Betz Family Winery has a rich history rooted in the passion and expertise of its founders, Bob and Cathy Betz. In 1974, after a year of training in the vineyards of France, Italy, and Germany, Bob began his 28-year career at Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington’s premier wine company, eventually rising to Vice President of Winemaking Research. In 1997, Bob and Cathy ventured into winemaking themselves, crushing their first vintage of Betz Family wines with just 150 cases, crafted in the warehouse district of Woodinville with the help of volunteer friends. Bob's dedication to the craft was solidified in 1998 when he earned the prestigious Master of Wine degree, receiving top accolades in both theory and viticulture exams.
By 2005, the couple built a state-of-the-art winery in Woodinville, establishing Betz Family Winery as a top-tier producer of Bordeaux and Rhône varietals. Their wines quickly garnered critical acclaim, including being named Washington’s Number One Wine of the Year in 2008 by the Seattle Times. Bob Betz was also recognized as Sunset Magazine's Winemaker of the Year in 2007.
In 2011, the winery was sold to Steve and Bridgit Griessel, though Bob remained a guiding figure as the winery's mentor and winemaker. Under their leadership, Betz Family Winery continued to thrive, with numerous accolades for its wines, such as the 2010 Pere de Famille ranked #6 in Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Cellar Selections.
Recently, in 2023, Betz Family Winery was acquired by Ackley Brands, a rapidly growing beverage company, marking a new chapter for the winery. Bob Betz continues as a consulting winemaker, while Louis Skinner holds the reins as the current winemaker. Despite the changes in ownership, Betz Family Winery remains dedicated to crafting small-lot, premium wines that reflect the unique terroirs of Washington, with a production of 2,500 cases per year. The winery’s tradition of excellence, combined with its innovative spirit, ensures its position as one of Washington State’s most beloved wineries.
