Mark Ryan Winery was founded in 1999 by its sole employee, Mark Ryan McNeilly. In the early years the actual winery was transient. The first vintages of Long Haul and Dead Horse were produced in garages of Mark’s parents and friends, finally settling in 2002 at a Kent, WA warehouse where barrels aged next to Mark’s kitchen, bed, and ’86 Saab. To make ends meet, Mark waited tables, sold wine for Unique Wine Company and Matthews Cellars, and begged restaurant owners and store managers to buy Dead Horse.

In 2003, Mark Ryan Winery moved to Woodinville, WA, where it remains today. Never formally trained as a winemaker, Mark relied on self-study, trial and error, and the advice of Washington’s most respected producers to learn the craft. The years of hard work and long, expensive harvests paid off, with Mark Ryan Winery eventually becoming one of the most respected in Washington. The goal now is the same as ever, make great wine this year and better wine the next.