Swiftwater Cellars

A winery +++

"That is not a tasting room!" are the words Lori Watts said to her husband Don when she looked at the plans for Swiftwater Cellars. You may say those same words when you visit, then stay a little longer, then return soon to stay longer... And that's just what's there now; wait until you hear what they have up their sleeves.

It started for Don and Lori (at left) when they married right out of high school. Don worked for a man who grew potatoes; he helped him start his own business. Fast forward 30 years to a very successful business planting, growing, harvesting and processing vegetables. In 1995, Don's friend Mike Hogue (Hogue wines) suggested that Don's hillside property be used to grow grapes. They planted 300 acres over three years. Called Zephyr Ridge, grapes were sold to Chateau Ste. Michelle and others.

ConAgra Foods made several offers to buy Don's business. He turned them down until 2007 when the offer was too good. "I was 51 and didn't have a job for the first time in my life," says Don. They decided to build a winery. "Everyone said Walla Walla, but I'm not a herd animal. In 2008, the recession hit and the golf course at Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum remained unfinished. I offered to build a winery on the first hole of the golf course with room for a pro shop and parking for golf carts if they would finish the course," recalls Don. Building began in 2009; they opened in 2010.

At 43,000 square feet, with a full restaurant, The Hoist House; a barrel room used for winemaker dinners; a ballroom used for crushing; a tasting room for enjoying wine flights and food; the Fireside Lounge for more relaxing, eating and tasting; the mezzanine for private events and tastings; the boutique; pro shop; two large kitchens, one that can be used as a demonstration kitchen (hello Food Network); three tunnels coming into the underground cellar; cellar room with private wine lockers and Tuscan-inspired stonework; winemaker lab; amphitheater; this "really is not a tasting room." Architecture, relics and photos are based on the area's coal mining history. Swiftwater is at the entrance of the No. 9 coal mine, opened in 1930 and closed in 1963. The detail and quality of every item, every wall, every door handle, every piece of equipment is amazing.

"I've started many companies," says Don. "You have to have a vision and business plan. This has gone as expected, but you have to be ready to make calculated changes to be successful, and fix things early on. We're excited because last year we grew over 40% and we're on pace for that again this year. We have a stable wine club following and strong, repeating business. It's helped to be so close to Seattle. When the resort is fully developed, there will be 3800 homes. We have staying power." They've done more private and corporate events than expected, and weddings have taken off (they are now taking reservations for 2014). They've done parties for 40-500, an annual bridal expo, and their marquis event, Wine in the Pines.

Swiftwater Cellars 301 Rope Rider Dr. Cle Elum, WA 98922 509-674-6555 www.swiftwatercellars.com Dining room

The Hoist House offers an all day menu, drinks (full bar, not just wine, throughout the facility), lunch and dinner. Guests can choose from a burger or flatbread to fresh fish or New York steak. They use local products as much as possible. The comfortable room hosts an open kitchen with counter seating. Huge windows overlook the outdoor patio and greenery beyond. Oscar Guitron is their executive chef; he worked at Salish Lodge in the '90s with Andrew Wilson who is now Swiftwater's General Manager. Andrew was the executive chef at Suncadia, but for the past three years has been on their hotel operations side. This summer, they're taking their food to the golfers and kids with a quick serve location.

All of this creates a unique destination. But the glue is the warm, friendly staff and what Don calls "customer driven decisions." Lori and Don have run Swiftwater from the beginning. Now they've put their dream team in place with Andrew leading. "The Watts have put their heart and soul into this guest experience," says Andrew. They all agree that what they do is fun and that their guests, from couples to families, feel that. "The staff genuinely welcomes guests into our home. We have a quality facility and a commitment to service," says Andrew.

You might think this would be enough. But Don and Lori see opportunity. "We want to build a hotel here. There's room for growth. We're planning a 70-room hotel and 6-12 cabins to be open in 2015. We want people to have many options to choose from," says Don.

The uniqueness of Swiftwater is something to experience. Go for the day, go for an event, hold your party there, or choose one of the Suncadia rental options so you can stay for awhile and experience all that Swiftwater has to offer. Just go!

Connie Adams/June 2013