People Behind the Pour at Frichette Winery
We had the pleasure of catching up with Shae Frichette, co-owner and co-winemaker of Frichette Winery based out of the Red Mountain AVA in Benton City, Washington. Shae might be the co-owner, but she’s also packing orders, tending to the vine, running the tasting room, event planning, and all the operations in between.
Shae and her husband, Greg, had a nontraditional start to the wine world. Both ambitious people, but couldn’t agree where to settle down. After a few disagreements and a couple glasses of wine, they decided to flip a coin. Heads meant they’d settle down in Washington close to Greg’s family. Tails meant South Carolina close to Shae’s family.
When the coin landed face-side up, Shae checked to see if it was a two-sided coin before accepting her fate. Shortly after, the Frichette family packed up their home in Southern California and headed towards Washington state.
Their destination? Confirmed. Their professions? Well, that was still being decided.
Before departing from California, Shae and her husband were focused on defining their future source of income. During a final beach walk in California, they decided to throw out ideas with the tide. Every time a wave went out, so went an idea. They kept throwing out ideas – no matter how outlandish – until they landed on opening a vineyard.
The “How cool would that be?” thoughts were rarely hindered by doubt. Uncertainty wasn’t going to hold them back. In fact, the couple seemed liberated by the uncertainty.
“We decided to figure it out as we go.” Shae recalled.
And judging by their success in the wine industry, they’ve done more than just “figure it out.” In 2022, Shae Frichette was honored with an “Emerging Leader” TOAST award, recognizing excellence in wine by her winemaking peers. And so well-esteemed by her community, Shae was nominated and elected as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce, a large chamber in the state of Washington.
The Frichette’s began making wine in 2011. They opened their tasting room in 2013 and sold 650 cases of their first vintage, a red blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Now the team at Frichette is producing over 3,000 cases of wine each year. Their wine vendors are always sure to mention how Frichette bottles “fly off the shelves” – enjoyed by many (and shipped!) across the country.
When we asked WeRise founder, Jamila Conley, which Frichette varieties she plans to have available at the WeRise wine bar and bottle shop, she replied cheekily, “All of them?”
“Their Malbec is my favorite though.” Jamila added. Red Mountain AVA is known for their bold, flavorful, rich red wines.
The Frichette’s have one white wine variety made from a Sémillon grape that originates in the Bordeuax region of France. They also have a delicious Rosé, but consider yourself lucky if you get your hands on a bottle because they go fast! All Frichette wines are sure to delight no matter what your preference is.
We can’t wait to share this wine with you at the WeRise wine bar and bottle shop! In the meantime, check out Frichette’s online store to purchase wine from them directly and sign up for the WeRise newsletter so you’re the first to know about our grand opening.