Avennia was started in 2009 when Marty Taucher, an Oregon native and early Microsoft executive, teamed up with winemaker Chris Peterson, who had made wine at DeLille Cellars, among other places. The partners sourced 16 tons of fruit in 2010 which became their debut vintage. Their aim is to acquire fruit from Washington’s best vineyards and create Bordeaux and Rhone-style wines. Avennia makes primarily red wines, along with some Sauvignon Blanc and rosé. Reviewers have been complimentary. “I continue to consider Chris Peterson’s Avennia estate to be one of the best in Washington State and he’s been making world-class wines for a number of years now,” wrote Jeb Dunnuck. “…these are brilliant wines readers need to seek out.”