WinemakerJoy Andersen

Joy Andersen is a true pioneer of the modern-day Washington wine industry. More than 30 years ago, when Joy began her career, there were only 24 winemakers in Washington state and even fewer women in the winemaking industry. Today, the state boasts over 600 wineries and Joy leads the way as head winemaker at Snoqualmie.

Under her leadership, Snoqualmie’s reputation for releasing sustainably produced, food-friendly wines has been recognized across the country by critics and consumers alike.

Like a master chef, Joy’s approach to winemaking begins with cultivating and choosing the finest ingredients. Throughout the growing season, she can be found in the vineyards assessing vine and fruit development, and working with the grower to optimize pruning techniques and irrigation regimes. Come harvest, Joy is so intimately familiar with each varietal’s flavor profile that she already knows how she will showcase those flavors in the finished wine.

The simple yet elegant style of Snoqualmie wines is what keeps consumers coming back for them. Joy uses the big, bright, bold up-front fruit flavors and essences characteristic of Washington state, and does not mask them with too many winemaking tools.

“I think trying to let the fruit come through in the wine without extra magic or processing is the best way to showcase each varietal,” she says. Joy knows she’s reached her goal when she’s made a wine of exceptional quality, at affordable prices; a bottle of wine most people can buy and enjoy.

Joy particularly enjoys the technical side of winemaking, whether it’s implementing sustainable and organic vineyard practices, experimenting with yeast strains or different sources of oak barrels, or crafting a blend.In her nearly three decades as a winemaker, Joy has learned to make wines that often surpass even her own expectations.

Joy earned a chemistry degree from the University of Washington, and worked as a fruit researcher for the U.S. Department of Agriculture before beginning her winemaking career at Chateau Ste. Michelle in 1981. She has been the head winemaker at Snoqualmie since 1991.

“I think trying to let the fruit come through in the wine without extra magic or processing is the best way to showcase each varietal.” -Joy Andersen