In founding the winery, Annette wanted to be close to her family and long-time friends, and Amber wanted to take on new challenges and continue her personal path of growth and education. Gary’s almost 30 years of experience in the wine industry was the catalyst to start the winery. Learn more about the people that create the story at Bergevin Lane Vineyards.
Gary has been a director of Sandpiper Farms, the site of Canoe Ridge Vineyard, since 1972. He was a founding partner of Canoe Ridge Vineyard in 1988. The first vines were planted in 1989. In 1990, Canoe Ridge Vineyard formed a partnership with the Chalone Wine Group and Gary was on the oversight committee, overseeing vineyard operations. The vineyard merged with the winery in 1993 and he became a director of Canoe Ridge Vineyards Winery. In 2002, Gary joined Annette and Amber in forming Bergevin Lane Vineyards, and along with them is one of the three managing partners.
Amber attended Chico State University but did not graduate due to a “detour” into theology. She eventually left the religious life because it was “too restrictive,” and ended up dabbling in a few not-so-promising careers—including collections, a stint as a process server, and fruit stand manager—before landing a lucky break in the recruitment industry. Amber owned her own recruiting company until she decided that she “no longer found joy and challenge in it.” In pursuit of her passion and interest, she founded Bergevin Lane along with Annette and Gary Bergevin in 2002.
After spending over 10 years immersed in the wine business, Amber knows enough about winemaking to be what she calls “dangerous.” To her, it’s an exciting and complex mixture of art, science and passion. Amber is involved in nearly every facet of the wine business, and considers herself fortunate to have made a career out of her passion. Plus, she “can taste wine all day long and call it work.”
When she isn’t “working,” she focuses on enjoying life, being a good parent, outdoor activities, creative writing, and hanging out with friends and family—which usually includes great food, wine, and dancing. She also enjoys the rare but glorious ‘moments of silence’ to reflect upon just how lucky she is.
Annette Bergevin loves the wine business—everything about it. The craft of winemaking. The almost magical way it makes any meal or moment memorable. Good friends to drink it with—and sell it to, too!
A fifth-generation Walla Walla native, co-founding Bergevin Lane Vineyards in 2002 was the fulfillment of a long-time dream, one that started with her father. “In my younger days he would share amazing wines from his collection,” she says. “That’s when I discovered how wonderful the wine world could be.”
The Bergevin Lane vision is to create wines with elegance and style that reflect the unique terroir attributes of Washington State and maintain the integrity of each varietal characteristic. It’s an ambitious goal that has been consistently rewarded with high scores, critical praise, and a passionate growing group of wine club members…called “Swirlies.”
“The secret to our success is really pretty simple,” Annette says. “We are making wines we love, and are proud to share.”
Winemaker Steffan Jorgensen is originally from Denmark, with experience in winemaking from France, Chile, and Sonoma, Ca. All of the day-to-day winemaking operations and production are under Steffan’s supervision. Steffan ensures that all Bergevin Lane wines are nurtured from vineyard to bottle. With his experience, palate, and passion, he is a valuable member of the Bergevin Lane Vineyards team. Steffan has a few passions outside of the wine world too. He loves his family including his two small children and he loves to fish—especially fly fishing.
Steffan’s experience includes Chateau Lestage Simon (Haut Medoc), Vina Los Vascos of Lafite Rothschild (Chile), Chateau Dassault (St. Emilion Grand Cru Classe) and La Crema Winery (Russian River)
If you visit the tasting room, chances are you will meet Julie Myrick. She is our Office Manager who greets everyone when they come into the winery. She has a wicked sense of humor and is very knowledgeable about local wines and our wines in particular. If we are not looking, she will probably taste with you!