Big news from Trothe, Sagebreaker, and Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. SMWE will now serve as the national sales agency and direct-to-consumer provider for Trothe and Sagebreaker, two highly acclaimed wine brands rooted in Washington’s renowned Horse Heaven Hills AVA. “Trothe and Sagebreaker are the vision of fourth-generation farmer and vineyard owner Jeff Andrews and are sourced exclusively from the Andrews Family Vineyards in Horse Heaven Hills. With vineyard plantings dating back to 1980, the Andrews family has helped shape Washington wine-growing, supplying fruit to many of the region’s most respected wineries, including Ste. Michelle.” Ste. Michelle Wine Estates is Washington state’s original premium wine company, with roots dating back to 1933.

Trothe and Sagebreaker

Year after year, vintage after vintage, Trothe and Sagebreaker releases underline why these Washington state brands quickly earned a reputation as a producer of world-class luxury wines.

Jeff Andrews (the passionate managing partner at the acclaimed Andrews Family Vineyards), Ray McKee (incredible winemaker) and Todd Chapman (talented vineyards manager) form what we’ve always called “the dream team.” They consistently demonstrate why these Washington state brands are synonymous with finesse, precision, and sophistication.

In addition, the team says they have respect for the land, confidence in their vision, and uncompromising care in every detail.

The Andrews family has owned and operated the vineyards since 1994, on land their family has farmed for generations. Subsequently, Jani and Jeff Andrews started the Trothe project almost a decade ago.

Located across 1,300 acres in the northwest corner of the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, the Andrews Family Vineyards’ elevation ranges from 900 to 1,400 feet. The AVA accounts for nearly a third of vine acreage in Washington State.

According to SMWE, “The partnership reflects Ste. Michelle’s continued strategy to collaborate with leading wineries and growers while elevating the profile of Washington and Pacific Northwest wines on a national stage.”

Trothe and Sagebreaker Wines

We’ve been fans of these world-class brands since their first vintages. And we will soon be tasting these latest releases.

• Trothe 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, White Label
• Trothe 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon
• Trothe 2023 The Limited Sangiovese
• Sagebreaker 2023 BDX Blend

Summary

Above all, congratulations to all on this exciting new partnership, big news for Trothe, Sagebreaker, and SMWE. We are looking forward to visiting their new “tasting salon” at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, expected to open in December.

Meanwhile, find us here at Write for Wine and on Instagram, Threads, and Facebook.

Cheers!
Margot and Dave