Champion Wine Cellars

Champion Wine Cellars is a Seattle-based wine retailer with a rich history dating back to 1969 when founder Emile Ninaud opened his first shop in Downtown Seattle. A pioneer in the local wine world, Emile was one of the first licensees to run a wine-specialty shop in Washington State, and he played a significant role in broadening the selection of wines available in the Pacific Northwest by importing Old World varieties from Bordeaux, Burgundy, Loire, and the Rhone Valley. Over the years, the store expanded its offerings to include wines from Italy, Spain, Germany, California, and other regions around the world. Emile's background in culinary and hospitality helped him build a reputation for seeking quality labels while offering an approachable selection at various price points. After 50 years of operation, Emile retired and sold the business to new owners in 2017, who chose Erin Lyman, a longtime restaurant professional, to curate the bottles. Erin continues the tradition of friendly expert advice, having honed her palate as Wine Director at Café Campagne and developed a deep reverence for the history and tradition of wine. Champion Wine Cellars offers a wide selection of wines from around the world, with a focus on Old World varieties, and provides expert guidance to its customers through classes and tastings. The store is located in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle and has been a trusted source for wine enthusiasts in the region for decades.

Written by Ava from public sources. Not written or reviewed by the winery.