Our Story

About Us
Chelan Ridge Winery is one of the oldest wineries in the Lake Chelan AVA. Built by Henry and Lynn Munneke in early 2003 it has been known for its outstanding Estate grown wines and hospitality. The Winery has been newly acquired by Chelan Ridge Holding LLC, a company majority-owned by William and Candace Swayne. The Swayne's and their new staff are dedicated to carrying on the Munnekes attention to excellence and have greatly expanded the Winery to include a new wood-fired pizza oven and tasting pavilion. If you have visited us before or are just new to Chelan, we invite you to come, relax and experience the new Chelan Ridge, enjoy the spectacular views while you have a pizza, and drink some of our soon-to-be award-winning wines. We look forward to welcoming you in the near future.

Our Vineyard
Chelan Ridge Winery farms vine-to-vine to maximize the potential of each individual vine and cluster of grapes. At the vineyards, individualized sections of vines are planted in the same type of soil with the same vine (called “blocks”). Each block requires different irrigation, pruning, thinning, canopy management and harvest criteria to maximize the quality of the grapes produced. The harvest is most often in multiple stages due to the variations of varietals and maturity of fruit in the individual blocks throughout each vineyard. Our Vineyard manager is Enrique Hernandez, who has two decades of experience with vine maintenance. Enrique actually planted Chelan Ridge’s vineyards currently consisting of eleven acres of both white and Red varietals. His extensive experience, attention to detail and willingness to continually learn and work with expert vinologists are what give our wines the best foundation we can to produce the award-winning wines we desire.
Meet The Team

William M. Swayne
Owner
William M. Swayne (Bill) is the majority owner and sole manager of WMS Consultants, LLC, a business consulting, real estate development funding, and marketing company. WMS Consultants is the majority owner of Chelan Ridge Holdings LLC, dba Chelan Ridge Winery. Mr. Swayne has 42 years of experience as a Registered Investment Advisor and Securities Representative. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1967 from the University of Washington and after spending four years as a Romanian Linguist in the United States Air Force Security Service during the Vietnam conflict, returned, and spent 7 years in the insurance industry running a major General Agency for Mutual Benefit Life in Seattle. During this time, he earned his MBA degree in Finance from City University and achieved his Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designations. Then he and his wife, Candace founded and established a private Investment Advisor business and ran that together from 1980 through 2015 when he retired and moved permanently to Lake Chelan. Bill’s son and wife continue to run their RIA business. After his retirement, Bill worked as the Regional Marketing Director for Mellisoni Vineyards before acquiring Chelan Ridge Winery in September of 2021. Bill and his wife Candace believe that raising their five children and grandparenting their 14 grandchildren is their biggest accomplishment and blessing in life.

Greg Kurtz
Chef
Chef Greg Kurtz received his initial training at the Art Institute of Los Angeles - Santa Monica Culinary School. After attending Culinary School, Greg began working at Westside Bistro on Ventura, CA where he eventually became head Chef. In Ventura he also served as executive Chef opening three successful restaurants: Watermark Restaurant & W20 Lounge, both in 2008, and Root 246 in 2009 alongside Chef Bradley Ogden. In 2009 Greg was recruited by Hyatt Hotels and moved to Seattle. With Hyatt, Greg served as Chef de Cuisine at the 800 room Hyatt Regency in Bellevue, bringing his flair for in-season cooking to Whisk 425 for 4 years. Then, Hyatt moved Greg to Dallas where he served as executive Sous Chef from 2012 thru 2016 for the 1300 room Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Dallas. As part of his responsibilities, Greg managed the entire culinary program for the hotel which included the banquet/events department, that would do plated dinners for over 2000 people, large volume convention business, and oversaw the Centennial Cafe with over 180 seats, Parrino’s Italian Restaurant with 65 seats, Module's Bar with over 500 seats and all room service food for 1200 rooms. Greg’s role in the company in addition to being a partner and common equity investor, will be to serve as Executive Chef and Restaurant Manager for the planned “Ridge” Restaurant.

Jeff Crowder
Winemaker
Jeff is a graduate of WSU with a degree in Viticulture & Enology. He owns Radiance Winery and has been honing his craft and making extraordinary wines for over a decade. Jeff joins the CRW team as a integral partner and winemaking visionary.

Enrique Hernandez
Vineyard Manager
Enrique and his family planted and have managed Chelan Ridge Winery's 11 acres of grapes for the last 15 years. Their knowledge and dedication to growing quality grapes is known and respected throughout the Lake Chelan AVA. Enrique’s role as Vineyard Manager will be to assist our winemakers by producing and maintaining the highest quality of grapes possible for our wines. His job includes the day to day management and oversight of all farming activities, Pruning, irrigation, fertilizing, pest control, picking and assistance in all crushing activities. Enrique and his family have also participated in bottling, labeling and storage of all bonded wines. Enrique manages all personnel required to perform the above duties and is a trusted and respected part of the new Chelan Ridge team.

Brad Bodley
Partner - Event Facility Marketing Manager - “The Barn”
Brad, retired from Scandinavian Airliness after being stationed in Seattle for 25 years as a marketing and Sales Agent working with Travel Agents, Corporations and special interest accounts, booking them for travel on SAS into Europe. Brad's extensive experience in marketing and selling groups and companies will be ideal for his new position with Chelan Ridge Holdings, LLC. Brads role in Chelan Ridge in addition to being a partner and common equity investor, will be to market, book and sell our new event facility to individuals and corporations for special events.

Leo & Willie
Greeters
Our greeters Leo and Willie are always happy to see you and make you feel welcome along with your Canine family.
Address
900 Swartout Rd, Manson, WA 98831
(509) - 687 - 4455
Opening Hours
CLOSED 1/23/23 - 2/8/23
THURSDAY
2pm - 6pm
FRIDAY - SATURDAY
1pm - 7pm
SUNDAY
2pm - 7pm
MONDAY PREMIER TASTINGS
2pm - 6pm