washington business
Ste. Michelle Winery Has New Owners
The Wyckoff family became the new owners of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates in December, marking the first time in five decades that Washington’ s largest wine producer has been privately owned. The acquisition includes the company’ s wine labels, facilities and vineyards.
Based in the Yakima Valley, the Wyckoff family operates agribusinesses across the region through Wyckoff Farms. Founded in 1950, the company grows wine grapes and produces custom wines in Washington, Idaho and Oregon.
“ Ste. Michelle has been the long-term driving force behind Washington’ s wine industry,” said Court Wyckoff, CEO of Wyckoff Farms and Coventry Vale Winery.“ We look forward to working with the Ste. Michelle team to build on its leadership, invest in winemaking quality, and champion Washington’ s wine grape growers and Washington wine to consumers across the country.”
Joe Nguyễn Now Leads Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
Joe Nguyễn is the new president and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce after stepping down as director of the Washington State Department of Commerce in late December. The position had been open since Rachel Smith left the chamber to lead the Washington Roundtable. Nguyễn became head of Commerce in January 2025, overseeing a $ 7.9 billion budget and more than 100 programs spanning housing, energy, economic development and business services. He previously served as a Democratic state senator representing Seattle’ s 34th Legislative District and held leadership roles at Microsoft and Expedia.
“ Joe knows well how policy decisions directly impact business growth, innovation, and job creation and in turn the quality of life for everyone” said Teresa Hutson, Chair of the Seattle Metro Chamber Board.“ He brings an incisive, results-oriented approach and the ability to work across sectors to advance a strong, competitive economy for the Seattle region.”
His first week on the job, he joined the leaders of AWB, the Washington Roundtable and the Bellevue Chamber( see photo) to testify in the Legislature against a payroll tax on high-paying jobs. winter 2026 19