DiStefano Winery

As Mark Newton, owner and winemaker of DiStefano Winery states, “The DiStefano wines are a gift to my wife, Donna, and offered in tribute to her family—a family combining great personal and business integrity with a strong sense of tradition.” And what a tribute it is. This surprising find is located within a small industrial park in Woodinville. It’s not the wines that are surprising; DiStefano Winery already enjoys an outstanding reputation for producing fine wines. It’s the inviting ambiance of the tasting room, with its warm colors and view of the barrel room, that’s an unexpected treat. Equally warm is the tasting-room staff, which includes Mark’s wife, Donna.

The non-reserved wine samples are complimentary, but we would suggest springing for the reserve wines. At a cost of $5, sampling the reserves is a very good value and gives you access to the full menu of wines, including merlot, syrah, “Syrah R,” “Ottimo,” rosé of cabernet, “Saint John” (sauterne style), sauvignon blanc, semillon, “Sogno” (cabernet franc), “Sweet Catherine” (sauterne style), and both a red and white Meritage. Mark’s focus has been on Bordeaux-style wines but with the addition of syrah and other wines, he has expanded his repertoire. Be sure you try the “Sogno,” a cabernet franc blend that displays all the flavors of this varietal while keeping its smooth, supple finish. Also, as you taste the sauterne-style “Sweet Catherine,” ask yourself how good this would be with caramel-drizzled pound cake. Hmmm.

Like a number of top winemakers in Washington, Mark started his career as an engineer before plunging into winemaking. You often find that mathematicians make very good musicians. Well, the same holds true for engineers and winemaking, and Mark Newton is proof positive.