At EFESTĒ we believe that great wines are based on two simple principles: terroir and a minimal winemaking approach. We utilize native fermentation, which encourages more complexity and produces fuller, richer wines than those inoculated with commercial yeast. The natural yeast within the grapes creates flavors unique to each particular vineyard. We encourage character; great wines should have personality.

Reviews and News

Sip Northwest, May 2013, names EFESTĒ Sauvage “Best of the Northwest” in the Sauvignon Blanc category.

Sunset features EFESTĒ Sauvage in it’s weekly Sip blog by Sara Schneider, What I’m Loving this Week, May 2013. Full article>>

Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, December 2012
91 points, EFESTĒ 2010 Jolie Bouche Syrah and 2009 Big Papa Cabernet Sauvignon
90+ points, EFESTĒ 2010 Eleni Syrah and 2009 Final Final
Full listing of scores available to IWC subscribers >>

92 points, EFESTĒ 2011 Feral Sauvignon Blanc

“Very long and firm on the aftertaste. This outstanding summer style of Sauvignon Blanc would be perfect with fresh goat cheese.”

91 points, EFESTĒ 2011 Sauvage Sauvignon Blanc

“Aromas of ripe apple, gooseberry and underripe pineapple; in a Sancerre style. Conveys a broader, softer, less minerally impression than the Feral bottling, but still has excellent energy for such a round style. If the Feral is summer sauvignon, this is for winter drinking.”

92 points, EFESTĒ 2011 Evergreen Riesling

“Juicy and penetrating, with superb cut to the pineapple and honey flavors. Very smooth, concentrated riesling with moderate residual sugar (11 g/l) countered by bracing acidity (9.8 g/l). Tactile, surprisingly open-knit and long. ”

90 points, EFESTĒ 2010 Upright Merlot

“Sexy aromas of black raspberry and boysenberry. Supple, sweet and rather suave, with very dark fruit flavors of boysenberry and blackberry dominating. Finishes with substantial but rather smooth tannins and excellent length.”

Note: Upright is a new addition to the lineup, due to be released Spring 2013.

Washington Wine Report, December 2012
Change is in the Air at EFESTĒ by Sean Sullivan
“If you aren’t familiar with Devison yet, you will be.”
EFESTĒ Ceidleigh Syrah Red Mountain 2010, Exceptional
Full article >>

Seattle Times, November 2012
Top 100 NW Wines for 2012 by Paul Gregutt
#36 EFESTĒ 2009 Eleni Syrah, 94 points
Full article >>

Wine Enthusiast, November 2012
93 points, EFESTĒ 2011 Evergreen Riesling
“It’s vivid and textural, with terrific acidity, backbone, and length.” Cellar Selection

92 points, EFESTĒ 2010 Lola Chardonnay
“This is concentrated and complex, with hints of flower, citrus flesh and rind, gooseberry and chamomille.” Editor’s Choice

92 points, EFESTĒ 2011 Babbit Rosé
“Mostly Syrah, with some Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a succulent rosé with a marvelous mouthfeel.” Editor’s Choice

Wine Spectator, October 2012
90 points, EFESTĒ 2011 Evergreen Riesling
“Light and silky with a jolt of acidity to balance the delicate sweetness, allowing the peach, pear and floral flavors to come through unhindered.” Smart Buy

Northwest Wine Anthem, September 2012
EFESTĒ Unleashes Wines for Winter by Lara Bain

“Adrienne’s richer flavor and lovely sweetness charmed us. Oak was more present than Lola when tasted side-by-side, but did not overwhelm. Lola and traditional Chardonnay lovers alike will revel in 2011 Adrienne, releasing in November 2012.”
Full article>>

Seattle Met, September 2012
100 Best Bottles of Washington Wine #11 / 94 points, EFESTĒ Big Papa Old Block Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2009
“……The palate is simultaneously bold and refined with dark cherry and chocolate flavors that persist on the finish.”

# 65 / 91 points, EFESTĒ Evergreen Riesling 2011
Full article >>

Seattle Times, August 2012
Wild Yeast Can Bring Good Things To the Wine Bottle by Paul Gregutt
Pick of the week:
EFESTĒ 2011 Feral Sauvignon Blanc
“Texture is the story here. This wine dazzles the palate with sweet grass, clover, grapefruit and mineral notes. It’s a lip-smacking style, tart and tangy, with a wet-stone finish.”
Full article >>

Wine Enthusiast, July 2012
94 points, EFESTĒ 2009 Eleni Syrah (Yakima Valley)
“The Eleni Syrah, sourced from old vines at Red Willow Vineyard, may lay claim to being the best of a very fine lineup….” Editor’s Choice

92 points, EFESTĒ 2009 Emmy (Wahluke Slope)
“Modeled on the blends of the southern Rhone, it shows beautiful balance throughout a long finish.”
Full articles >>

Wine and Beer of Washington State, July 2012
Change and Continuity at EFESTĒ
“…EFESTE is conscious about the importance of change and continuity as their business evolves.” Full article >>