Katie Nelson is the winemaker for Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, WA. She discovered her passion for wine early, inspired by Sundays at her Italian grandparents’ table and family trips to Napa and Sonoma. While studying at Sonoma State University, a spontaneous Enology class led her to switch majors to Chemistry with an Enology emphasis. She began her winemaking career as a crush intern in Healdsburg, California, later taking on roles in Washington and Oregon before returning to Washington in 1999 to join Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.
After a brief departure in 2015, Katie returned in 2018 as Senior Director of Winemaking and is now Vice President of Winemaking for Chateau Ste. Michelle. With nearly 30 years of experience, Katie’s philosophy has evolved from precision to bold innovation, blending science and creativity to craft wines that connect with people. She is passionate about mentoring the next generation of winemakers and values collaboration with local growers. Katie holds a degree in Chemistry from Sonoma State and a WSET Level III certification. She lives in Prosser, Washington, with her winemaker husband Flint and their two children.
Media Inquiries: katie.jaeger@smwe.com | https://www.ste-michelle.com/
What’s the ONE THING most unique, authentic, & memorable about your brand?
As the founding winery of Washington state, Chateau Ste. Michelle is considered a staple in the Pacific Northwest. We have a really strong 60-year legacy in the region, and not only make incredible wines but have a world-class Tasting Room in Woodinville, just outside of Seattle. Visitors come from all over the country to see our grounds, do a tasting experience or see artists perform during our Summer Concert Series. I think that’s what makes Chateau Ste. Michelle special – there’s something for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re drinking a glass of our wine at home or enjoying it at our beautiful Chateau.
Out in the vineyards and cellar, we always strive to make the best wines possible with our talented winemaking teams. The wine industry is an ever-evolving landscape and we are constantly looking for ways to meet the needs of current wine drinkers, while showcasing the best of what Washington has to offer. I love that Chateau Ste. Michelle has such a diverse portfolio, ranging from our accessible Columbia Valley and Indian Wells tiers to Single Vineyard estate wines and Limited Release high-end wines. It’s so much fun to create different styles of wines with some of the best fruit in the state, with the most passionate and driven teams alongside me. Chateau Ste. Michelle has set the standard for Washington wine!
Describe how and what you’d do with your winemaking career or winery business if you were not constrained.
I love harvest so much, I wish it would never end. The excitement builds each year with the opportunity to improve and push myself in new ways in the winery. The day-to-day noise pauses and I get to focus on picking the grapes at the right time and manage each fermentation so that it all comes together as the perfect blend.
Many people get to do a job over and over, and become experts in their profession, but winemakers may only get to experience harvest 30-40 times in their career. Since no two harvests are the same, I’m constantly learning and fine-tuning my craft. When I was younger, I would mourn the loss of time due to the grueling schedule and long hours. Now that I’m 30 years into winemaking, I wish harvest would never end. It’s truly the most magical time of year. I love the smell of fermentation, working with our viticulturists and collaboration with other winemakers – it keeps me inspired and eager for more.
What is the One Wine most emblematic of your brand and/or winemaking style? Tell us its story.
The Chateau Ste Michelle 2022 Canoe Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is one of my favorite wines to make. It’s elegant and refined, which is a testament to our vineyard teams and the Canoe Ridge Estate site – a true representation of Chateau Ste. Michelle. It pairs beautifully with food but is equally enjoyable by the glass, with notes of black tea, red fruits such as pomegranate and cherry, fresh herbs, baking spice, and finishes with hints of dusty cocoa and minerality.
The Canoe Ridge Estate vineyard is such a fun site as it produces some high scoring, world-class Chardonnay, Cabernet and Merlot, even receiving recognition from Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list. It was planted in 1991 and is located in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, bordering the expansive Columbia River to its south. The beachy sand soil lends to intensely concentrated wines, while the weather is moderated by the river which extends hang time and provides vibrant and elegant wines. This site is also very windy, protecting it from temperature extremes, allowing uniform ripening and excellent color development.
The vineyard team does a great job of managing the canopy for dappled sunlight, allowing for a Washington Cabernet that has tremendous finesse. When I think of the effort and expertise that go into making Chateau Ste. Michelle wines, I think of Canoe Ridge Estate as the perfect example. I reviewed the 2022 Canoe Ridge Cab here. Take a look.
Bonus Question: What are your wholehearted convictions related to the wine business? Not about your wines!
Wine is a catalyst for bringing people together and is best shared over lively conversation. There is no easier way to experience other places and regions, virtually traveling to anywhere in the world, than through a bottle of wine! It takes you to another moment in time and is a true expression of farm-to-table. Each wine tells a story and is a great opportunity for continued learning and exploration. Wine continues to inspire me to explore new winemaking styles, create new and unique menus, and facilitate collaboration. Some of the most memorable evenings of my life have been around a table, with a group of friends or family and an exciting bottle of wine I was thrilled to share.