About
Browne Family Vineyards is a family-owned winery committed to world-class wine production in the heart of Walla Walla, Washington. Inspired by the greatness of one man, William Bitner Browne, late grandfather of proprietor Andrew Browne, the winery is a dream that has been many years in the making. Every decision made — from the vineyard to the bottle — reflects a commitment to premium Washington State wine of exceptional quality and assures cellar-worthy vintages that stand the test of time.
Sourced from the Browne Estate Vineyard in the Spring Valley district of Walla Walla and throughout the Columbia Valley AVA, Browne Family Vineyards’ high-end Bordeaux reds and full -bodied whites are handcrafted under the leadership of acclaimed winemaker, John Freeman, at the winery’s state-of-the-art production facility.
Browne Family Vineyards is dedicated to building meaningful relationships with our customers and partners through innovative new wines, exciting collaborations, and customer nirvana. With tasting rooms located in the heart of downtown Walla Walla, Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square, and Tacoma’s charming Proctor District, Browne Family Vineyards offers an ideal gathering space for its wine club members and wine connoisseurs.
William Bitner Browne
William Bitner Browne’s passion, integrity, and hard work ethic set a standard of excellence for generations to follow. These values especially impacted his grandson, Andrew Browne, as he founded his own enterprise and Browne Family Vineyards. Andrew often refers to Bitner’s era as “The Greatest Generation.”
Bitner spent a lifetime endeavoring to be of service to all. This super-achiever entered college at just 16 years old. He later studied for a year in Bordeaux, France (where his love of fine wine was ignited) and graduated with honors from Harvard Law School in 1939. War began just as his law career flourished. Bitner was selected by “Wild” Bill Donovan to serve as a Counter Intelligence Task Force officer in the OSS branch of the U.S. Army in both World War II (Metz, Germany) and again during the Korean conflict, which awarded him multiple commendations. His self-confessed intensity and restlessness after serving in the military were channeled into his law practice, community volunteer service, and family.
Bitner's Legacy
Wine was a great source of enjoyment for Bitner. He savored the complexity of Bordeaux, a passion brought back from his law school days. He shared his joy of wine with his grandson, Andrew, which would prove to be the spark that drove him towards his career in the wine industry.
Take away all the awards, the service, the dedications – the things a grandson never knew growing up. Picture a man who inspired, taught, disciplined, and nurtured a boy to grow and be inspired to become anybody he imagines. From Bitner, it was made clear that hard work, an expectation of excellence from one’s self and peers, and commanding leadership would always drive success.
