Charles Smith Named Winemaker of the Year by Wine Enthusiast

Wine Enthusiast has named Washington vintner Charles Smith the 2014 "Winemaker of the Year." Smith, whose ownership reach extends to K Vintners, Charles Smith Wines, ViNO, Secco Italian Bubbles, SIXTO, Wines of Substance, and one-­half of Charles & Charles, is the first person in the state -- and the Pacific Northwest -- to receive the prestigious award.

Among his many accolades, Smith is also the only vintner to have won “Winemaker of the Year” by both Food & Wine and Wine Enthusiast. Seattle magazine named him their "Winemaker of the Year" in 2010.

"When you begin your life as a young person, you never expect to end up here in this place. It is amazing to receive this award, almost as if it's a dream," Smith said in a press release.

Smith is currently building out a 32,000 square foot winery in Georgetown, where he'll have a two-level tasting room and event space. Smith is looking to have that up and running by the spring.