IT’S IN THE LOCATION
Located in the Columbia Valley AVA on a lazy southern slope, the Wahluke Slope AVA produces some of the best Washington wines and LUKE is no exception.
The Wahluke Slope AVA is a gem that’s just starting to receive attention in the wine world. The area is more than 80,000 acres with about 8,000 planted to vines. Distinguished by geography and terroir, it has one of the warmest and driest climates in Washington—perfect for producing excellent wines.
It’s in the name
LUKE takes its name from the word Wahluke, the native American term for “watering place”. the WANAPUM ARE THE NATIVE settlers and care takers of the land that is now the wahluke slope and it is with great honor AND RESpeCT that LUKE is produced from this beautiful place.
LUKE, a metaphor for the wine…
I heard stories about him for years, saw him in the flesh a few times, and spoke to him only once. The true depth of a man’s character is often unknowable, but even one conversation was enough to convince me that Luke was an imitation of no one. He revealed himself slowly, like a freed wind emerging from the shadow of a mountain. Seemingly ordinary at first, but undeniably complex. Bold and determined, but unabashedly generous.
It’s what we do
LUKE is proud to provide assistnace to several non-profit organizations through partnerships, donations and volunteerism. Whether it is the environment, salmon restoration, homelessness, or families who need a place to stay while a child receives medical care, These are a few of the amazing organizations luke supports,
the LUKE selection of WINES
It all started with LUKE Cabernet Sauvignon when released our first vintage in 2012. Since then we have added LUKE Merlot and LUKE Syrah to the list of Wahluke Slope AVA red varietals. In 2019, LUKE “The Companion” Red Blend joined the family and not long after in the same year we released our first white wine with LUKE Chardonnay from Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley AVA. Next up and coming soon, LUKE Sauvignon Blanc.
LUKE Merlot reveals the hallmarks of great Washington Merlot – dark red fruits, rounded tannins and an opulent, smooth finish. Fresh flavors of plum, cherry and blackberry dominate the mid-palate while earthy flavors of tobacco, cedar and clove marry the spices of vanilla and mocha to extend the wine’s long lingering finish. Vegan and gluten-free.
LUKE Cabernet Sauvignon offers aromas dominated by marionberry and dark chocolate, accented by hints of mint and molasses. Supple, focused and expressive, layering coffee-accented blackberry and currant flavors with polished tannins and hints of cedar and smoke. Vegan and gluten-free.
LUKE Syrah is 100% Syrah and a full-bodied red packed with profound color, concentration of flavors and velvet elegance. The wine opens up rich and bold, suggesting pepper, licorice, dark chocolate, and spice followed by blackberry, blueberry, and candied fruits. A lengthy finish highlights the ripeness and complexity of the wine. Vegan and gluten-free.
LUKE “The Companion” Red Blend showcases the opulence and synergy that a Bordeaux red blend can be when a thread of Syrah is layered in. Dark fruits flavors of blackberry and plum integrate with hints of Asian spices, coffee, chocolate, and vanilla. Tannins are silky smooth woven with good acidity and a long lingering finish. Vegan and gluten-free.
LUKE Chardonnay is sourced exclusively from the Evergreen Vineyard, hailed as one of Washington’s signature white wine vineyards situated in the Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley AVA. Burgundian in style, LUKE Chardonnay incorporates barrel fermented & barrel aged chardonnay. The result is a wine layered with notes of crème bruleé, vanilla, mango, banana peel and baked pie crust. A thin layer of minerality and acidity lengthen the finish providing a lasting impression. Vegan and gluten-free.
LUKE Sauvignon Blanc hails from the Evergreen and Rosebud vineyards—two of Washington’s signature white wine vineyards. The wine shows off aromas of fresh cut grass and ripe passion fruit. On the palate, notes of grapefruit, apricot and melon shine with a refreshingly racy acidity throughout.
LUKE Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Made by hand and showcasing a deep dark almost opaque ruby, purple color, LUKE Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon bursts from the glass with intense aromas of cassis, black currant, dark cherry and pressed herbs. Notes of blackberry preserves, grilled toast and baking spices are also evident in this excitingly complex wine.
LUKE Reserve Syrah
Made by hand. The reserve Syrah is vibrant and saturated with a youthful, dark purple color. The nose charms with its dense mix of crushed dark berries, cured olive, grilled toast and black licorice. The finish has a beautiful mineral-laced brightness and lingering notes of pomegranate and baking spices.
sustainably Made in Washington
LUKE Columbia Valley partners with vineyards who grow the highest quality wine grapes in the most socially, economically and environmentally responsible manner possible. Regular soil analysis, natural composting, integrated pest management, biodiversity and integrated farming are always prioritized.. Investment in special machinery reduces water usage and all wastewater from winemaking is collected, treated and reused in vineyard irrigation. In addition, all grape pomace is collected after pressing and sent to local dairies for use in feed and soil compost programs. The resulting biodiverse soil is added back into the vineyards. Label paper is 30% Post Consumer Waste and FSC Certified. 100% of label waste is recycled and used to create gigafuel powering vehicles and is also used in decking material. LUKE bottles are finished with 100% natural and biodegradable cork closures without a foil wrap, generating zero waste.
by an exceptional wine-making team
Thomas and Kristin Vogele are the founders and owners of LUKE Wines. Together they bring over 30 years in the wine business to the family owned business. Natives of the Pacific Northwest, they both grew up in the Kirkland area and graduated from the University of Washington. Today, they run LUKE Wines operations from their home while production is done at a private facility in Mattawa, Washington.
“We are fortunate to work with some of the best people and vineyards in Washington. The results are truly exceptional wines vintage after vintage.” —Thomas Vogele, Owner & Winemaker
Peter Devison is the consulting winemaker or LUKE Wines. Peter was born and raised in Halifax, Canada. He found and honed his passion for wine in Vancouver, B.C. and Christchurch, New Zealand. In 2004, Peter arrived in Eastern Washington for what he thought was a temporary harvest position. He quickly saw the vast potential and quality in wine growing and soon decided that Washington would be his new home.
15 years later and still in Washington state, Peter has won many accolades for his unique approach to winemaking and has been featured in various publications in praise of his artistry and philosophy.
LUKE winemaker’s club
The winemaker’s club - now full!
This is the first club offering from LUKE Wines. Members will enjoy two 4-bottle shipments for just $90 each plus tax during the calendar year (April and October). Wines are expertly selected by the winemaker. In addition, Winemaker Club members will enjoy 20% off online orders of 3 or more bottles of LUKE wines and free ground shipping on any order where available. Members receive VIP notice and access to all LUKE news and events. Please note that we can not ship to some states. Refer to our Terms of Service for restrictions and details. Membership in The Winemaker’s Club is currently FULL. We will launch new Club options in the future so please check back.
