A Chardonnay Legacy: Mike Januik and Cold Creek Vineyard
Decades of dedication to Washington’s most consistent Chardonnay site
Since founding Januik Winery in Woodinville, Mike Januik has maintained a simple philosophy: single-vineyard wines should only be made when a site consistently produces something truly exceptional—wines that reflect a clear sense of place. For Mike, no vineyard embodies that idea more than Cold Creek.
A Connection That Began in 1990
Mike’s relationship with Cold Creek Vineyard began in 1990, when he was head winemaker at Chateau Ste. Michelle. Located on the eastern edge of the Columbia Valley AVA, Cold Creek is one of Washington State’s oldest and most distinctive vineyards. Its warm, arid climate and mature vines consistently yield fruit with depth, structure, and balanced acidity—hallmarks of great Washington Chardonnay.
Over nearly a decade at Ste. Michelle, Mike developed a deep appreciation for what made Cold Creek stand out, particularly for Chardonnay. Its ability to produce layered, expressive wines year after year quickly made it his preferred vineyard for the variety.
From Iconic Estate to Signature Wine
When Mike founded Januik Winery in 1999, he didn’t expect to continue working with Cold Creek—despite it being his favorite site for Chardonnay—because it was a Chateau Ste. Michelle estate. But in a generous show of support, Ste. Michelle offered to sell him fruit and let him feature the vineyard name on the Januik label. That partnership has continued ever since, and Cold Creek remains a cornerstone of the Januik Winery portfolio and one of the most acclaimed Washington Chardonnay bottlings available today.
From the outset, Mike’s goal was to let the vineyard speak. Through careful, minimalist winemaking rooted in his experience with Washington State wines, he has crafted Cold Creek Chardonnay that’s expressive, balanced, and unmistakably site-driven.
Each vintage showcases layered flavors of ripe pear, citrus peel, and crème brûlée, underpinned by the vineyard’s trademark richness and natural acidity. Barrel fermentation and aging in French oak add complexity without overshadowing the purity of the fruit, a hallmark of Mike’s winemaking style and a distinguishing feature of premium Washington Chardonnay.
A Legacy That Endures
More than three decades after first working with Cold Creek, Mike’s connection to the vineyard defines one of Washington’s most enduring single-vineyard Chardonnays. It’s a relationship built on trust, consistency, and a shared belief in the power of place—a legacy that continues to grow, one vintage at a time.
