Our Story

Founded in 2004 by business entrepreneur Paul McBride and vineyard manager Ryan Johnson, Grand Rêve introduces a new collaborative approach to winemaking in Washington State. Ryan Johnson has been growing wine grapes on Red Mountain for 10 vintages and is the vineyard manager for Ciel du Cheval, Cadence Cara Mia, Galitzine Estate, and DeLille Grand Ciel vineyards, all located within Washington’s famed Red Mountain AVA.

Grand Rêve exclusively sources fruit from Ciel du Cheval vineyard blocks specifically farmed for this project by Johnson. Ciel du Cheval, known for its highly coveted, elegant and complex fruit, is regarded by many of Washington’s top winemakers as one of the state’s most important vineyards.

Grand Rêve is also breaking new ground in Washington viticulture by pioneering the first hillside vineyard located on the rocky, steep upper slopes of Red Mountain. Inspired by the sensational vineyards of Hermitage, the Côte Rôtie, and Priorat, Grand Rêve Vineyard aspires to create a vineyard site that compares to the finest in the world. Currently under development, the Grand Rêve Vineyard on Red Mountain expects its first harvest in the fall of 2010.

The fruit Johnson personally selects for this project is presented to our team of acclaimed winemakers who craft it into special, limited production, single-vineyard wines that uniquely express the attributes of their Red Mountain origins.

By utilizing individuals with prowess in different winemaking styles, we achieve world-class quality across multiple varietals. This effort is called the Grand Rêve Collaboration Series, and its all-star cast includes Ben Smith of Cadence Winery, Mark McNeilly of Mark Ryan Winery, Ross Mickel of Ross Andrew Winery, Carolyn Lakewold of Donedei and Chris Gorman of Gorman Winery.

Grand Rêve Collaboration Series wines will be available in extremely limited quantities via mailing list, and through a select number of Puget Sound retailers and restaurants.