Molly Monson-Stutesman of Goose Ridge on Generations of Washington Farming
Before there were vineyards in Goose Gap, there were cattle and apples. Molly Monson-Stutesman shares how three generations of Monsons turned a farming operation into one of Washington's premier estate wineries, and what buyers can expect when they visit.
One Voice was born from the belief that the Washington wine industry is stronger when it speaks with one voice. With The Mark Wine Group leading its efforts, One Voice's mission focuses on driving category awareness and proving that a collaborative approach can transcend individual brand goals to benefit the entire Washington State wine landscape. By uniting as One Voice, we transcend individual competition to champion a collective mission.
A Conversation with Molly Monson-Stutesman
12 questions
- TMThe Mark Wine Group
We are so excited to talk with you, Molly. I am also really looking forward to our buyers finding Goose Ridge on our interactive globe. I am also hoping some sign up to do “Quick Sips,” so they can taste with one of your winemakers and get a feel for the property and the Columbia Valley as a whole.
MMMolly Monson-StutesmanThat's awesome. I know you have lots of activations and lots of those kinds of things and they're getting a lot of good buzz.
- TMThe Mark Wine Group
We are loving the collaboration between all the WA State Wine Commission wineries. A rising tide lifts all boats.
MMMolly Monson-StutesmanYeah, and I definitely feel like that's what it is in Washington, which we love. I'm really glad you're getting that feeling, and yes, I have heard there is definitely more collaborative work here than, well, other places.
- TMThe Mark Wine Group
And there is no more “green monster.”
MMMolly Monson-StutesmanThere was a big delta between what they were doing and what the rest of us were doing.
- TMThe Mark Wine Group
And now you are all a big happy family. Or should I say we are all one big happy family all working hard to get Washington State wines in everyone’s glass.
MMMolly Monson-StutesmanYour team is very first class and your relationships with the National Account channel are so strong. Mark has done a great job building up so many relationships. We love getting new placements, of course, and are so appreciative of all the work you are doing for all of us. I know you have to divide up the pool and make a lot of people happy so anything you do is very much appreciated.
Goose Ridge g3 Chardonnay
g3 honors the third generation of the Monson family, siblings Bill, Molly and Valerie, carrying forward the vision of grandfather M.L. and father Arvid. Estate grown in the Goose Gap AVA, this Chardonnay balances brightness and breadth with baked apple, mandarin and a whisper of baking spice. Serious Washington Chardonnay that guests will love pouring again and again.
Goose Ridge g3 Merlot
Merlot thrives in Goose Gap, and g3 proves it: black cherry, cocoa and spice in a smooth, elegant frame with a cedar-kissed finish. It's grown on 2,200 certified-sustainable acres, the largest contiguous estate vineyard in Washington, by a family that has worked this land for four generations. A bottle guests will remember long after the last pour.
Goose Ridge g3 Cabernet Sauvignon
Farmed with the Monson family's long view: work the land for the next generation and let the vineyard speak. Blackberry, plum and cherry meet baking spice and toasted oak, carried by smooth, integrated tannins and a long, satisfying finish. A steakhouse-ready Washington Cab made only from estate fruit.
StoneCap Estate Chardonnay
Named for the wind-scoured, rock-capped ridgetops carved by Ice Age floods, StoneCap is 100% estate grown on the vineyard the Monson family planted in 1998. Bright citrus, tropical fruit and a clean mineral line finish light, fresh and refreshing. Four generations of family farming, certified sustainable, made for easy enjoyment with friends.
StoneCap Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Every drop of StoneCap comes from the Goose Ridge estate vineyard, planted by Bill and Arvid Monson under the guidance of Dr. Walter Clore, the father of Washington wine. Smoke, spice and dark fruit lead to a concentrated palate with a subtle toasty edge. Pedigree in every glass, and a great addition for guests to enjoy.
Revelation Rosé
Dry, pale and electric, Revelation is the Monson family's salute to the strong, confident women behind three generations of Washington farming. Estate grown in the Goose Gap AVA on the family's Sustainable WA-certified vineyard, it pops with bright fruit, bracing acidity and a crisp mineral snap. Pure sunshine in a glass, any time of year.
- TMThe Mark Wine Group
The “One Voice” you all speak to makes that easy. And it seems to be easy for all of you too.
MMMolly Monson-StutesmanIt really is. When it first started, I was like, oh, that could be hard.
- TMThe Mark Wine Group
But all the pieces fell together.
MMMolly Monson-StutesmanWhich is wonderful. Just continue to do what you guys do and we are good. And if you can get us some more placements, that would be wonderful too!
- TMThe Mark Wine Group
Your story is very fun to sell. Generations of farming and now generations of winemaking.
MMMolly Monson-StutesmanYeah. I'm third generation in our diversified agriculture family. And when I say diversified, I mean diversified.
- TMThe Mark Wine Group
Oh yeah.
MMMolly Monson-StutesmanWe started in cattle, you know, we were cattle feeders. We had a meatpacking facility that we ran for many years. We also grow apples. And then we're involved in an apple packing warehouse where all the fruit goes and then it's packed. We have a sales desk that we're part of that sells the apples and cherries around the world. And of course, we have our acres and acres of vineyards and our wine business. We are in our ninth vintage here at our new Goose Ridge facility. We continue to evolve, you know, we're still farming the acreage. It's all family-owned, family-run.
- TMThe Mark Wine Group
That’s one of the things we absolutely love here at The Mark Wine Group. And we also love that your family took its time to develop the vineyards.
MMMolly Monson-StutesmanYes. We have. First, it was 230 acres and then 750 acres. Over the years the vineyards have multiplied, which transformed Goose Ridge from a farming operation to one of Washington’s premier estate wineries.
- TMThe Mark Wine Group
And you’ve got Goose Gap!
MMMolly Monson-StutesmanOur vineyards are rooted in Goose Gap, a unique saddle of land in the Columbia Valley between Red Mountain and the Horse Heaven Hills. Today, Goose Ridge farms more than 2,200 acres of estate vineyards, creating the largest contiguous estate vineyard in Washington State. But acreage isn’t what makes this place remarkable. It’s the unique combination of soils, slopes, climate, and generations of thoughtful stewardship that give Goose Ridge wines a true sense of place.
- TMThe Mark Wine Group
That’s a lotta land. As you know we are re-launching our Mark Wine Camps to bring our buyers to Washington State. We would love to hear what they can expect when they come to Goose Ridge.
MMMolly Monson-StutesmanThey'll have the opportunity to meet our family, walk our vineyards, taste some great wines and hear our sustainability story. Sustainability is something that's really important to our family. We always say that we're not farming for our generation, we're farming for the next and the next and the next. We know how important it is to be sustainable.
- TMThe Mark Wine Group
We love that philosophy. Thank you so much for this, Molly.
MMMolly Monson-StutesmanThis was really nice. It was so nice to see you again.