Baer Winery

History and Legacy

Baer Winery began in 2000 when winemaker Lance Baer pursued his passion for unique blends after honing skills at prestigious local wineries. Starting small in an apartment and garage, the winery released its first Ursa vintage in 2003—a feminine Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend. Production grew from 200 cases to 3,500 annually after moving to Woodinville's warehouse district in 2007. Tragically, Lance passed at 39, but his family—father Les, sister Lisa—and winemaker Erica Orr continue his legacy, sourcing all grapes from Stillwater Creek Vineyard in the Columbia Valley's Royal Slope AVA.

Signature Wines

Ursa, meaning 'bear' in Latin, anchors the portfolio as a right-bank Bordeaux-style blend dominated by Merlot and Cabernet Franc, aged 20 months in French oak. It reveals black cherry, vanilla, wood smoke, and spice. Arctos offers a bolder Cabernet Sauvignon base. Shard, the crisp Chardonnay, ferments in stainless steel for bright lemon rind and tropical notes without malolactic influence. Other releases like Star, Callisto, and Cabernet Sauvignon showcase low-yield fruit from seven varietals: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Chardonnay.

Tasting Room Experience

The Woodinville Warehouse District tasting room at 19501 144th Ave NE #F100 opens weekends from 1-5pm, inviting visitors to sample limited-production wines and peek into adjacent production. Family-operated with a focus on education, staff share the winery's story and pairings. Baer has earned acclaim, including Wine Spectator Top 100 honors for Ursa vintages (2008 at #6 with 95 points, 2012 at #28 with 94 points).

Vineyard and Winemaking

All fruit hails from Stillwater Creek Vineyard on Royal Slope's fractured rock soils, protected by Cascades with minimal rain. Low yields (2-5 tons/acre) and clonal diversity ensure site expression. Reds age in French oak; whites stay fresh in steel. Philosophy emphasizes quality over quantity in Washington State's thriving wine scene.

Woodinville Context

In Woodinville's industrial wine hub near Seattle, Baer stands out for its intimate scale amid over 100 wineries. Visit for a relaxed tasting highlighting Columbia Valley excellence.