“There is no substitute for wine quality. It's our only reason for being. It begins in the vineyard and ends in the cellar.” -Bob Betz
Call: (425) 861.9823
Betz Family doesn’t have a tasting room. We are open for Limited by Appointment Only experiences when production activities allow. Please call Kelly at (425) 861-9823 during office hours to make an appointment.
We raise our glasses to all of you and say; alla famiglia – to our family!
Since our first vintage in 1997 we’ve had a single minded goal of crafting compelling wines with individual character that are approachable and ageworthy, and which showcase Washington as a distinguished wine region of the world.
By carving out specific vineyard blocks and being meticulous in the vineyard and cellar we are able to achieve the quality we aspire to. For many years, Betz Family Winery has crafted three (3) single-site Syrah’s that reflect their unique terroirs. Two vineyards from Yakima Valley AVA; Red Willow to the far west (from the initial block of Syrah planted in Washington in 1986) and Boushey Vineyard located towards the center of the AVA. Ciel du Cheval from Red Mountain AVA makes up the third distinctive site.
For years, we’ve tasted Syrah from The Rocks District AVA so compelling and characterful, that in 2014 we purchased Ancient Stones together with Kevin Brown from Siren Song with the express intention of making a fourth single-site Syrah.
As importantly over the years our winery culture has become a way of life in which everyone – our growers, winery team and customers are family.
Today, Betz family Winery is headed by our two families, both committed to be true to our heritage, our family members, and true to what Betz winery embodies: wines of dimension and pleasure, wines that allow the character of Washington to shine through. They are a blend of the best elements of the new and the old worlds; full ripe fruit and yet structured for longevity.
We believe our best wines are yet to come.
Washington’s Columbia Valley is one of the world’s blessed sites to grow classic wine grapes.
Director of Winemaking, Barrel Whisperer, Vineyard Nerd
Born in Longview but raised in the Tri-Cities, Will basically fermented in Washington wine country where he’s spent the last 15 years turning grapes into liquid gold. Will got his start in wine the old-fashioned way: in his parents’ garage. When they planted a backyard vineyard and started fermenting homemade hooch, Will caught the bug (and probably fruit flies). That beginning turned into a full-blown obsession, leading him to earn a degree in Viticulture and Enology from Washington State University – Go Cougs, drink juice.
While in school, Will jumped into the deep-end as a Ste. Michelle intern in 2007, splitting time between the cellar and the vines. From there, Will climbed the ladder from quality control tech to head honcho at some of the state’s most iconic wineries – including stints at Col Solare, Columbia Crest, and the aforementioned Ste. Michelle - proving that yes, you can go from garage batches to big-league blends.
After a brief detour consulting on oak (yes, oak), he now leads winemaking across Ackley Brands’ powerhouse portfolio, including Betz Family Winery, Columbia Winery, Hogue Cellers, Montinore Estates, and Charles Smith Wines. Whether it’s bespoke Bordeaux blends, or big-lot blockbusters, Will brings precision, passion, and just enough nerdy enthusiasm to make vineyard soil sound sexy.
He's got a science degree, a serious palate, and a sixth sense for what makes Northwest wine great. Also, he’s really fun at tastings.
