Camaraderie Cellars is a craft winery that celebrates the bounty of life found in food, wine, hearth and table, and the friendships grown in their sharing. It has become known for its full-bodied wines from some of Washington's best vineyards, and its wines are counted among the "must haves" by all those who enjoy wine. Camaraderie Cellars’ commitments are to making world-class quality wines, valuing their growers as true partners, and deepening their customer's enjoyment of wine and food.

Gene Unger and his wife, Mary, partnered with longtime friend, vintner Don Corson, 16 years ago to create Camaraderie Cellars. The experiences of friends enjoying great wines, food and companionship are what drew Gene to the industry.

He graduated from Gonzaga University in 1969 with a B.S. in both civil engineering and engineering science, and continues to work as a professional engineer. The St. Patrick’s Day Musical Concert held in the Student Union has always been a standout memory for Gene, especially the amazing talent of the violin player.

“And the Jesuits’ joy of teaching gave me such a positive out look. It is something,” Gene continues, “that has carried me through my life experiences.”

2004 Grâce

Winemaker Notes: This wine is a beautiful expression of Washington State regional terroir. The wine is a blend of all five Bordeaux varietals. Cabernet Sauvignon is from four vineyards, Merlot from three, Cabernet Franc is from four, Malbec from two and Petit Verdot is from one. Four separate appellations are represented. The name rhymes with “gloss” and means “thanks, blessing, elegance, and charm” in French, all the things that belong at the table.

2004 Cabernet Franc

Winemaker Notes: Cabernet Franc is one of the most food-friendly wines made in Washington State. Not a “Cabernet lite”, this wine can be paired beautifully with salmon in multi-preparation styles, mellow veal dishes, or lighter Italian tomato-based sauce dishes. Wine from three different vineyards was blended after oak aging to make a wine that is very fruit directed. Fruit from Fred Artz vineyard on Red Mountain, Chandler Reach, and Meek Family Vineyard was used in this vintage.

WINEMAKER NOTES: Liquid silk. This luxurious and grapey Pinot opens with soaring aromas of black cherry, spice and toast. A fully integrated mid-palate erupts with chewy flavors of dark cherry, blackberry and plum. Delightfully bracing acids and gripping tannins lend a flawless structure to the graceful finish.

WINEMAKER NOTES: The term Claret is an old English word for a Bordeaux blend. It was first used in Oregon by Peter Britt’s Valley View Winery back in the 1800s. We are pleased to reintroduce the term after a century lapse with a wonderful red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. This wine is perfectly balanced with lots of ripe fruit flavors of black cherry, blackberries, and plum, and a nice touch of herbs and vanilla.