Charles Smith Wines
"The Modernist Project" A response to how people generally consume wine today, that is immediately…as in immediately after being purchased at a market, restaurant or bar, to be drunk straight away.
Vineyard
For Charles Smith Wines, the fruit is sourced from some of Washington State’s finest vineyards. Greatest attention is paid to those growers that practice sustainable farming methods. Charles Smith Wines produces wines from two distinctive viticulture zones: the Wahluke Slope and Walla Walla Valley. Washington’s success with vinifera grapes is due in large measure to the state’s unique geography. The vineyards are planted on the east side of the Cascade Mountains which serve to protect the region from marine weather off the Pacific coast and limit rainfall to just 6 - 8 inches annually. Low rainfall and free-draining soils allow vineyard managers to control vine vigor in order to promote flavor development in the grapes. Warm daytime temperatures ripen fruit to perfection. Cool autumn nights protect the grapes’ natural acidity. Creating wines with perfect balance and flavors.
Winemaker
"He loves to drink wine!" Owner-winemaker Charles Smith with his big hair, kick ass attitude and bold packaging has earned the moniker “rock star” of Washington State Syrah. Charles grew up just outside of Sacramento, California, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. From a Welsh mother and French father, Charles’ first exposure to winemaking was the barrels of “family” wine made every year by his father. Charles travelled the world, and spent the next nine years there managing rock bands, living and travelling throughout Europe. In 1999, he moved back to the United States, specifically to the Northwest, opening a wine shop on Bainbridge Island in the Puget Sound. On a road trip, he passed through Walla Walla and met a young Frenchman named Christophe Baron. Finding a common passion for great Syrah, Christophe suggested Charles move to Walla Walla and make wine. In 2001 Charles Smith made Walla Walla his fulltime home and released 330 cases of his first wine, the 1999 K Syrah Walla Walla Valley. A self-taught winemaker—having never taken a winemaking class or made wine for someone else—Charles is a true artisan. And did we forget to mention... he loves to drink wine!
Grape Info
Location : Washington USAVineyard : Walla Walla
Winemaker : Charles Smith
Tasting Room : By Appointment
Websites : Charles Smith Wines
Charles & Charles Wines
K Vintners Wines
View the Charles Smith story video
View the Charles Smith bottle opening instructional video
CLICK to LISTEN to the full audio of the interview of Charles Smith on CBC Radio 1.
