Winemaker ~ Sean Boyd
My goal is to make beautiful, graceful wines. To make the wines I like to drink, and share them with others.
Before moving into the wine industry I worked in Oil & Gas Exploration as a field geologist for roughly 10 years. My work entailed huge jobs that define project management, needless to say after long days, the nights usually ended with a bottle of wine.
Wine with me is personal. There is no right or wrong, you might like something that I can't stand and vice-versa. The fun part is figuring out what you like. One constant for me has been Rhone varietals.
Rotie Cellars was founded to pay homage to the wines that I love—those of the Rhone Valley. Washington's climate happens to be almost perfect for growing Rhone varietals, namely, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and others. With such great ingredients Roite and Washington State has the potential to rival the storied wines of the Rhone Valley.
Yet many wines made in Washington are made with a different philosophy. Many winemakers focus on what they know and what they've been taught. Like a family tree of learning, one winemaker learns from another and so our techniques are passed on down the line. In my opinion, this can be limiting and result in a homogeneous selection of wines.
My idea is to make French-style Rhone Blends right here in Washington. To me this means less alcohol, less ripeness, and less oak. No manipulation. My goal is to make beautiful, graceful wines. I started this venture to make the wines I like to drink, and share them with others.
Come taste our wines.