One of my mother’s favorite views was from just below the Knudsen Vineyards cabin, looking southeast across the vineyard. In homage to her, we named the Chardonnay vines planted there Julia Lee’s Block. The last time she would have gazed upon this scene was in 1990, when she passed away peacefully at the cabin. The vines in Julia Lee’s Block were little more than seedlings at the time. If only she could see them now and celebrate with us how Knudsen Vineyards has grown. Our tasting room was scheduled to open later that year!
My mother was a warm, generous, extroverted, and lively person. Born in 1925, she was a proudly independent graduate of the University of Washington who worked as an elementary school teacher in Brooklyn, New York, before and during the early years of my parents’ marriage.
My father, C. Calvert “Cal” Knudsen, was drawn to my mother’s self-sufficient and pragmatic nature, not to mention her athletic good looks. Married in 1950, they built an equal partnership that was progressive for its time.
The Founders Series
I am proud to share that beginning in the fall of 2021, we released a collection of special wines called the Founders Series, featuring labels honoring Cal and Julia Lee Knudsen. Among them is the JLK Chardonnay, created in celebration of my mother.
This Mother’s Day, I will toast my mother, who realized a lifelong dream of growing grapes and making wine—a passion I am fortunate to carry forward today.
May you raise a glass to the extraordinary mother figure in your life. And to all mothers, I encourage you to celebrate yourselves and the lasting influence you have on so many others.
Mother’s Day Gift Idea
Knudsen Vineyards offers a thoughtful selection of wines, but choosing for someone else can sometimes be difficult. We’ve made gifting easy with our eGift Cards, delivered instantly to the recipient by email.
Page Knudsen Cowles
Owner & Managing Partner
