Brian Mackey joined Chateau Ste. Michelle in 2011 as a Harvest Intern. He
was promoted to Red Wine Enologist in 2012, Assistant Red Winemaker
in 2014, and Head Red Winemaker in 2018. Based at Chateau Ste. Michelle’s
Canoe Ridge Estate red winery near Paterson, Washington, Brian assists with
daily winemaking planning, manages enologists and ensures that all important
benchmarks are met in the winemaking process, including the oak racking
regimen and bottling schedule.
“Making wine in Washington is a dream come true for any winemaker,” explains
Brian. “We have the comfort and stability of world-class and well-established
vineyards, grape varieties, and viticulture techniques. We also have the thrill of
exploration and experimentation. Our industry is constantly expanding with new
vineyards and wineries, and we are continuously experimenting with different
grape varieties and growing techniques.”
While winemaking has long been a part of his life—from playing in his grandparent’s Napa Valley vineyard as a child,
to working high school summers at a family winery in Washington state—his path to Winemaker is an unconventional
one. He has a degree in English from Boston University and has worked in publishing, software, and for many years
as a camera man on movies and television shows in New York and Los Angeles. Throughout all of these careers Brian
has been driven by a desire to create something that provides enjoyment and enriches people’s lives.
At Chateau Ste. Michelle he has found the perfect home for his various skills and passions, and he looks forward to
creating high quality, premium wines for many years to come.
“Making red wine for Chateau Ste. Michelle is beyond exciting and rewarding,” Brian adds. “I get to make wine that is
enjoyed all over the world.”
