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24 WINES&VINES July 2016 C harles Smith built one of the largest wine companies in Washington state with his brash personality, irreverent marketing and distinc- tive packaging. Behind all that style, however, Smith's wines have always had substance. Many of the top wine critics have awarded Smith's wines high scores, and several of his brands have been hits with consumers. Since starting with just a few hundred cases under the K Vintners brand, Charles Smith's annual produc- tion has grown to more than 740,000 cases comprised of eight major brands and many SKUs. The company's latest project is a tasting room and winery in Seattle's Georgetown district (an urban neigh- borhood described as "quirky" and "gritty"), which is home to a mix of light industrial, art galleries, restaurants and bars. The area seems a good fit for Smith and his wine com- pany, as both have maintained a style that runs counter to the wine industry's traditional marketing. A native of California, Smith picked up a passion for wine while traveling and living in Europe, where he managed a Scan- dinavian rock band. When he returned to the United States, Smith ran a small wine shop in the Seattle area before being drawn to Washington's vineyards on the other side of the state. He settled in Walla Walla, Wash., and launched his own brand in 1999. Smith gets his footing Smith's initial releases earned some positive attention from wine critics, and after a few lucky and smart business moves (like founding the bulk brand House Wine, which Smith later sold to Precept Wine) Charles Smith Wines grew into a well-established operation. As Smith became Charles Smith Wines Jet City New Seattle winery is latest endeavor by one of Washington's best-known vintners By Andrew Adams KEVIN SCOTT / OLSON KUNDIG TECHNICAL SPOTLIGHT