Brock Lindsay of Succession Wines
2018 WA Winery to Watch by Wine Press Northwest
In 2014, Brock and Erica Lindsay had a series of life-changing experiences that caused them to rethink their careers. Brock was a bridge builder and Erica a sales and marketing representative for Hewlett-Packard, but their real passion was family and wine. When adversity struck in 2014 they saw opportunity, and so left their 9 to 5 jobs to start an independent cellar in their garage. They bottled their first wines in 2016, opened a tasting room in 2017, and a winemaking facility in 2018, all on the north shore of Lake Chelan. Succession Wines was named 2018 Washington Winery to Watch by Wine Press Northwest, and the name is a nod to the Lindsay family’s renewal and ability to make opportunity “succeed” adversity. Brock and Erica also co-own Alta Cellars down the road in Manson, but this interview focuses on Succession Wines.
As you will see from listening to the interview, many bridge-building skills are transferable to winemaking, even down to the use of Bentonite Clay. Brock even makes a Bridge-Builders Blend, which is an impressive mix of grape varieties, vineyards, and AVAs. But most of his wines are 100% single-varietal, some vineyard designate, others a mix of vineyards, depending on the label. The outdoor seating for tasting these wonderful wines looks out on the lake and a three-acre estate vineyard of mostly Syrah. They will soon be planting an 8-acre vineyard down the road with 4 or 5 additional grape varieties. Listen to this interview to learn more about Brock’s and Erica’s story, the many bridge-building skills relevant to winemaking, advantages of foot-stomping a portion of grapes, the difference between barrique and puncheon barrels, and much more.
Listen to the Interview: