Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All Vintages
Browne Family Vineyards is a family-owned winery committed to world-class wine production. Inspired by the greatness of one man, William Bitner Browne, late grandfather of proprietor Andrew Browne, the winery is a dream that has been many years in the making. Every decision made — from the vineyard to the bottle — reflects a commitment to premium wine of exceptional quality and assures cellar-worthy vintages that stand the test of time.
Browne Family Vineyards' high-end Bordeaux reds and full-bodied whites are handcrafted under the leadership of acclaimed winemaker, John Freeman. John is known for producing award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Chardonnay. Starting his wine career in his native Napa, California, John is no stranger to a bold Cabernet. At Browne, he enjoys working with unique vineyards and aging wines extensively in French oak for texture. John's winemaking philosophy is simple: make the best wine possible.
Whether you are visiting one of Browne's tasting rooms across Washington or opening a bottle in your own home, Andrew and his wife Courtney welcome you to their extended family where good friends, good food and wine, and good times are always on the agenda.
Washington produces so many exciting wines, and that definitely includes Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. With over 10,000 acres under vine, Cabernet Sauvignon is now the most widely-grown varietal in the state. Terrific examples hail from sub-appellations like Red Mountain, Wahluke Slope, Horse Heaven Hills and Walla Walla Valley. One of the fascinations of these Columbia Valley Cabs is that they so often seem to have one foot in the New World and one in the Old. Representing the former are characteristics like the ripe, forward fruit that results from long sunny days during the growing season (up to two hours longer than in much of California). Old World similarities include an undeniable brightness from acidity, as well as notes of herbs, graphite and a dusty, sometimes gravelly minerality.
Whether you’re looking for a budget bottle for everyday enjoyment, or a stellar, world-class wine with tremendous aging potential, Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon wines can deliver the goods! Among the many fine options are bottles from Columbia Crest, Chateau Ste. Michelle, L’ecole #41, Quilceda Creek and Leonetti.