Andrew Will Winery

Chris Camarda established Andrew Will Winery in 1989. He named the business after his nephew Andrew and his son Will. The operation initially began in a small industrial space in Seattle where Camarda made the first several vintages while continuing his career as a wine buyer in the restaurant industry. In 1994, he moved the winery and his family to Vashon Island, situated a short ferry ride from Seattle. The winery remains family owned and operated. Will Camarda, who trained as a geologist before joining the business full time in 2013, now serves as the head winemaker. He works alongside his father to manage production and coordinate harvest operations from the various sites the family utilizes in eastern Washington.

The winery sources fruit from several vineyard sites across the Columbia Valley, with a focus on the Horse Heaven Hills and Yakima Valley. Chris Camarda is a part owner of the Champoux Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills, which provides much of the fruit for their most recognized bottlings. The family also owns and manages the Two Blondes Vineyard, a thirty acre estate in the Yakima Valley planted in 2000 to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. Winemaking at Andrew Will follows a philosophy that prioritizes the unique characteristics of each vineyard site over a specific house style. The production process involves minimal intervention, including the use of native yeasts and aging in French oak barrels. The winemakers seek to maintain moderate alcohol levels and high acidity to ensure the wines reflect their origin and possess significant aging potential.

Andrew Will is primarily recognized for its single vineyard Bordeaux style blends. The flagship wine, Sorella, is a Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend sourced from the Champoux Vineyard and has received high critical marks for its structure and depth. Other primary releases include vineyard designated red blends from Ciel du Cheval and Two Blondes. For much of its history, the winery has been distinguished by its commitment to a restrained style that contrasts with the fruit forward and high alcohol trends often found in Washington viticulture. This approach has earned the winery a reputation for consistency and technical precision. Their wines are frequently cited by critics as being among the most age worthy and terroir expressive examples produced in the Pacific Northwest.