Featured Wine Professional Member: Jay DeWitt of Dumas Stations Winery

At our recent ZINO Society February Roundtable Investment Meeting, our featured winery was ZINO Society Wine Professional Member, Dumas Station Winery. Co-Owner, Jay DeWitt, was on hand to pour a selection of his current releases. I asked him a few questions about Dumas Station Winery that I would like to share with you here:


What is your position in the company? Jay DeWitt, Co-owner with Doug Harvey, winemaker and vineyard manager. I also do the dishes.

How long has your winery been in business? Our first vintage was 2003

How many total wine cases did you produce last year? 1,000 cases

What style(s) of wine do you produce? We are focused on Bordeaux, but also have made a little Syrah from time to time

What made you decide to get into the wine business? I have been involved with wine grape production for 20 years as a consultant and grower. But more importantly, I love great Cabernet Sauvignons, as does Doug. We made garage wine together prior to getting into this business.

What ratings have any of your wines received? And from which experts? Our wines have been very well received by the critics, the long list can be found on our website, http://www.dumasstation.com/. We are most pleased with the 93 point rating for our 2006 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon from The Wine Advocate; and 94 points from Wine Enthusiast for our 2006 Minnick Hills Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

Please list your current year wine labels.
2007 Minnick Hills Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
2007 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
2007 Estate Merlot
2008 Cow Catcher Red

Where can consumers purchase your wine? Several options including from our website, Pete’s in Bellevue, Esquin, Compass, West Seattle Wine Shop, and several restaurants.

What is the biggest challenge you face? The Weather. We are vineyard oriented and our farming practices are science-based and very precise. Adjusting practices to fit each year’s weather is always the toughest part. This is also the most rewarding part of the business for me personally.

What is your favorite wine to drink other than your own? I am an explorer when it comes to wine, and my item of interest changes 3 or 4 times per year. Currently I am in pursuit of big, soft, over-oaked (by today’s standards) Chardonnays. Any recommendations?