What began as a coin toss turned into a legacy for Shae Frichette, the proud co-founder and owner of Frichette Winery, the first Black-owned winery in Washington’s prestigious Red Mountain wine region.
Shae, a former corporate professional with no background in winemaking, took a leap of faith alongside her husband, Greg Frichette. They flipped a coin to decide whether to relocate to California or Washington. The coin landed on Washington — and with that, a new chapter was written not only for them, but for the entire wine industry.
Located in Yakima Valley’s Red Mountain AVA, a region globally renowned for its award-winning varietals and distinct terroir, Frichette Winery is now a beacon of representation, resilience, and vision. It’s a space where fine wine and cultural progress blend beautifully.
“We didn’t come from winemaking. We came with passion, curiosity, and a willingness to learn,” Shae has shared in previous interviews. That spirit of learning — and leading — now defines her work.
A Toast to Representation
In a wine industry that has historically lacked diversity, Shae Frichette’s rise marks a major milestone. She is not only crafting standout wines — she is building pathways for future winemakers of color and inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs.
Visitors to Frichette Winery can experience more than just a tasting — they experience a story. Each bottle represents hard work, cultural pride, and the powerful impact of believing in oneself.
“It’s more than wine. It’s about creating space, educating, and showing what’s possible,” Shae says.
Through community engagement, wine education, and a commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices, Shae has transformed Frichette Winery into a symbol of possibility and progress.
The winery’s website, www.frichettewinery.com, invites visitors to not only explore premium handcrafted wines, but also take part in a story that’s rewriting the rules of who belongs in the vineyard.
Making Every Bottle Count
From that initial coin toss to national recognition, Shae Frichette’s journey proves that you don’t need generations of winemaking in your family tree to make history — just courage, vision, and community.
In every glass poured at Frichette Winery, there’s more than just wine. There’s a movement — one that celebrates Black excellence, breaks down barriers, and proves that the next great winemaker can come from anywhere.
