Vashon Winery

WineTrail trekkers, you don’t need an excuse to take the short ferry ride to picturesque Vashon Island, but if you’re looking for one, try Vashon Winery. Ron Irvine is the proprietor and winemaker for this gem of a winery, which he himself describes as “boutique” and he’s happy to keep it that way.

The road to Ron’s purchase of Vashon Winery in 2001 includes a number of wine-related ventures. Any student of the Washington wine industry will likely recognize Ron Irvine as the co-author of The Wine Project, which traces the history of the state’s wine industry, from pioneer grape growers to modern-day movers and shakers. The other author of The Wine Project was none other than Walter J. Clore, who is generally credited as the father of Washington’s modern-day wine industry. (Incidentally, you can purchase The Wine Project at Vashon Winery, and we suspect that Ron would be happy to autograph it.)

Included on Ron’s résumé is the little fact that he was a wine retailer for many years as the owner of Pike and Western Wine Shop at the Pike Place Market. Working in the trade no doubt reinforced his winemaking style, which uses neutral oak to create smooth (i.e., soft) wines.

At the Vashon Winery, visitors have an opportunity to sample Ron’s full portfolio of reds and whites as well as his European-style hard ciders. For his reds, Ron relies on the grapes from Yakima Valley–based Portteus Vineyards, which include cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, and merlot. The white wines, such as Ron’s smooth and crisp semillon and sauvignon blanc, are made from grapes grown by Eastern Washington growers. For a real treat, check out his wonderfully named “Isletage” (rhymes with Meritage), which is a blend of Puget Sound–area grapes: Madeline Angevine, siegerrebe, and Müller-Thurgau. He also makes wine from a relatively obscure island-grown varietal called chasselas, best known in Switzerland.

In addition to teaching for South Seattle Community College’s wine program, Ron is actively involved with the Puget Sound Grape Growers Association. Despite his wealth of credentials, Ron is an amazingly approachable and fun individual. Even inexperienced wine tasters feel at ease with Ron. In Vashon Winery’s barn-like tasting room, a chandelier hangs from the rafters, a basketball hoop graces the wall, and the sign above the tasting bar reads, “Ron Irvine, owner, winemaker, janitor.” A whimsical guy, but one serious winemaker.

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  Vashon Winery was featured in WineTrails of Washington as part of the Around the Sound WineTrail on page 100!