Samantha Mallery of Hyatt Vineyards
Photos Courtesy of Hyatt Vineyards
Hyatt Vineyards is one of Washington state’s pioneer wineries and vineyards. Founded by Leland and Lynda Hyatt, the winery today is among the largest producers in the Rattlesnake Hills AVA. Leland planted the first wine grapes in 1983, and received his winery license in 1986, with Wade Wolfe as his first winemaker. Within the past several years, Leland’s and Lynda’s children have assumed the reins at Hyatt Vineyards with the goal of continuing the Hyatt reputation for excellent and affordable wines. The winery remains family run and fully estate, with 78 acres under vine and planted with 11 different grape varieties. The iconic Hyatt windmill is a recognized landmark on spacious grounds offering stunning views of both Mount Rainier and Mount Adams.
In January 2025, Samantha Mallery came on board as Hyatt’s winemaker. She was attracted to the job, in part, by the rich legacy and history at Hyatt. In particular, Sam was impressed with the amazing wine library with bottles going back to 1985. There was also a great opportunity to make diverse and unique wines from estate fruit. For example, Hyatt makes two Saperavi wines, one dry and one sweet. Saperavi is an ancient grape native to the country of Georgia, and Hyatt is the only vineyard on record growing the variety in Washington. Sam and her team are also initiating Hyatt’s new Winemaker’s Laboratory, which will be a test kitchen for making an experimental wine each year. Listen here to my interview with Sam to find out what wines are planned for this exciting new initiative, and much more about the history and future at Hyatt Vineyards under its second generation of leadership.
Listen to the Interview: