Red Sky Winery

Enjoying a glass of wine under a red-sky sunset in Eastern Washington, Jim and Carol Parsons made the decision to start a winery. They clinked their glasses in a toast to their dreams on that evening in 1999, and Red Sky Winery was born.

The Parsons’ love affair with wine began back in 1982 when they opened a retail wine and cheese shop in Seattle. Eventually they collaborated with friends to produce 50 cases of Red Sky wine in their Bellevue basement in 1999. It must have tasted pretty good, because they haven’t looked back.

They began with the idea that it all begins with the fruit. WineTrail lovers will appreciate the fact that the grapes come from such vineyards as Boushey, Conner Lee, Dineen, Klipsun, Pleasant, Pepper Bridge, Rosebud, and Sheridan vineyards. To coax the best flavors from these grapes, the Parsons needed a great winemaker, which they found in John Ogburn (Boeing’s master chef for its ship. Yes, Virginia, Boeing has a seagoing vessel, and of course it needs a great chef to get its passengers through those rough seas in the Strait of Juan de Fuca). John recently handed the reins to Carol, but during his stint, he helped the couple expand production to 1,000 cases of rich and elegant Red Sky wines.

You won’t find picnic benches or great views at this Woodinville business park, but you will discover great wine. Resident artist Gretchen is a wonderful guide for sampling Red Sky wines during your visit. Check out her artwork on display at the winery and get a peek at the artwork that will soon grace Red Sky’s labels.

• 

  Order the book!

  Red Sky Winery was featured in WineTrails of Washington as part of the Woodinville WineTrail North on page 122!