Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Expands ESTIVAL with New Chenin Blanc

WOODINVILLE, Wash.

The second release from ESTIVAL highlights one of wine's fastest-growing white varietals and reinforces the brand's focus on expressive Washington State aromatic whites.

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates recently announced the launch of ESTIVAL Chenin Blanc, the newest addition to ESTIVAL, a brand dedicated to aromatic white wines from Washington's Columbia Valley. Building on the successful debut of ESTIVAL Sauvignon Blanc in 2025, the new release further showcases the quality, diversity and growing momentum of Washington State white wines.

Rooted in the Latin notion of "hibernating in summer," ESTIVAL celebrates the long, sun-filled days and cooling river winds that help Washington vineyards produce vibrant, expressive wines. Focused exclusively on aromatic white varietals, ESTIVAL combines meticulous vineyard selection, small-lot craftsmanship, and innovative winemaking to create wines of purity, freshness, and elegance.

The 2025 ESTIVAL Chenin Blanc expands the brand's portfolio at a time of growing consumer interest in the varietal. As one of the fastest-growing white wine categories in the U.S., Chenin Blanc is a natural addition to the ESTIVAL lineup.

"We created ESTIVAL to celebrate the extraordinary potential of Washington aromatic white wines, and Chenin Blanc is a natural next step for the brand," said Perris Fiori, VP of Marketing for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. "The Columbia Valley offers ideal conditions for producing Chenin Blanc with both richness and freshness. As more consumers and sommeliers embrace the varietal, we're excited to showcase a Washington expression that is vibrant, textured, and distinctly reflective of this world-class winegrowing region."

The 2025 ESTIVAL Chenin Blanc is sourced from three Columbia Valley vineyard sites, each contributing unique character to the final blend. Fruit from JMST Vineyard provides ripe, opulent flavors, while Andrews Horse Heaven Hills Vineyard contributes balance and acidity. Archie Den Hoed Vineyard adds focused, mineral-driven character. Together, the sites create a wine that balances richness and freshness while expressing the Columbia Valley's warm days, cool nights, and diverse soils.

Led by Lacey Steffey, Head Winemaker for ESTIVAL, the wine reflects the brand's high-touch approach to white winemaking. The blend was fermented in stainless steel, large-format oak oval vessels, and neutral barrels to build texture and complexity while preserving freshness and varietal character.

"Chenin Blanc is an incredibly versatile varietal that allows us to showcase both the freshness and layered complexity that Washington vineyards can deliver," said Steffey. "By blending fruit from multiple vineyard sites and utilizing a variety of fermentation vessels, we created a wine with beautiful texture, vibrant energy, and a balance of fruit, minerality, and acidity that makes it especially compelling at the table."

The 2025 ESTIVAL Chenin Blanc offers aromas and flavors of pineapple, honeydew melon, vibrant tangerine, honeycomb, chamomile tea, green mango, and hints of lemon curd, finishing with a subtle flinty character and round, generous texture on the palate. Produced in limited quantities, the wine will focus primarily on on-premise placements beginning in summer 2026.

For more information, visit Estival Wines

About ESTIVAL
ESTIVAL is devoted exclusively to crafting aromatic white wines that highlight purity, precision, and expressive aromatics. Through meticulous vineyard selection and small-lot winemaking, ESTIVAL celebrates the distinctive character of Washington State white wines. The portfolio currently includes Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc.

About Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates is a Pacific Northwest icon and Washington state's original premium wine company. With roots dating back to 1933, Ste. Michelle helped define American fine wine, earning recognition as one of the nation's most respected premium wine producers. Today, our wines are enjoyed across all 50 states and in more than 100 countries around the world.

Locally owned by the Wyckoff family of Eastern Washington, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates is dedicated to crafting exceptional wines that reflect the distinctive character of Washington and Oregon's renowned growing regions. Our award-winning portfolio includes Chateau Ste. Michelle, 14 Hands, Columbia Crest, Liquid Light, ESTIVAL, ETHOS, Spring Valley Vineyard, and Northstar. Ste. Michelle Wine Estates also serves as the sales agent for Oregon wineries A to Z Wineworks, Erath, and REX HILL.

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For further information:
Lynda Eller
425-503-0419
lynda.eller@smwe.com