Today we share an interview wth the head winemaker of one of the United States’s most popular wine brands, 14 Hands. You can find 14 Hands wines everywhere from wine shops to 7-Eleven and of course Costco retailers. 14 Hands was initially launched in 2005 as a restaurant focused brand. Due to popular demand, it was introduced at retail in 2011. By 2012, 14 Hands had reached 1 million cases nationally. Earlier this year Zach Richardson was named winemaker at this eastern Washington-based brand. Zach does not originally have a background in winemaking but was inspired to take the WSU enology program. I think you will very much enjoy hearing his story in wine and here is my interview with Zach Richardson, winemaker at 14 Hands.
OB: How did you decide to be a winemaker and complete the WSU Enology program?
ZR: I decided to become a winemaker after being exposed to the industry as a temporary lab technician at Columbia Crest in 2015. I never really realized such an amazing industry was hiding in my backyard growing up in the Tri-Cities.
OB: How did you decide to first work for Ste. Michelle?
ZR: After working as a temporary lab technician at Columbia Crest in 2015, I was fortunate enough to be offered the position of full-time lab technician at 14 Hands. Having that experience at Columbia Crest allowed me to learn about the wine industry and fueled my desire to continue my career with 14 Hands.
OB: You have a bachelor's degree in geotechnical engineering. Do you see any crossover with the work you do as 14 Hands winemaker?
ZR: There is some crossover with geology and winemaking. For example, knowing the soil types in which the vineyards are planted helps when scouting for grapes. Chemistry was also a main focal point in earning my degree and that has been key in being able to have constructive conversations with our analytical lab team.
OB: 14 Hands makes a wide range of value wines. How do you battle popular demand for sweeter style wines yet creating structure in the wines?
ZR: It has been a fun challenge to develop sweeter yet structured wines. We just introduced our Sweet Red Blend which I believe rides that wave very well. It is on the sweeter end which could help bring in new wine drinkers, and the structure of the Sweet Red Blend is a great entry point for these consumers to explore other wine products without too big of a shock to the palate.
OB: What are some of your favorite producers or wines of the world?
ZR: The world is a big place and has many great producers, but I believe Washington State makes some amazing wines! I try to drink up all that I can from the state. Kiona and Frichette on Red Mountain come to mind when I want to try something new – I always look to see what they come out with. For producers around the world, I can’t come up with a favorite per se. I love Rhone Varietals and look for wines from that region to try. Carménère is also a favorite varietal and I enjoy different Chilean styles.