Meet the Team
Mike Pearson
OWNER, VINEYARD DIRECTOR
Melissa Sanborn
OWNER, WINERY DIRECTOR
Jon Harding
SALES DIRECTOR, ASSISTANT WINEMAKER
Sarah Smith
JULIAETTA TASTING ROOM MANAGER, CHEF
Shelly Candler
MOSCOW TASTING ROOM MANAGER, WINE CLUB COORDINATOR
Chelsie Henson
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR, ACCOUNTS
Josh Larson
DIRECTOR OF HOSPITALITY AND GUEST SERVICES
Brad Lawrence
REGIONAL SALES
Rachael Kirkland
VINEYARD MASTER
Jim Judd
INFRASTRUCTURE MASTER
Reece Ireland
VINE TENDER
Jason Merrill
JACK OF ALL TRADES
Di Bourdreau
MOSCOW TASTING ROOM
Wes & Carol Sanborn
THE GLUE
Our History
1980s
The first vines of Colter’s Creek were planted by property owner Larry Spencer, who subsequently produced wine from the grapes. Spencer planted 5 acres of Chardonnay, White Riesling, and Rkatsiteli cultivars.
1990s
New property owners Larry Kornze and Sherman Stapleton plant 3 acres of Bordeaux grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.
1994-2007
The vineyard is essentially abandoned for a decade.
2007
A weekend drive past the abandoned vineyard leads to the purchase and establishment of Colter’s Creek along the Potlatch River. 2007-2008 are spent resurrecting the vines to fruitfulness.
2008
First vintage from various Northwest vineyards.
2009
First commercial harvest at Colter’s Creek.
2012
Colter’s Creek Winery receives its first 90 point wine from a major publication. The 2010 Riesling is awarded 90 points and a ranking of 72 in the top 100 value wines of 2012. Wine Enthusiast - 2012.
2009-2014
Mike and Melissa continue to plant vines at the original Potlatch River site, increasing the vineyard size to 28 acres and 19 cultivars.
2011-2012
Purchase of the historic Pharmacy building, built in 1902, in Juliaetta. Tasting room and restaurant opens in 2012.
2014-2015
The vineyard expands with the purchase of the Arrow Junction vineyard site. It is planted entirely in Syrah, bringing the vineyard size to 33 acres.
2015-2018
Purchase and remodel of the historic Hattabaugh building, built in 1892, in Moscow, Idaho. Tasting room opens in 2018.
2021
The Hattabaugh Boutique Hotel opens above the Moscow tasting room.
