Partners with well-known West Coast designer Tim Girvin on brand makeover; co-invests with Betz Wines to acquire grand cru vineyards; introduces first Estate Rosé and Sparkling wine
SEATTLE, July 14, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Entrepreneurs Holly Brown and Kevin Brown, well known in Seattle tech circles, have set their eyes on the exploding Lake Chelan wine region to launch their new destination winery and event facility which is now open to the public. The opening of the multi-million dollar property coincides with the re-branding of their award-winning Siren Song Wine label. The Browns partnered with well-known West Coast firm, Tim Girvin Design and local architect, Jonathan Brandt on the design of the new brand and vineyard estate.
The Browns have also co-invested with Betz Wines, one of Washington's most storied wineries. The couple also purchased property in downtown Lake Chelan with plans to develop it into Chelan Central Square, a food and wine marketplace. To coincide with the opening Siren Song introduced its first Rosé, called La Vie Est Belle, and its first sparkling wine made from estate Pinot Noir, called The Muse.
The Lake Chelan wine industry, which got its start only in 1998, has doubled the number of wineries over the last five years and is now home to more than thirty wineries, securing American Viticulture Area (AVA) status in April, 2009.
For their vineyard estate and wine production facility the Brown's looked to reflect on their experiences in France and other European gastronomic locales. The property recreates a Mediterranean vibe and atmosphere, with sweeping water views.
"Lake Chelan is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. We were inspired by the linkage between the crystal blue waters of the lake and the outstanding growing conditions for the vines – it's a scenic three-hour recreation destination from Seattle. The new brand identity, wine labels and 'place' experience were designed to attract Lake Chelan visitors with a Mediterranean aesthetic where water and vines are the anchors," said Holly Brown.
Holly and Kevin will be hands on operators at the vineyard estate and winery, offering daily tastings and cooking classes, as well as hosting weekly winemakers' dinners, corporate events and weddings for up to 200 guests.
"The Siren Song brand name refers to the classic Odysseus tale of the 'irresistible calling'. For us that calling is our passion to bring irresistible food, wine, and memorable experiences together in a spectacular place. We created the most well-appointed facility in Washington State, in what wine lovers are discovering is an incredible wine-making region," said Kevin Brown.
A legend in Seattle tech circles, Kevin is the winemaker at Siren Song. He was previously on the founding executive team at Tableau Software, the world's leader in visual analytics software. Mr. Brown was also a member of the founding executive team at Visio Corporation, now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Microsoft.
Holly Brown, a well-known Seattle brand strategist and media maven, has held executive positions at software start-ups, digital media agencies and consumer brands including R2integrated, MRM/McCann-Seattle, Disney Destinations, Avenue A Razorfish, now part of Publicis Group, and Visio Corp./Microsoft. She also founded and managed a string of Ben and Jerry's ice cream franchises in Seattle. Mrs. Brown is producer and host of The Brown Lounge.com a weekly FoodieTV show produced by Holly that showcases recipes, guest chefs, food lifestyle strategies and the award winning wines from Siren Song.
About Siren Song Wines and the Siren Song Vineyard Estate and Winery
Siren Song Wines was founded in 2007 and had its first commercial release in 2009. In 2012, Siren Song was awarded medals for three of its 2009 wines at Seattle Wine Awards, Washington's most prestigious wine recognition program. The Siren Song Vineyard Estate and Winery will offer daily tastings, weekly wine and food events, and is also ideally suited for weddings, corporate outings and other celebrations.