Fidelitas Wines

“I love using grapes from different regions of Washington. It’s like being a chef and having access to a variety of spices that I can use to create amazing flavors,” noted winemaker/owner Charlie Hoppes at his new Red Mountain tasting room. Since 2001 Hoppes has produced wines under his Fidelitas label but many know Hoppes as the consultant winemaker for Canon De Sol, Goose Ridge, Ryan Patrick Winery, Three Rivers, Alder Ridge, Gamache Vintners and others. Now with his new location, he is poised to further his identity with Fidelitas Wines.

In his early career, Hoppes (pronounced hop-pas) cut his teeth working with Mike Januik (current winemaker for Woodinville-based Novelty Hills Wines and Januik Winery) and then gained experience at Ste. Michelle Estates, first at Snoqualmie then at Chateau Ste. Michelle. But since the early 1980s, Hoppes has dreamed of establishing his winery in Red Mountain. With his acquisition of a 5-acre plot of land in 2005, Hoppes finally had his chance to create his signature Bordeaux-blends (including Optu, a red wine lover’s dream), luscious red varietals and amazing whites. The eco-friendly winery and tasting room offers visitors plenty of space to sample wine and take in the views of Horse Heaven Hills in the distance. Currently, sagebrush surrounds the property but soon we suspect the desert-like vegetation will be replaced by that most wonderful of Red Mountain fruits – cabernet sauvignon.

Fidelitas wine bottles wear the distinguished circle labels – the circle is reminiscent of a wedding ring and reflects a commitment to a long-lasting marriage. Also found on the label is the tagline, “Faithful, Loyal, and True.” Certainly, fans of Fidelitas Wines will be loyal and faithful for many years.

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  Fidelitas Wines was featured in WineTrails of Washington as part of the Red Mountain WineTrail on page 380!