Vino Aquino Winery

Rich Aquino and his business partner, Stan Jordan, are out to prove that anyone can become a winemaker. For about $75, you can purchase one of their equipment kits, add juice from a box, and let the fermentation begin. They sell their own wine, too. In fact, sales of their wine outnumber the sales of winemaking kits and starter juice boxes combined. They must be doing something right. WineTrail enthusiasts who aren’t convinced are encouraged to try their “Port of Tacoma” chocolate-flavored port, a dessert wine and their number-one seller. Take a few sips and you’ll understand its popularity.

You will not find French oak barrels or any special yeast cakes at Vino Aquino. The grape juice comes right out of the box, and in six to eight weeks, you have cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, or one of 40 other types of wine. Ever wonder what peach apricot chardonnay tastes like? This is the place to come to satisfy your curiosity. As Rich Aquino points out, “We love wine snobs. They usually come here with a particular mindset and after a few samples, their attitude melts away.”

Since launching Vino Aquino in 2001, both Rich and Stan have survived major health scares. Now they both find that each day working at the wine shop is a joy. Their mission is to end the mystique that surrounds the art of winemaking and celebrate life along the way. And they succeed.

In addition to making wine and selling winemaking kits, Vino Aquino offers creative wine labels customized for corporate events, nonprofit auctions, wedding parties, and the like. The wine shop also hosts a steady stream of private parties and functions.

Vino Aquino is a unique stop on the Greater Seattle WineTrail, one that has something to teach while giving a big boost to your spirits. And that attitude adjustment may come in handy when you have to explain to your spouse why there’s an 8-gallon pail and 6-gallon carboy in the back of your car.

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  Vino Aquino Winery was featured in WineTrails of Washington as part of the Around the Sound WineTrail on page 102!