Submitted by Washington Vintners

Washington Vintners, the company that owns Corliss Estate, Tranche Estate and Secret Squirrel wineries, announced that it is acquiring San Juan Vineyards in Friday Harbor, Washington, effective Feb. 1. Washington Vintners is owned by Michael and Lauri Corliss of Walla Walla, Washington.

Founded in 1996 by Yvonne Swanberg and her late husband, Steve, San Juan Vineyards is a producer of award-winning estate-grown white varietals, Siegerrebe and Madeleine Angevine. The Swanbergs were pioneers in establishing esteem for their wines in the coolest-climate growing region of Washington State. The property is located in the Puget Sound AVA.

The Corliss’s entered the wine business in Eastern Washington in 1999. The grapes for their three wine brands – Corliss, Tranche and Secret Squirrel — are grown on estate vineyards located within the highly acclaimed AVAs of Walla Walla, Red Mountain and the Columbia Gorge.

Mike and Lauri reside on San Juan Island in the summer months and have had many opportunities to enjoy the wines of San Juan Vineyards over the years. According to Lauri: “The winery is an integral part of the community on the island. When Yvonne decided to retire and sell the property, we became excited about the prospect of working with Siegerrebe and Madeleine Angevine. We admire the pioneering vision of the Swanbergs and we look forward to building on their legacy.”

Yvonne Swanberg will take some well-deserved time off. The rest of the team will stay in place.