Winemaker
Louis Skinner
- Discipline
- Winemaker
- Based in
- Redmond, Washington, United States
i. Biography
The Climb
South Seattle Community College gave Skinner the formal start; Fine Wine & Cigars in Redmond, Washington, gave him the buyer’s view of how wine is selected and read in the market. In 2008, he began there as wine buyer, then moved in 2010 to Betz Family as an intern, where production work became part of his daily vocabulary. At DeLille Cellars, Skinner moved through cellar master and enologist roles, the kind of stepwise progression that builds fluency across the work rather than around it. By the time he joined Betz Family Winery as assistant winemaker in 2014, he had already handled wine from more than one side of the trade: retail, cellar, and analysis. From 2014 to 2016, Skinner served as assistant winemaker at Betz Family Winery before being promoted to winemaker, a role he held from 2016 to 2025. That stretch marks the point where technical execution became full responsibility for house style and release decisions. In 2025, he moved to Force Majeure Vineyards as winemaker.
Today
At Force Majeure Vineyards in Walla Walla Valley, Skinner’s work sits on top of that accumulated range: buying, cellar operations, enology, and winemaking leadership. The role in 2025 reflects a career assembled by steady advancement and practical judgment.
Signature
Louis Skinner’s signature wines include La Cote Patriache (Patriarche), Syrah. The wine points to the kind of focused varietal work that defines a maker’s calling card, with Syrah remaining a clear marker of his output.
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Louis
What is Louis Skinner's current role?
As of 2026, Louis Skinner is Winemaker.
Where did Louis Skinner train or study?
Louis Skinner trained at South Seattle Community College.
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