Saint Laurent Winery - Wenatchee-Wines & Vineyard

Malaga, Wash. – Saint Laurent Estate Winery, located in the Wenatchee Valley, welcomes Bryan Mrachek as the winery’s new Winemaker. He replaces longtime Saint Laurent Winemaker, Craig Mitrakul. Mitrakul will leave the winery on January 1^st, 2012 to pursue other opportunities.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to make wine for the family business,” Mrachek said. “I know that Craig has left some big shoes to fill but I am excited to work on both sides of wine production.  I love working outside in the vineyards and I am thrilled to get a chance to work in air conditioning.”

Mrachek, Son of Owners Mike and Laura Laurent Mrachek, brings extensive viticulture experience to his new role. Prior to joining Saint Laurent Estate Winery, Mrachek studied Viticulture and Enology at Washington State University. Mrachek also worked for Chateau St. Michelle Wine Estates for three years prior to returning to the family business.

Malaga, Wash. – As the weather warms and the barrels age, Saint Laurent Winemaker Bryan Mrachek, has gotten a clearer picture of just how much damage Saint Laurent Winery experienced in its 2010 and 2011 grape crop. Due to extensive winter damage, as well as other factors, Mrachek has decided not to crush or bottle from the 2010 or 2011 growing years.

“We are a small boutique winery,” Mrachek said. “Being such gives us the opportunity to be picky about our grapes, and our wine. We do not want to put anything but the best into our bottles. We will wait to see what 2012 holds in store for us.”

Within the next seven months, Mrachek will have a better inventory count for the 2012 harvest and crush. Until then, Saint Laurent hopes the weather cooperates and gives the grapes a chance to thrive in the Spring of 2012.

 The 2011 North Central Washington Wine Awards were held in Wenatchee, Washington this year. Saint Laurent, along with many of Wenatchee based wineries submitted wines and brought home medals! For the results, click here.

Saint Laurent Winery - An Oasis Of Good Wine

It’s an all too familiar story now in the wine industry – farmers turn to grapes which eventually leads to a winery. Mike and Laura Mrachek bring that story to the forefront in the great Wenatchee area – in fact, their team produces some of the best wines I’ve tasted from that area – they are an oasis of good wine in a valley that is starving for good wine. To read more, click here.