ZILLAH, Washington — Silver Lake Winery & Distillery announces the appointment of Berle ‘Rusty’ Figgins Jr as Director of Vineyard, Winery & Distillery Operations, marking an exciting new chapter for one of Washington’s most historic and scenic wine estates.
With decades of experience spanning vineyard management, winemaking, distilling, and international spirits production, Figgins brings an extraordinary level of expertise to Silver Lake Winery & Distillery. Educated in Australia and the UK, he has earned recognition as an innovative winemaker and master distiller for luxury wine, brandy, gin and whisky brands, most notably at Glen Fiona and Northstar in Walla Walla, Cave B in Quincy, Batch 206 in Seattle, XO Alambic in Dayton, and Fynoderee on the Isle of Man. Figgins is a pioneer of Washington Syrah, is the inventor of the Figgins Reciprocator™ distillation system, and he strongly advocates for American Brandy production.
Located in the heart of the Rattlesnake Hills AVA near Zillah, Washington, Silver Lake Winery & Distillery farms approximately 228 acres of estate vineyards with the potential for future expansion across its larger landholding. The estate grows a diverse portfolio of winegrape cultivars, producing a range of wines from them along with premium grape-based spirits, including vodka, gin and brandy. The estate also contemplates an all-malt rye whisky.
“Our vision is to multiply the prestige of one of the premier estate wineries and distilleries in the Pacific Northwest,” said Satpal Sohal, new owner of Silver Lake Winery & Distillery. “Rusty’s experience in both world-class vinification and distillation give us a tremendous advantage as we expand our portfolio of premium and ultra-premium wines and grape-based spirits for our customers throughout the United States and internationally.”
Under Rusty Figgins’ leadership, the estate’s vineyard, winery and distillery business will focus on these objectives:
• Increasing its practice of sustainable viticulture
• Elevating the status of its ultra-premium, estate-grown wines and spirits
• Expanding production of ultra-premium grape-based vodka, gin, and brandy
• Developing innovative new products for domestic and international distribution
• Expanding on its commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and Washington agriculture
“I have always believed that exceptionally expressive wines and spirits begin with exceptionally well-tended vineyards,” said Rusty Figgins. “The Silver Lake estate is an outstanding vineyard resource with a passionate ownership group that is committed to the highest of quality. I am thoroughly excited to guide the estate’s new chapter in crafting distinctive expressions of wine and spirits, showcasing the pinnacle of Washington viticulture.”
Silver Lake Winery & Distillery is investing heavily in modernization, production capacity, and brand development while maintaining its commitment to estate-grown winegrapes and authentic Washington winemaking. As demand continues to grow for American wines and craft spirits worldwide, the winery is positioning itself as a leading producer of premium grape-based spirits, offering consumers an elevated alternative to grain-derived products.
About Silver Lake Winery & Distillery
Silver Lake Winery & Distillery is an estate winery and distillery located near Zillah, Washington and within the renowned Rattlesnake Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA). With approximately 228 acres of vineyard first planted in 1982, the estate produces a range of premium to ultra-premium wines and artisanally crafted, grape-based spirits, all from Washington winegrapes, and all made honoring both traditional methods and modern innovation.
