As winery co-owners Deborah Barnard and Rob Griffin look to further expansion, they huddled with the 2nd generation, daughters Elise Jackson and Megan Hughes, and deemed that it was time for a change. Therefore Barnard Griffin has changed their label and packaging design that had featured tulips. As a winemaker having the last name "Griffin" there was a missed branding opportunity - thus the selection of the griffin for their rebranding program.
The griffin, a mythological creature, is usually shown as a mix between an eagle and a lion. In ancient times it was viewed as a guardian of the divine. It is now featured prominently on Barnard Griffin packaging created by Auston Design Group.
When asked what makes him the most proud regarding his wines over the last 30+ years, Griffin cited three achievements: "I suppose that number one for me is our focus on creating a master quality wine throughout our entire line. From Fume to Cabernet, each wine is varietally accurate. This is difficult to achieve and requires constant vigilance. Secondly, we work extraordinarily hard to maintain vintage-to-vintage consistency, even though Mother Nature likes to throw us a curve ball from time to time. Thirdly, I am proud of the extent of the recognition our wines have received. I feel that this underscores our approach to constancy and consistency."
Barnard Griffin continues to receive major recognition, demonstrating continuing leadership in Washington state-produced wines. Winemaker Griffin says, "It is exciting to make small batch artisanal wines that are generating such recognition, proving once again that Washington State is one of the great wine-producing regions in the world."
Critical acclaim for Barnard Griffin
- Barnard Griffin's Rose of Sangiovese was rated Best of the Best Roses by the San Francisco Chronicle's 2014 Wine Competition via their Sweepstake Award and a Double Gold. Their Rose therefore has won Gold or Better in this competition for an unprecedented eight times!
- Wine Enthusiast shared its enthusiasm by awarding this Rose 90 Points and a Best Buy
- 2013 Sunset International Wine Competition awarded Best of Class and Gold to their 2012 Rose of Sangiovese, plus Best of Class and Gold to Barnard Griffin's 2010 Merlot
- In the Chronicle's 2014 Wine Competition, their 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded Gold
- Barnard Griffin's 2009 Reserve Cabernet was awarded 92 points by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
- In the same July issue, 2014, their Fume Blanc was awarded 91 Points and a Best Buy
- Wine Enthusiast Magazine awarded 91 Points and Editors' Choice for their 2012 Roussanne
- Barnard Griffin's Chardonnay won Best of Class at the Chronicle's 2013 Wine Competition. In the same competition, Barnard Griffin's '08 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon won Gold
- Barnard Griffin's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded 94 Points by Wine Enthusiast Magazine in 2013
