Our Story

Chris Gorman descended into the wine business after graduating from university in 1991, apparently too affected to climb out, he made the best of it. Cutting his teeth on world class Barolo and Barbaresco, he spent 3 years working for a small Italian Importer and never looked back. For the next decade, as a main stay in the Seattle wine trade, Chris was lucky to represent some of the finest wines in the world. He traveled extensively in the wine areas of Italy, Spain and Germany. His is a simple philosophy; to make wine, it is imperative to understand it. Those early years found him producing small batch wines, using “stolen fruit” from many of Washington's finest vineyards.
In 2002 Gorman Winery went commercial.

Since 2002 the mission was very clear. Make delicious wines. Choose the finest grapes in Washington state, use the finest coopers and suppliers, don't settle and don't screw it up. We have no employees and better yet no Board of Directors. All decision making is very simple. We are currently a single employee winery, with the occasional use of volunteer help for bottling and partying. Producing approximately 1500 cases a year (2006), maintaining quality as our main focus is very manageable. And that focus has been primarily on Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. For our style, the muscular nature of this fruit is a perfect match. Our close relationship with some of the greatest fruit growers in Washington state has been a major factor in our success in producing top quality wines. In 2006 we added our first white wine, the Big Sissy Chardonnay. Open only a few times a year to the public and consumers, our parties have been very well received. With a mix of incredibly loud music, delicious foods and great energy, our openings have been “hot-ticket “events.

How does Gorman Winery stay alive and kicking? Quality, Quality, and more Quality.....With the prices of super-premium fruit, barrels, glass and stainless steel climbing, it is tempting to look for lesser alternatives. This is not part of the Gorman Winery concept. We remain committed to producing some of the finest wines in World. Yep.....the world, Washington state is more than capable in competing against the finest wines in the world. These are exciting times in Washington state and we are proud to be part of it. With much of our wines designated to our mailing list and select accounts, supply has always been an issue. We hope to increase quantities slowly, while maintaining superior quality. We welcome new customers as we grow.