Cadaretta Winery

adaretta winery, owned and operated by the Middleton family and their Anderson & Middleton Company, represents a legacy that spans generations. The roots of this family business trace back to 1898 when Albert Middleton and his father-in-law, Henry Neff Anderson, journeyed from Michigan to Grays Harbor, Washington, to purchase a lumber mill. This marked the beginning of Anderson & Middleton Company.

Starting with timber, the company diversified over time, expanding into table grapes, wine grapes, and finally, winemaking. With five generations invested in the family business, a deep commitment to quality and enduring craftsmanship has been passed down through the years.

Cadaretta draws its name from a lumber schooner operated by the family on the Pacific coast in the early 20th century. Interestingly, their estate vineyard, Southwind, is named after the same schooner, which was rechristened during its service in World War II.

When the Middleton family decided to establish a winery in the Walla Walla Valley, they envisioned a state-of-the-art facility. To achieve this, they partnered with friends Norm McKibben and Jean-Francois Pellet to create Artifex, a winery named after the Latin term for "made skillfully."

Artifex serves as the production home for Cadaretta wines and also operates as a custom-crush facility, supporting other burgeoning wine ventures in the Walla Walla Valley. This collaborative environment fosters a unique sense of community among local winemakers.

Beyond its functionality, Artifex boasts a distinctive location within a historic red brick and beam building, originally constructed in 1941 for the Continental Can Company. The building's industrial charm, with its exposed beams, high glass windows, and old brick walls, provides a striking backdrop for the modern winemaking equipment and oak barrels that fill the space. It's a testament to the Middleton family's ability to blend their rich heritage with a forward-thinking approach to winemaking.