Honorary Vintner: Rob Griffin
Rob Griffin graduated with honors from the University of California at Davis in fermentation science in 1975. Against the advice of his professors at U.C. Davis, who determined that Washington had too cool a climate to sustain wine grapes, Rob Griffin came to Washington in April 1977 to become Preston Winery's first winemaker. He quickly established himself as an accomplished artist by winning the first Best of Show at the Seattle Enological Society's Northwest Wine Festival with his 1977 Chardonnay.
Rob Griffin began making his own label in 1983 with his wife, Deborah Barnard. The first vintage focused on Chardonnay, Fumé Blanc and Riesling, with a total production of 400 cases. Today Barnard Griffin is one of the largest family owned producers in the state.
From 1984 - 1991, Rob was Winemaker and General Manager at Hogue Cellars, and consultant to several Washington producers until completion of the Richland, Washington Barnard Griffin Winery and Tasting Room in 1996.
Barnard Griffin has won frequent awards and plaudits including numerous double gold and best of category awards, Wine Spectator top 100 ratings, and was rated 2006 Northwest Winery of the Year.
Rob has 30+ years of production experience and has seen the industry grow from less than 10 producers to well over 600 today.
Rob has served as President of the Washington Wine Institute and as a frequent spokesman for the Washington wine industry.