Napa Veteran Winemaker Joins Sawtooth Winery

SEATTLE--Corus Estates & Vineyards has named Bill Murray as winemaker at its Sawtooth Winery in Nampa, Idaho. Murray has 20 years experience in the wine industry, including 13 years at the Acacia Winery and, recently, seven years at Bouchaine Winery in Napa, California.

Sawtooth Winery’s lineup includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Viognier, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Muscat Blanc, and Tempranillo. The winery has been recognized by awards such as the Silver and Bronze Medal at the NW Wine Summit 2008, the Bronze Medal at the San Diego International Wine Competition, two years in a row, and Overall Best Treasure Valley Wine, Idaho Statesman and KIVI-TV wine competition, on several occasions. It was even named Winery of the Year in Wine Press Northwest magazine. Sawtooth is a part of Corus Estates & Vineyards, a family-owned producer of premium boutique wines in the Northwest.

Inspired while travelling Europe, Murray started working in the wine industry in Napa, California. He worked for the Buena Vista Winery while studying viticulture in the evenings at a local community college. A year later, Murray went to work for the Acacia Winery. He worked at Acacia for 13 years, first as cellar master, and later as vineyard manager. After Acacia Winery, Murray moved to Bouchaine Vineyards as an oenologist and associate winemaker.

"We’re lucky to have landed Bill,” said Ken McCabe, President, Corus Estates & Vineyards. “He’s well known and respected throughout the industry, and a perfect fit to lead Sawtooth’s growth as a premium boutique winery.”

About Corus Estates & Vineyards

Founded in 1998, Corus Estates & Vineyards is a family-owned producer of premium wines exclusively from the celebrated wine-growing regions of the Northwest. The company traces its wine industry heritage back to 1958, when a group of 10 friends founded Associated Vintners in a Laurelhurst garage. The group would go on to form one of Washington State’s first premium wineries, officially changing the name to Columbia Winery in 1983. CEV acquired Columbia in the early 1980’s, adding several other brands over the years. In 2001, CEV sold its various brands to refocus on producing premium, handcrafted boutique wines from its own vineyards. Corus Estates & Vineyards has offices in Seattle and Sunnyside, Wash.