Brian Mackey, Dineen Vineyards © Carina Skrobecki

Dineen Vineyards in Zillah, Washington has named Brian Mackey as winemaker. Mackey spent 14 years at Chateau Ste. Michelle, the past 7 as head red winemaker.

“I’m thrilled to join Dineen Vineyards,” Mackey said in a press release. “The opportunity to focus on an estate vineyard and craft wines that express the unique qualities of this site is incredibly exciting.”

Mackey spent time growing up at his uncle’s winery, Chinook Wines in Prosser, Washington. He subsequently received a bachelor’s degree in English from Boston University.

Mackey worked in the publishing, software, and film industries after graduating. He was inspired to pursue a career in wine after traveling to the southern Rhône Valley for his honeymoon.

Mackey started out as an intern at Chateau Ste. Michelle and was subsequently hired as an enologist in 2011. He was promoted to assistant winemaker in 2014. Mackey was named head red winemaker at Ste. Michelle’s Paterson facility in March of 2018.

Now at Dineen, Mackey will work exclusively with fruit from Dineen’s estate vineyard, which he has previous experience with while at Ste. Michelle. Dineen is one of the few wineries in Washington that is entirely estate focused.

Pat and Lanie Dineen established Dineen Vineyards in 2001, purchasing 12 acres of land. The following year, they purchased additional acreage. Dineen now has approximately 100 acres under vine. The vineyard, which is certified sustainable, lies at an elevation of 1,200 feet above sea level, high by Washington’s standards.

The Dineen family built their winery in 2003 and the tasting room in 2007. Second generation owner and vintner Marissa Dineen became involved in the winery in 2016 and full owner in 2022.

“I look forward to working with Marissa and the team to continue the tradition of crafting wines that showcase the true potential of this vineyard,” Mackey said.

Dineen is located in the Rattlesnake Hills, a nested appellation in the Yakima Valley and larger Columbia Valley. Dineen is one of a number of growers involved in The Hills. The organization, which launched in 2024, includes growers in the area who have over 1,800 acres under vine.

Mackey takes over winemaking responsibilities from Samantha Mallery, who joined Dineen in 2023. Dineen Vineyards makes approximately 2,500 cases annually.

This article has been updated. 

Do you enjoy Northwest Wine Report? If you do and haven’t subscribed already, please do so. This site is 100% subscriber funded and is my primary source of income. None of the content can be created without you subscribing. Subscribe here. It’s the cost per month of a cup of coffee and a crumpet.

To receive articles via email, click here.