Our History

Our History

Decades of Discovery

The Betz Family Winery story technically began in 1997, but the seeds were sown long before the first cork was pulled. Our commitment to Old World finesse and New World power is the result of a lifelong education in the world’s greatest vineyards.

1974: A European Education – Bob and Cathy Betz completed a definitive year of "training," immersing themselves in the historic vineyards and cellar traditions of France, Italy, and Germany.

1975: The Washington Pioneer – Bob began a prestigious 28-year tenure at Chateau Ste. Michelle, the preeminent wine company in Washington State.

1984: Scientific Precision – Drawing on his deep technical knowledge, Bob was appointed Vice President of Winemaking Research at Chateau Ste. Michelle, further cementing his influence on the region’s viticultural standards.

The Spark

In 1997, Bob and Cathy crushed their first vintage of Betz Family wines, just 150 cases made in the Woodinville warehouse district with the help of volunteer friends. This humble start was fueled by Bob’s unmatched expertise.

1998: Master of Wine – Bob earned his Master of Wine degree, becoming one of only 278 in the world. His academic excellence was recognized with the Robert Mondavi Award for theory and the Villa Maria Award for viticulture.

2005: A Permanent Home – The vision grew into a physical reality when Bob and Cathy built a state-of-the-art winery in Woodinville.

A Legacy of Acclaim

The following years saw Betz Family Winery cemented as a benchmark for quality, earning some of the industry's highest honors:

• 2007: Bob was named Sunset Magazine’s Winemaker of the Year.

• 2008: The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon was named Washington’s #1 Wine of the Year by the Seattle Times.

• 2012: Seattle Magazine honored the 2009 Père de Famille as the Washington Red Wine of the Year.

• 2014: Global recognition reached new heights when the 2010 Père de Famille was ranked #6 in the World by Wine Enthusiast, and the 2012 Le Parrain earned a near-perfect 99 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.

The Future: A New Chapter

In 2024, Seattle-based Ackley Brands acquired Betz Family Winery. This latest chapter brings a renewed energy to our mission, honoring the decades of history and critical acclaim that Bob and Cathy started in a warehouse nearly 30 years ago. Today, we remain dedicated to the same pursuit of excellence, crafting wines that tell the story of Washington’s unique terroir in every glass.