E.B. Foote Winery: Burien's Own Award-Winning Winery
E. B. Foote Winery was founded in 1978 by Eugene Foote, and it is one of the oldest wineries in Washington State. In 1991 Sherrill Miller and her husband Rich Higginbotham became the owners and winemakers, and they moved the winery to Burien in 1999. The grapes are grown in the Columbia Valley in eastern Washington and are trucked in by Sherrill. The crush, press, fermenting, bottling, labeling, and sales are done right at the winery in Burien. The winery makes approximately 2,000 cases each year with the help of many Volunteer Vintners. In 2008 Rich passed away from Alzheimer's disease, and Sherrill became the sole owner and winemaker. Sherrill, her Tasting Room Manager Sally, her Facilities Manager Daryl, and her Volunteer Vintners are continuing the winery.
The winery is open for free wine tasting on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5 pm to 8 pm, and on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am to 4 pm. Both white and red wines may be available for tasting and purchase in the winery gift shop. These award-winning wines may include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, red blends, and Sweet Sherrill, a Riesling-like wine.
The majority of E. B. Foote wines are sold right from the winery to customers who visit, although local restaurants also feature it. Those wanting E. B. Foote wines but unable to visit the winery can order the wines to be shipped directly to them. Wine can be shipped to adult residents of Washington State only, and adult signature is required for delivery. See the Current Releases page to order.
The winery has various wine tasting and entertainment events. In connection with Valentine's Day is Red Wine and Chocolate where a variety of chocolates are offered to sample along with red wines. Mother's Day in May and Father's Day in June offer a chance to enjoy wine with mom or dad with special prices on selected wines. Summer Celebration over Labor Day weekend has 10% - 30% off wine purchases, and in December it's the Christmas Open House. At these events appetizers are served that compliment the wines, and new wines are released at that time. These events need no reservations. There is a tasting fee which is applied to your wine purchase. See the Calendar page for dates and times for these and other events.
If you like smooth jazz, Jazz Night and Wine Tasting is a Sunday evening event that happens four times a year. You can end your weekend with smooth jazz music by Wayne Miller and Friends, and enjoy wine tasting and snacks for only $10. The Calendar page has the dates and details.
The winery is also host to Breeders Theater, a group of professional actors performing original comedy plays. Breeders Theater performs for three weekends in January and three weekends in July. These original comedies are fun and funny adult humor. The $20 ticket includes the performance, wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres. The Calendar page has more information, or check out BreedersTheater.com.
Sherrill strives to make award-winning wines from premium Washington grapes. The wines started winning awards with the 1992 vintage and these accolades have continued. The success is a direct result of hard work, perseverance, and Bacchus' blessing.
Celebrating more than 30 years as a
Washington winery
