Proprietors

Andy & Bill Den Hoed

William Walter (Bill), born February 27, 1959, and Andrew John Den Hoed (Andy), born July 7, 1966, have led lives dedicated to working the land. They are most comfortable when they are out in the elements tending the vines and working with the soil. “There is something magical about the smell of fresh-turned earth,” says Andy.

Bill and Andy are recognized as being innovators in Washington’s wine industry. With 1500 acres under their care, they have had the opportunity to try many different styles of growing, including having the first, and presently only, certified Biodynamic vineyard in Washington state. Both knew from a young age that they would continue their family’s tradition of lifelong farmers. They have a deep-seated love for the cycle of seasons, and the effect it has on soils and plant life. They both agree that watching the new life push forth from the vine, come into bloom, and bear fruit is magical and good for the soul.

Bill taught Andy many things while they were growing up. Most of it good and wholesome lessons in life. Some of it mischievous, but all done through a love for each other that flowed deeper than the blood they share. Even today after serving the Washington wine industry through every position imaginable (boards, committees, volunteer work, Bill on the Commission) and being forced to work inside more than they like, they still hold that love for each other, the land they work, and the life they share.

Allen Shoup

Allen Shoup is widely recognized as one of the founding fathers of the Washington wine industry. While CEO of Stimson Lane, he garnered worldwide fame for Washington wines by combining state-of-the-art technology with exacting principles of viticulture and enology. He created exalted reds and whites from the Columbia Valley, an appellation named and registered under his guidance. During his tenure, a 4,000-acre region of unsung vineyards in the 1980s was transformed into 30,000 acres of world-class viniferous grapes by 2000 – now home to some of the world’s most celebrated wines.

Allen began his career in Modesto, California, where he reported to Ernest Gallo. In 1979, he joined Chateau Ste. Michelle, then a small, unnoticed winery in Woodinville, Washington. From that starting point, he developed Stimson Lane Wineries and Estates and began purchasing and building wineries and vineyards in the Columbia Valley. These included a second Chateau Ste. Michelle facility for reds at Canoe Ridge, the State’s largest winery, Columbia Crest, the nation’s third-largest sparkling wine facility, Domaine Ste. Michelle and Snoqualmie Winery, among others. Under Allen’s direction, Stimson Lane also acquired California wineries and vineyards, including Villa Mt. Eden and Conn Creek Wineries in Napa Valley. On the international level, he developed brands in both Chile and France, as well as the Bridgewater Mill Winery joint venture with Australia’s Brian Croser, CEO of Petuluma.

Allen initiated joint ventures that brought Tuscany’s Piero Antinori and Germany’s famed Dr. Ernst Loosen to Washington. Out of these came Col Solare, a luxury wine shaped in the Bordeaux tradition, and Eroica, which helped spark a Riesling Renaissance throughout the country. On two separate occasions, five individual wines crafted under Allen’s tutelage appeared in the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of the Year.

Shoup is a founder of the Washington Wine Institute and the Northwest Wine Auction. He helped create the Washington Wine Commission and was instrumental in organizing the American Vintners Association. He held seats on the California Wine Institute Board, The Century Council, The Presidents Forum, and Copia. Shoup is also the founding chairman of AWARE, (Association for Wine Accurate Research and Education).

Allen did his graduate work at Eastern Michigan University and his undergraduate work at the University of Michigan. He currently resides in Seattle with his wife, Kathleen and son Ryan. He often can be seen accompanied by his two grandchildren who belong to his son and daughter-in-law, Dane and Sara Narbaitz, also residents of Seattle.