A brief history
Buty Winery was founded on a belief in the artistry of the blend. This belief has been the inspiration for a short list of wines that includes a pioneering Washington blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, and an equally inspired Sémillon-based blend that includes both Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. To make these wines, and Buty’s other acclaimed bottlings, founder Nina Buty has built lasting relationships with the people who farm some of Washington’s most renowned vineyards—grand cru-caliber sites like Conner Lee and Boushey vineyards.
After two years of planning that included a trip to New Zealand to learn more about making great Sauvignon Blanc, Buty became a reality in 2000, when it made its debut vintage of five wines. Building on the early acclaim of these offerings, in 2001, the winery added Rediviva of the Stones and Columbia Rediviva to the Buty portfolio. These premium blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah were the first of their kind in Washington State, and continue to set the standard for this blend among the great wineries of the Northwest. 2001 also brought several other milestones, from the opening of Buty’s tasting room in Walla Walla to the planting of Buty’s dedicated section of Phinny Hill Vineyard on a hillside overlooking Champoux Vineyard. It was also the beginning of Buty’s inspiring relationship with legendary consulting winemaker Zelma Long.
Today, Buty remains true to its original vision. Nina continues to run the small, family-owned winery, guiding a team that includes Zelma and renowned Washington winemaker Chris Dowsett. Together, they make a selection of iconic Washington State blends. These wines continue to be made using grapes from a handful of celebrated vineyards, as well as fruit from Nina’s own Rockgarden Vineyard in Walla Walla Valley, and Buty’s section of Phinny Hill Vineyard. These wines have earned a reputation for their blending artistry, and for the soulfulness that inspires Buty’s winemaking approach.
