14 Hands Winery Opens for Business in Eastern Washington

PROSSER, Wash., March 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- 14 Hands Winery will officially open its doors for business on Saturday, April 12, to the new 14 Hands winery and tasting room in Prosser, Washington. Owned by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, 14 Hands is Washington's 3rd largest wine brand. To secure a ticket to the grand opening event, please visit: 14hands.com.

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Designed to highlight the unique history of Washington wines and celebrate the gateway to the Horse Heaven Hills appellation, the facility features indoor and outdoor seating areas, a tasting bar, and a unique barrel room for reserve wine tastings. Reclaimed wood sourced from barns in the local region, displayed with the stories of the families who built them, is exhibited throughout the interior to reflect the winery's location and celebrate family farmers who play a significant role in the area. The winery also features an expanded collection of 14 Hands "The Reserve" wines, and will include seasonal offerings throughout the year.

"We are thrilled to offer our customers the opportunity to enjoy 14 Hands in the surroundings of our new tasting room that was deeply inspired by the beautiful landscape of the Horse Heaven Hills appellation," said Ted Baseler, President and CEO of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.

"Not only does this give people the opportunity to taste some of our bestselling wines, but it also gives us the ability to create and experiment with reserve and special vineyard wines," continued Baseler. "We hope to see wine lovers from across the world visit our winery and tasting room, and take part in the best of what the region has to offer in the way of wine, food and experiences."

In 2005, 14 Hands was introduced in fine dining establishments-only, however consumer excitement over the years created a broader demand for the wines. Today, 14 Hands is available nationally and exported to 24 countries. It is among the top 10 premium wine brands in the U.S. and the number one selling wine in Seattle and Portland since mid-2011 (AC Nielsen).

Market Watch magazine named 14 Hands "Wine Brand of the Year" for 2012 in recognition of its exponential growth and successful launch of new products. 14 Hands also has received four consecutive (2009-2012) 'Hot Brand' awards from Impact magazine, two consecutive "Fast Track Brand" awards by Beverage Information Group, and a "Rising Star" award from Adams Handbook.

In 2012, 14 Hands introduced "The Reserve" tier of wines sourced from the Horse Heaven Hills appellation. The debut vintage of "The Reserve" Cabernet Sauvignon wine received a 93 rating from Wine Spectator magazine and the 14 Hands 2010 "The Reserve" Red Blend received a 93 rating from Wine & Spirits magazine.

"From our rich, bold reds, to our crisp, juicy whites, 14 Hands wines hold universal appeal. We're thrilled to create a unique 14 Hands winery destination for our loyal fans that gives them a place to come and experience the bounty of the Horse Heaven Hills appellation," said Keith Kenison, Winemaker of 14 Hands.

The winery's Prosser, Washington site is the former location of Snoqualmie winery. Extensive renovation transformed the facility into an important destination along the town's wine tourism corridor. Snoqualmie's production will move to Paterson, Washington, where Winemaker Joy Andersen will continue to focus on crafting wines using sustainable and organic techniques.

The tasting room and retail shop will be opened daily from 10a.m. – 5p.m. Complimentary wine tasting is available, and no appointments are necessary. The winery will also offer a unique set of events throughout the year, ranging from culinary adventures to seasonal wine release parties.

About 14 Hands Winery
14 Hands wines are inspired by the spirit of the wild horses that once roamed the arid landscape of eastern Washington. It was here that these special horses – measuring a scant "14 hands" tall – developed their legendary endurance, strength, and tenacious spirit. Like these wild horses, the vineyards struggle in the same harsh conditions of eastern Washington. It is their ability to thrive in this environment that produces the world-class quality fruit that goes into each bottle of 14 Hands. Learn more at 14hands.com.

About Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, located in Woodinville, Washington, has a long and distinguished history that dates back to 1934. Wines under the Ste. Michelle label were first introduced in 1967, and since that time the company has expanded its winery and vineyard holdings to more than 3,700 acres in Washington, Oregon and California. The company is also the exclusive U.S. importer for acclaimed wine portfolios produced in Italy, France and New Zealand.  Learn more at smwe.com.

SOURCE Ste. Michelle Wine Estates