Maison Bleue Family Winery

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“Maison Bleue Family Winery may be the most compelling new producer uncovered in my 2010 trip to Washington.” – Jay Miller, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Thirty-something Jon Martinez joins a handful of young winemakers that are part of new generation taking Washington to the next level of quality wine. A transplant from Kansas City, MO, Jon left his dentist profession to pursue his winemaking passion. A trip to France uncovered his deep love for Rhône-style wines that led to intensive wine coursework at Missouri State, Virginia Tech and U.C. Davis. (Note: we may not think of Missouri as a wine producing state but the first designated American Viticulture Area or AVA was in Missouri.) Armed with winemaking knowledge and a style of wine he preferred, the next step was determining where to ply his newfound passion. He settled on Washington State because he believed the best Rhône grape varieties come from here. Ever the student, he picked up a certificate from WSU’s distinguished enology program along the way.

For many Westsiders, Prosser might be deadsville but truth be told it is the heart of Washington’s wine industry. It’s where WSU agriculture researchers led by Dr. Walter Clore showed that Vitis vinifera thrived. Jon was quick to develop relationships with established vineyards such as Alder Ridge, Boushey, French Creek and Olsen – all within an hour’s drive of Prosser. This gives him ready access to Rhône grape varieties such as syrah, Grenache, mourvèdre, marsanne and viognier.

There’s a reason that Seattle Magazine named Maison Bleue Family Winery the Best Emerging Winery in 2011 – his wines define “food-friendly” being fruit-forward, soft, low in tannins and possessing just-right acidity. Maison Bleue joins the ranks of other Washington wineries with stellar reputations for Rhône-style wines including Syncline, Rotie Cellars and McCrea Cellars. Lush whites; elegant reds. It’s all about a Midwest guy finding a home for his passion.