek’s Galitzine Vineyard, this site is higher in elevation with silt loam soils and more exposed to wind. 

“This is a gorgeous high elevation vineyard, a little closer to the stars,” says Quilceda Creek president Paul Golitzin. “The vines, at 12 years old, are just hitting their stride, and I’m excited to work with the additional Bordeaux clones planted here. We are looking forward to optimizing how we farm this siteunder the leadership of our long-time vineyard manager Dan Nickolaus, and are extremely excited about its potential,” he adds.

Red Mountain, a 4,040-acre sub-appellation within Yakima Valley, represents an ancient anticline formation that has become the Pacific Northwest's most prestigious region for Bordeaux varieties. The area's signature 40+ degree diurnal temperature swings preserve natural acidity while ensuring complete ripeness, created by intense sun exposure and protective Yakima River airflow. These conditions, combined with thin soils that allow precise irrigation management, produce the concentrated fruit quality for which Red Mountain is renowned worldwide.

“We are gratified that a winery as exceptional as Quilceda Creek appreciates the quality of the site, and we’re confident they will be excellent stewards,” adds PJ Alviso, Vice President of Winegrowing for The Duckhorn Portfolio.

Quilceda Creek is one of Washington’s benchmark producers. In 2002, the winery received its first 100-point score from The Wine Advocate and was also the first American wine from outside California to achieve this prestigious rating. The winery has been awarded 36 scores of 100 points from additional wine publications since then.

Wine industry M&A specialist Metis served as the exclusive transaction advisor representing The Duckhorn Portfolio.

###

About Quilceda Creek Vintners

Quilceda Creek was established in 1978 by Alex and Jeannette Golitzin. The winery's first vintage was in 1979, making Quilceda Creek the 12th oldest winery in Washington after prohibition. Alex Golitzin’s inspiration to start the winery was nurtured through many visits to the Napa Valley in his youth, where he spent time with his maternal uncle, André Tchelistcheff, the legendary Napa Valley winemaker known as the "Dean of American Winemaking." Paul Golitzin joined his father as winemaker in 1992 and as president of the company today, directs all aspects of vineyard management and winemaking. With a gifted palate and a no-compromise commitment to quality, Paul focused the winery's attention on its greatest assets: the vineyards of the Columbia Valley. Quilceda Creek wines are an expression of four vineyards: Champoux, Galitzine, Mach One, and the new acquisition. In early 2022, Quilceda Creek welcomed Mark Kaigas as winemaker. 

For more information about Quilceda Creek, please visit quilcedacreek.com.

About The Duckhorn Portfolio

The Duckhorn Portfolio is a luxury wine company with a portfolio that includes Duckhorn Vineyards, Paraduxx, Goldeneye, Migration, Decoy, Canvasback, Calera, Kosta Browne, Greenwing, and Postmark. Founded in 1978 by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn, the company has been producing acclaimed wines for over four decades and is recognized for its expertise in premium viticulture and winemaking across multiple appellations.

Media Contact:

Jarvis Communications:

Katherine Jarvis, katherine@jarviscommunications.com 310.313.6374

Metis Media Contact:

Madeline Pennington, madeline@metis-advisors.com 206.554.1580

###