Chelan Ridge Winery ownership transfered to William and Candace Swayne, with partners Greg Kurtz, Brad Bodley, Robert Knosp

MANSON - On September 3, 2021, Henry and Lynn Munneke transferred ownership of the Chelan Ridge Winery, which they owned since 2003 to Chelan Ridge Holding LLC. The majority of the winery is owned by William (Bill) and Candace Swayne with partners, Greg Kurtz, Brad Bodley and Robert Knosp. The sale includes the tasting room, production facility and 11 acres of amazing grapes located at 900 Swartout Road in Manson.

“We are extremely pleased with our move to Manson and purchase of Chelan Ridge Winery, Candace declared. The people are amazing in this down-to-earth community. Welcoming, friendly and supportive are just a few of the reasons we love it here. Add the weather and beauty, what took us so long.”

Bill Swayne grew up on Bainbridge Island and attended Bainbridge Island High School. His high school interests were football, track, horses and girls. After high school Bill attended the University of Washington, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Clinical psychology. The Vietnam War was in full swing, Bill was drafted in 1967, serving in the U.S. Air Force as a Romanian linquist. He spent a year in Monterey, California learning the language then was sent to Turkey for three years. He ended his hitch in the Air Force serving at the National Security Agency (NSA) in Washington DC as a linquist.

Returning to civilian life, Bill went to work for Mutual Benefit Life in Seattle for 10 years. During this time, he received his MBA in Finance and Economics from City University. Bill and Candace set out on their own in 1980 opening a business, “Financial Investment Advisory”. The business grew, with hundreds of customers, served by 19 employees. Bill retired from the business in 2015 and Candace stepped up as President and CEO. When Candace retires, the company’s reigns will be turned over to their son, William Madison Swayne III.

Candance (Ko) Swayne grew up on Beacon Hill in Seattle and attended Cleveland High School. She spent most of her high school years helping her grandparents in their Chinese restaurant, the “Fortune Cookie” located in the Rainier Valley. After high school Candace attended Shoreline Community College with a focus on bookkeeping. Besides raising children and helping Bill in business, Candace enjoys skiing, cooking and singing in the church choir.

Bill and Candace were married in 1973 and lived in Edmonds. In 1985 they moved to Shoreline. They once again, called the moving company in 1997, settling in Magnolia. The Swayne’s have five children and 14 grandchildren.

I asked Candace if they had discussed owning a winery in the past. “Once he retired, I knew Bill was going to be looking for something to do. He’s not the kind that can sit and watch the world go by. He enjoys wine, and being a lifelong learner, the wine business was interesting and a challenge, which he needed. Once we moved to Manson in 2015, Bill got his first taste of the winery business serving as Regional Marketing Director for Mellisoni Vineyards, located on the south shore of Lake Chelan. It was an amazing experience, a real-life, hands-on class in the winery business.”

“In 2020 I learned Chelan Ridge Winery was for sale, Bill said. By the time I was able to visit with Henry and Lynn, they had taken the winery off the market. I told them if they ever changed their mind to let me know. On one of my many visits to the winery, in December 2020, they finally said yes and the rest is history.”

“After taking possession of the Winery the first big change was the addition of a wood-fired pizza oven, an enlarged tasting patio and pavilion. This is part of our overall plan of offering amazing food under the direction of Chef, Greg Kurtz, Bill stated. Greg has an incredible background with his last assignment as executive Sous Chef from 2012 thru 2016 for the 1200 room Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Dallas, Texas. As part of his responsibilities, Greg managed the entire culinary program for the hotel, which included banquets, events, plated dinners for over 2000 people, large volume of convention business, and oversaw the Centennial Cafe with over 180 seats, Parrino’s Italian Restaurant with 65 seats, Module's Bar with over 500 seats and all room service food for 1,200 rooms. In the future Greg will serve as Executive Chef and Restaurant Manager for the planned “Ridge” Restaurant that will be coming soon.”

All Chelan Ridge wines are Estate wines, which means at least 85% of the grapes making their wines are grown in their vineyard. They currently make 12 different wines, seven reds, three whites and two rosé, each distinct in color, smell and taste. This year they will produce 2,700 cases of wine, plans are to increase that number each year.

Chelan Ridge Winery employs Jeff Crowder, owner Radiance Winery to serve as winemaker. He works hand in hand with Bill in the production facility onsite, together making all decisions on winemaking for Chelan Ridge Winery.

Enrique Hernandez and his family planted and managed Chelan Ridge Winery's 11 acres of grapes for the last 15 years. Their knowledge and dedication to growing quality grapes is known and respected throughout the Lake Chelan AVA. They will remain on staff as a very important part of the companies success.

At Chelan Ridge Winery their family begins with their club members. Their wine club will open a world of wine and food only found at Chelan Ridge Winery. From special winemaker dinners to member-only wines, priority reservations to all events, discounts, and access to special wine club events, you won’t want to miss anything.

The first 100 new members will be considered Ridge Club Founders and have their names permanently engraved on a “Founders Plaque” displayed in their tasting room.

Will Chelan Ridge Winery offer entertainment and events for the public? “Brad Bodley our events manager is working on several activities including Monday Night Bingo, cooking classes, local bands and more. Throughout the year we will offer several Wine Club events and our facility is available to rent for weddings and parties,” Bill said.

Hours of operation at Chelan Ridge Winery are Friday and Saturday 1-7 p.m. and 2-6 p.m. on Sundays. Summer hours to be determined. For more information call 509-687-4455 or visit their website at www.chelanridgewinery.com/