Olympic Cellars is a premium blend of old and new. One of the original 15 wineries in Washington State and the first to locate on the Olympic Peninsula, Olympic Cellars became the North Sound’s first woman-owned and operated winery in 2001. Since that time, owners Kathy Charlton, Molly Rivard and Libby Sweetser (known affectionately to locals as the Olympic Women in Wine) have taken the winery in a new direction, turning out award-winning wines that support women, respect and preserve the winery’s heritage, and celebrate the good life.


 Winemaker Benoit Murat, the “only rooster in the hen house,” joined the team in 2004. Benoit hails from Toulouse, France, and brings a wealth of vineyard and managerial experience from the old country. His winemaking style favors very ripe fruit and a mélange of French and American winemaking techniques. Benoit makes what he likes -- bold, fruit-forward drinkable wines. His unique style can be experienced in upcoming releases of Olympic Cellars’ three brands, the premium La Dolce Vida™ line, the highly acclaimed Working Girl^® series, and the winery’s heritage Dungeness wines. 

The Olympic Women in Wine subscribe to a self-dubbed, “feminine way of doing business,” which embraces the triple bottom line philosophy of profitability, philanthropy and environmental sensitivity.

 

Network of Support

The Working Girl series of everyday wines – Working Girl White, Go Girl Red, Rosé the Riveter and Handyman Red – was created by women in support of women, and underwrites Olympic Cellars commitment to philanthropic giving. What originated with a local Charity of Choice evolved into the winery’s signature 2X Success program and continues to expand with the nationwide rollout of Working Girl wines. Olympic Cellars is working to establish a nationwide network of support for women and families.

 

Micro-Climate Study

In 2005, Olympic Cellars spearheaded a fundraising initiative to commission a micro-climate study that would identify areas on the Olympic Peninsula warm enough to grow cool weather varieties of grapes. Efforts proved successful, and Dr. Greg Jones, a professor of climatology at Southern Oregon University and a leading expert in his field, was hired in June 2006 to perform the study. If climate and soils prove suitable for cool weather grape growing, the establishment of vineyards will help preserve the Peninsula’s historically rich agricultural heritage with a high value crop. Vineyard plantings will also encourage culinary tourism, raising the North Puget Sound’s visibility as a wine region, and facilitate the creation of new jobs in the tourism and agricultural industries.

Olympic Cellars invites enthusiasts, no matter where you may be in your “wine journey,” to visit year ‘round and sample our current releases, relax and catch-up with friends in our newly renovated Gathering Room, and peruse the many one-of-a-kind items in the winery gift shop. We make a variety of wines that appeal to a range of palates – so drink what you like! There is no right or wrong choice – wine is a personal experience. 

Cheers!

Be sure to check our events page throughout the year for fun, zany goings-on that the whole family will enjoy! 

 

Olympic Cellars has no connection to, affiliation with or endorsement by the U.S. Olympic Committee, the U.S. Olympic Team or the Olympic Movement.