Maison de Padgett Winery

Are you game to explore one of Washington’s most unusual wineries? Then check out Maison de Padgett Winery. True, owner/winemaker David Padgett does concentrate on bringing you and other wine lovers fine wines, but what’s most important to him is that you have fun. To him, wine is bottled pleasure and it needs to be approachable. To this end, he produces a full range of wines designed to meet varying palates, from those of the once-in-a-great-while wine tasters to the informed tongues of seasoned veterans. Included in his arsenal are ports for which Maison de Padgett enjoys a large following. Check out the label on David’s “Smoking Gun” coffee port; that’s David pictured on the label. Regarding his labels, they are downright wacky. David comes up with the concept for the label, which a graphic artist in Portland then gets to execute. One can only imagine how David communicates his dream-like imagery, but apparently the artist gets it.

Maison de Padgett Winery is the sister winery of nearby Horizon’s Edge, which David and his wife Lisa also own. The winery is wonderfully spacious with pleasing architectural touches and includes an English-style garden large enough to host weddings and other events. In fact, the garden area includes a quaint bridal cottage for pre- and post-nuptial garment changes as well as a space for berating the caterer for confusing macaroni salad with fruit salad.

With 18 acres of grapes nearby, David handcrafts estate merlot and cabernet sauvignon. However, his real forte is dessert wine be it of the port variety, late harvest or ice wine. He has over a dozen dessert wine labels with names such as Singing Toad, Funky Monkey, Sleeping Giant, Lip Service and Raging Bull.

As David states on his website, “Welcome to Washington’s Most Unique Winery.” He’s not kidding. Adventurers beware: You are entering the fun zone. Get ready for some unusual ports, some succulent dessert wines, more traditional wines and whimsical labels. Like other visitors, you’ll leave with a smile (and, perhaps, several bottles to take home).

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  Maison de Padgett Winery was featured in WineTrails of Washington as part of the Rattlesnake Hills WineTrail North on page 298!