Fermenter Spotlight: Randolph Cellars
Friday, July 13, 2018 2:12pm
By Amy Johnson, REEU Pommes to Pint Intern
SNOHOMISH, Wash. – What once started as a passion for crafting delicious wine in their garage, father-son duo Randolph (Randy) Schemkes, an aerospace engineer, and his son Randolph Alexander Schemkes, Environmental Science & Resources Management degrees, established
Randolph Cellars in 2015. Located in the quaint town of Snohomish Washington, the tasting room, thoughtfully placed above the basement where the grapes are fermenting, features fruit from vineyards within both Horse Heaven Hills and Red Mountain AVAs. “We source all the fruit from over there and we truck it to Snohomish, so our actual wine is made here in Snohomish, from grape to bottle,” Alexander said.
Making wine collaboratively for about eight years, Randy and Alexander are still honing-in on their craft. “That’s one of the fun things about wine, you just get to keep learning about it as you go,” Alexander said. Alexander and Randy both earned a certification through the enology program at WSU, which adds to their previous knowledge and degrees relating to industry. Since beginning their operation they have seen the Washington wine industry continue rapidly growing, especially in the Woodinville and Snohomish areas.
Alexander also gave an insight on what challenges he and his father have faced during their time making wine, the greatest one being time itself. “Kind of at this waiting game a lot, especially in between vintages too. Time really either goes way too fast or too slow, but we’ve been pretty fortunate with everything else so far,” Alexander explained. Continuing with their dream of winemaking, the Schemkes duo strive to produce better and better wine, with the ultimate goal of passing the torch down to future generations. “…I want it to continue through further generations out and set up, something special, you know?” expressed Alexander.
Stop by Randolph Cellars to experience “a beautiful blend of nature, art, and science,” described by Alexander. Their tasting room is located in Downtown Snohomish, which features both winemakers’ and customers’ favorite wine, the Syrah. Of course, the Schemkes have wine to excite every palette.
