Seth and Audrey Kitzke
March 2023
Although Seth and Audrey Kitzke both come from farming roots in the Pacific NW, they never imagined a career in viticulture and wine while growing up. Even working in the family vineyard every day in summer during his teenage years didn’t dampen Seth’s desire to become a professional snowboarder. It wasn’t until after they got married that Seth decided to pursue wine studies at the Northwest Wine Academy, and to return to Eastern WA to help with his parents’ Kitzke Cellars and vineyards. The couple’s Upsidedown Wine label grew out of Kitzke Cellars, with a first vintage in 2013 and an original tasting room in Hood River, OR. The label is dedicated to Rhone style wines, as well as to a handful of charities that each bottle sold supports.
In fall 2022 Seth and Audrey opened a second Upsidedown Wine tasting room in Cle Elum, WA, and are having a grand opening in March 2023. The couple is dedicated to making wines with as few additives as possible, giving back to help others, being transparent about their winemaking processes, and educating people about their wines. Grenache is king as Upsidedown Wine, and Seth believes it is “the grape of the future for WA.” He makes multiple Grenache and Mourvedre wines in a variety of styles, as well as blended wines that are typically co-fermented. Although Rhone grape varieties dominate at Upsidedown Wine, the Rescue Rosé is made with Nebbiolo and is a best seller. One of the couple’s most exciting Rhone style projects is their Devil is a Liar brand with fruit sourced from the amazingly innovative Weather Eye Vineyard atop Red Mountain. Learn about this brand and so much more in this interview.
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