Noted vintner David Lake passes away Monday in Issaquah after a lengthy illness

Published 9:27 am Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Noted Washington vintner David Lake, the first to U.S. winemaker to hold a Master of Wine degree, passed away Monday in Issaquah.

Lake reportedly died after a series of illnesses related to heart disease and cancer. He was believed to be 65 years old.

Lake, was a long-time resident of the Seattle area and worked for Columbia Winery in Woodinville for over 25 years. He is best remembered for his efforts to introduce European grape varietals in the Pacific Northwest, notably Syrah — Washington State’s third largest wine crop. He also began the practice of designating wines by specific vineyard — a European practice based on the belief of Terroir, a concept that ties the unique geography where the product is made to it’s characteristics.

A more extensive obituary of his passing is reported in the Tri-City Herald.