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Wine Release Alert: Members can now pick up their Wine Club Exclusive 2022 Grenache and 2022 Mourvèdre. Stop by both tasting rooms today to also enjoy the NEW 2022 Purple Haze!

Meet Darby English, the man behind the wine.

I am a 1st generation Washington grown winemaker and proud 20+ year resident of the incomparable West Seattle. My passion lies in the Rhone varietals, think Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier, Roussanne and Marsanne; but I enjoy making a killer Cabernet and Cabernet blends.

I believe in low intervention and minimalistic wine making; and I believe in winemaking as an art form, not just by the numbers. I believe in starting with the best fruit, and I don’t compromise on fruit quality so I put a lot of of energy into sourcing fruit from the best vineyards in WA for the specific varietals that I want to work with, fruit that has a sense of place. I love and believe in Washington wine.

My first commercial vintage was 2005, and I still touch and have a hand in processing each bin of fruit that comes through our doors; I am happiest when my hands and feet (yes, we still foot stomp all our Red Rhone varietals) are purple and my eyes still light up when someone tells me about a new vineyard in The Rocks District producing killer Syrah. I believe wine is meant to be enjoyed and not overanalyzed. I also believe wine is meant to be shared and enjoyed with family, friends, food, music, in an unpretentious way, for the sheer pleasure of it.

When I am not in the cellar you can find me with my daughter Ella, throwing the ball for Ash or cuddling with Ros, cooking, fly fishing or golfing. Thanks for coming on this vino journey with me and thank you for bringing Darby Wines into your lives and homes.

During harvest, I will taste the grapes a few times each week to pick at the most optimal time. To ensure consistency in quality, Darby Winery partners with five of the best vineyards in Washington state – Dineen (Yakima Ava), Quintessence (Red Mountain), Discovery (Horse Heaven Hills), Stonetree, and Stillwater Creek (Wahluke Slope) utilizing only the best French oak to create delicious wines.

2002

It begins in a basement

Darby, a passionate wine drinker with more than an appreciation for a good red, decided to make winemaking his purpose. At the inception of the Woodinville wine craze, Darby knew something huge was about to happen, and his passion led him to enter the ring.

2005

Darby's first commercial vintage

With help from Alexandria Nicole cellars, Darby produces 210 cases of Syrah and 185 cases of Viognier/Roussanne all of which were an instant hit.

2006

Woodinville tasting room opens

With success, Darby opened his Woodinville tasting room in 2006 and expanded production to 1,200 cases.

2007

First Critical Acclaim

Darby received national acclaim from Wine Spectator. This rapid rise to celebrity status allowed Darby to continue to expand upon his dream and improve upon his already acclaimed creations.

2012

Darby Winery - A Growing Brand

Darby opened his Hollywood schoolhouse tasting room, expanding his already influential reach into Seattle.

Today

Growth and Excellence

Today Darby produces 4,000 cases of Bourdeaux blends, Rhone varietals and single vineyard wines. He picks his grapes at optimal ripeness, which then ferment for 10-14 days, utilizing daily pump overs and press when their flavors have fully developed. The deep notes form through his approach to customizing each vintage to embrace the differences every year has to offer.

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