Zillah, Wash. (Mar. 10, 2025) – Dineen Vineyards today announces the appointment of Brian Mackey as its new Winemaker. With a wealth of experience in Washington wine, Brian has worked with fruit from some of the state’s top vineyard sites, including Dineen Vineyards. His expertise in crafting wines that highlight the purity of fruit and the unique character of each vineyard make him an ideal fit for the Dineen team as the winery continues its mission to produce exceptional and distinctive wines. Most recently, Brian was the Head Winemaker for Chateau Ste. Michelle.
“I’m thrilled to join Dineen Vineyards. The opportunity to focus on an estate vineyard and craft wines that express the unique qualities of this site is incredibly exciting,” said Brian. “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. I’m also excited to be part of a growing community and contribute to the growing reputation of The Hills and its AVA,” he continued.
Marissa Dineen, the second-generation owner and vintner of Dineen Vineyards, also expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I’m delighted to welcome Brian to the team. He has been a respected colleague for years, and his deep experience working with our fruit makes him the perfect fit. Brian shares our family values and commitment to excellence. His expertise will be vital as we continue to craft wines that express the story of each vintage, showcasing the unique attributes of our estate vineyard that set our wines apart from others in the state and further afield. I’m excited to see the impact Brian will have as we continue to raise the profile of Dineen Vineyards as both a maker of premium wines and a source of quality grapes.”
Brian and Marissa will work collaboratively on winemaking at Dineen Vineyards, where the winemaking program is 100% estate and 100% certified sustainable under both the Lodi Rules and the Sustainable WA Program. The estate vines are own-rooted and produce rich and deeply colored wines with soft and elegant tannins and balanced acidity.
When asked how they will work together, Marissa and Brian agree that winemaking is a team sport and believe that collaboration leads to greater achievements than individual efforts. As vintner, Marissa will continue to focus on business development, vineyard management, and overseeing sales, marketing, and distribution. Brian will lead the technical and stylistic aspects of winemaking, working closely with the vineyard team, and bringing all of his experience to bear to raise the bar of quality and ensure that Dineen Vineyard wines showcase the unique place that the vineyard, the AVA, and Washington state hold in the world of wine. Together, they will work closely to ensure that each vintage reflects their shared mission of showcasing the uniqueness of Dineen Vineyard and delivering the highest quality wines to the world.
“I’m excited to be working with a vintner like Marissa,” said Brian. “She is dedicated, knowledgeable, and optimistic. We have a goal to create a new range of ultra-premium wines that truly show what the vineyard can do and I can’t wait to get started,” Brian continued.
Brian’s love for wine began early, visiting his grandparents in Napa Valley as a child and working at a family-owned winery in Washington state during his teens. However, his career in winemaking truly took off later in life. After working in publishing, software, and the film industry, he found his true calling in winemaking after a trip to the Southern Rhône Valley while on his honeymoon. He returned to the family winery in 2010, followed by an internship at Chateau Ste. Michelle in 2011. Over the next 14 years, Brian steadily advanced in his career at Chateau Ste. Michelle. From Enologist, to Assistant Winemaker, and finally Head Winemaker in 2018, overseeing all red winemaking at Chateau Ste. Michelle. During his tenure at Chateau Ste. Michelle, his wines earned numerous accolades, including over 100 90+ point scores from top critics and publications.
Dineen Vineyards is focused on growing grapes traditionally found in the Bordeaux and Rhône Valley regions of France and produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Viognier and Sémillon. Current releases also include several red and white blends, single varietal wines, and Rosé. The winery currently produces approximately 2,500 cases (9-L FCE) annually.
Brian holds a B.A. in English from Boston University and a Viticulture Certificate from Washington State University’s prestigious Viticulture & Enology program. He also holds a Level 3 advanced certification in wines from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET).
To learn more about Dineen Vineyards, visit www.dineenvineyards.com.
Photo of Brian by Carina Skrobeck
About Dineen Vineyards:
Dineen Vineyards is a family-owned and operated viticulture business located in The Hills of the Yakima Valley, just north of Zillah, Washington. The estate vineyards span 100 acres of rolling hills at an elevation of 1,200 feet, with a sunny, south-facing aspects that offers panoramic views of the valley and distant peaks, including Mount Adams and Mount Rainier. The vineyards benefit from distinctive and diverse soils, a favorable climate, and the unique terrain, all of which create ideal conditions for growing ultra-premium wine grapes. First planted in 2001, Dineen Vineyards specializes in Bordeaux and Rhône varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Merlot, Syrah, Viognier, and Sémillon. Vines are own-rooted, which ensures a pure expression of the land’s soils. The commitment to sustainable viticulture and small-lot production results in wines known for their richness, vibrant color, elegant tannins, and balanced flavor. To learn more, visit www.dineenvineyards.com.
About The Hills:
Launched in 2024, The Hills was formed by a group of like-minded winegrowers to be a voice for the AVA’s exceptional quality and defining terroir. Its mission is to promote the Rattlesnake Hills AVA as one of the premier grape growing and wine producing regions in the state. Members include: Andrew Will/Two Blondes; Angiolina Farm; Dineen Vineyards; Elephant Mountain Vineyard; Hyatt Vineyards; Pomum Cellars/Konnowac Estate Vineyard/Idilico Wines; Merkle Farms; Pollard Vineyard; RKP Vineyard; Sheridan Vineyard; Sonrisa Vineyard; Tinte Estate Vineyard; Two Mountain Winery; VanArnam Vineyards; Whitman Hill Winery; and Zirkle Fruit Co./Four Feathers. Collectively, the members of The Hills have 1,807 acres of premium wine grapes under vine and are 100% family-owned. To learn more, visit www.thehillswa.org.
