Jim Holmes of Ciel du Cheval Vineyard on Red Mountain was the WAWGG Sustainability Survey winner.

Jim and winemaker Doug McCrea of McCrea Cellars hosted the Winemakers’ Dinner, November 11, 2005, at The Herbfarm restaurant in Woodinville, WA.  They also stayed at the luxury resort, Willows Lodge, located next door to The Herbfarm.

Jim won the prize by returning his survey before the deadline. The prize consisted of hosting the 9-course gourmet dinner for twelve guests featuring at least two of McCrea Cellars wines made with Ciel du Cheval grapes. 

Jim Holmes is a 30-year veteran of grape production and a Grower of the Year award recipient.  He and wife, Pat, own Ciel du Cheval, a 160-acre Red Mountain vineyard planted in Rhone, Italian and Bordeaux varietals. The successful partnership between Ciel du Cheval and McCrea Cellars was born in 1997, with a Syrah produced from Ciel grapes.

Doug McCrea is founder and winemaker for McCrea Cellars, a family owned winery in Rainier, WA, producing limited bottlings of ultra-premium wines. McCrea Cellars is dedicated to Rhône varietals such as Syrah, Mourvèdre and Roussanne and has been in business since 1988.

The Herbfarm, an internationally renown restaurant featuring 9-course seasonally unique menus, was voted the “2002 Meal of the Year” by USA Today.  The Willows Lodge, voted “One of the world’s top 50 most romantic getaways” by Travel & Leisure magazine, is known for its luxury accommodations, on premise spa and location within Woodinville Wine Country.

To find out more about The Herbfarm's Winemakers Dinners visit www.theherbfarm.com.