People Behind the Pour: Discovering the Art of Sparkling Wine with Elentone

When you step into Elentone Wines' tasting room, you're not just enjoying a glass of bubbles; you're savoring the result of years of meticulous craftsmanship, an artisan approach to winemaking, and a love story that spans two continents. Elentone co-founder Miguele (Miggy) de Quadros-Sherry shares how she and her husband, winemaker Chris Sherry, have brought the Traditional method of sparkling wine from the United Kingdom to Washington’s wine scene.  

“Our journey into wine started as a partnership—my husband Chris and I do everything together,” Miggy explains. This partnership was born out of shared interests and serendipity. Heralding from the U.K., Chris applied for a job at a vineyard in England on a whim. Miggy supported him wholeheartedly, intrigued by the contrast between England's established sparkling wine traditions and the booming wine scene in Washington. What began as an exploratory endeavor became a lifelong passion, eventually leading the couple to Bordeaux for harvests and finally landing in Washington State.

“Chris initially thought he’d be working with Syrah,” Miggy recalls. “But we noticed that there wasn’t anyone in Washington focusing on traditional methods of sparkling in the way we love—balanced, food-friendly, and small-scale, like what you see in Champagne.”

The process of creating traditional sparkling wine is both time-intensive and exacting. “Traditional method sparkling requires so many steps, and each one is hands-on,” Miggy says. From the meticulous riddling to the disgorging process—using a resurrected 1984 Château Ste. Michelle's machine was lovingly restored—winemaking is an involved and precise craft. 

“This year, my mom was helping me empty picking bins full of bottles that had been disgorged,” Miggy shares. “These funny moments remind you how much effort goes into what seems so simple in the glass.”

Miggy’s background in ballet brings an appreciation for discipline and detail to winemaking. “It’s a lot like dance,” she reflects. “There’s so much precision, so many hours of work that the audience—or in this case, the drinker—will never see, but it all contributes to that final experience.”

Elentone sources their grapes from cool-climate vineyards like Clos Chevalle Vineyard in Chelan and Rainmaker Vineyard in White Salmon to ensure the acidity and balance essential to their aesthetic.

“Sparkling grapes are tricky—you want them to hit ripeness without losing acidity,” Miggy explains. “We’re really particular about pick dates because that balance defines our style.”

On their first visit to Rainmaker Vineyard overlooking the Gorge, Miggy said it felt like you stepped into Europe. "It was just this gorgeous sight... Those are the wines that have been our best-received wines for sure. And for us, we're excited about what that means for Washington sparkling because they feel lush. They feel full, but they have this strong acid kick that just comes in, like my husband says, like lasers."

Miggy’s excitement is contagious as she describes the possibility of pairing sparkling wine. “The high acidity makes it so flexible,” she says. “Fried chicken, oysters, even black cod with lentils—it all works. Sparkling wine can elevate any meal.”

One standout memory involves an unexpected pairing during a wine dinner at a local Seattle restaurant, Surrell. “They paired our Willow with a hazelnut and herb galette for dessert,” Miggy recalls. “It was brilliant—completely changed how I thought about dessert pairings.”

As Elentone prepares to move into 2025, the focus is on innovation and collaboration. “We’re excited to release wines like the 2018 Cloudbusting, our popular 2018 Brut aged five years on lees, and a Pinot Noir-Pinot Blanc co-ferment in amphora,” Miggy says. “These are projects where we’ve really pushed boundaries.”

Elentone remains committed to staying small and artisanal. “We’re just shy of 1,000 cases now, and we like it that way,” Miggy says. “Each bottle is touched dozens of times, and we can ensure the highest quality.”

Miggy sees Washington sparkling wine growing in prominence. “Right now, there are only a few of us specializing in traditional method sparkling, but more are coming,” she says. “It’s exciting for consumers to have options. Each producer has a unique perspective, and that diversity only enriches the scene.”

This dedication to craft and their unique approach to capturing Washington state’s lesser-known terroir make Elentone a force in the region’s growing sparkling wine scene. Sometimes, the most rewarding paths require patience, precision, and a willingness to take the long way around. 

As Miggy aptly puts it, “When you care about each step, it shows up in the bottle—and every sip.”

WeRise is thrilled to share this wine with you at our online bottle shop, and we’re counting down the minutes to pour it for you at the WeRise Wine bar this winter. Join our Wine Club to experience the wine from wineries like Fortuity every month. To learn more about Miggy Chris and Elentone, check out their website and sign up for the WeRise newsletter so you’re the first to know about our grand opening and more exciting news.