For former NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe, his field of dreams always extended way beyond the stadium turf—all the way back to the Walla Walla Valley, his hometown. During his 14 year career, Drew had his eyes set on his post- game plan and upon his retirement in 2007, returned home to plant his original estate vineyard, McQueen, on the southern end of the Walla Walla Valley AVA. The following year,
in 2008, Drew and his Wife, Maura, launched Doubleback as an estate-focused winery with the goal to produce world-class cabernet sauvignon—the winery’s name a reference to his return back home. To make his dream a reality, Drew hired Josh McDaniels away from Figgins Family Wine Estates where he trained for over a decade. Josh, now President & Director of Winemaking, is also a Walla Walla native, was named a “Game Changer of Washington Wine” by Wine Enthusiast and has most recently earned Doubleback’s highest rating with 97 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. Since the very first release—the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon—Doubleback has received numerous accolades including a spot on the Wine Spectator Top 100 List. To further assist that vision, Drew and Josh have concentrated on developing individually distinct vineyard sites within the Walla Walla Valley AVA that now include four select vineyards- McQueen, Bob Healy, Flying B, and Lefore- and each bring a unique characteristic to the final blend. In early 2017, Doubleback also broke ground on a new winery facility that saw its inaugural vintage in 2018 on the Flying B estate. To Drew, Maura, Josh, and the team, wine is not just about drinking enjoyment but also a compelling, layered experience. It is something to be shared and enjoyed; it’s about romance, friendship, nature, good conversation and fellowship. They are committed to using only the most sustainable, superlative viticulture, and winemaking practices to ensure that Doubleback is one of the best experiences you will have.
