About Us
Welcome to Rujaya Winery, where every bottle tells a story of passion, dedication, and the pursuit of a prosperous future.
Nestled in the semi-urban landscapes of Woodinville, Washington State, our boutique winery specializes in crafting exquisite dry Riesling, Rhone, and Burgundian varieties.
Our commitment to a prosperous future, a philosophy deeply ingrained in our winemaking journey, finds a beautiful echo in the name “Rujaya,” my wife’s middle name meaning “prosperity” in Thai. At Rujaya Winery, we believe that wine should be an experience that uplifts the spirit and brings joy to every occasion. Our mission is to create beautiful, aromatic wines that not only reflect the unique terroir of our region, but also embody our vision of elegance and sophistication.
Our fruit is sourced from several of our region’s finest vineyards, where growers meticulously care for each block and vine. We embrace sustainable practices as much as possible and a hands-on minimal approach, allowing nature to guide us in producing wines that are true to their origins. Our primary focus is on dry Riesling which captures the vibrancy and energy of the Columbia Valley, and Rhone and Burgundy varieties that showcase depth and character. We invite you to explore the distinctive flavors and aromas that define Rujaya Winery.
Benedict Almquist, Winemaker/Proprietor
About Our Winemaker
Inspired by the “geography of wine” course at the University of Kansas, our winemaker Benedict Almquist studied geography and climate science. Though the midwest was not well-known for its vineyards, they certainly did have some of the best independent wine shops in the country. Both Lukas Liquors Superstore in Kansas City and later, Randall’s Wines & Spirits in St. Louis, helped shift and shape Benedict’s path by exposing him to countless winemakers who visited to share their knowledge and experiences about their wines, methods, and regions. After nearly spending a decade working with his cousin at Almquist Family Vintners in Seattle, he became resident winemaker in 2018 and crafted many award-winning wines during this time. More recently in the spring of 2023, Benedict transitioned to the role as assistant winemaker at Darby Winery in Woodinville, WA where he was given the opportunity to lay the foundations for making his ultimate dream and goal a reality. He found his inspiration in a bottle of FX Pichler Riesling from the Wachau Valley, Austria. That bottle made him realize that after enjoying the riches of Burgundy, the Rhone, and Washington State, that dry Riesling was the answer and his Rujaya.
From our cellar in the Pacific Northwest, we approach winemaking with a singular focus: to capture the essence of exceptional fruit sourced from some of the region’s most dedicated growers.
We believe that meticulous attention in the cellar should serve as a gentle hand, guiding the inherent quality of the grapes to its fullest expression in the bottle. For our dry Riesling, we seek out fruit from vineyards renowned for their unique terroir, often characterized by ancient soils that impart a vibrant minerality. This pristine juice then undergoes a slow, deliberate fermentation in large Rousseau foudres. These grand oval oak vessels allow the wine to breathe and evolve with subtle complexity on their full lees, enhancing its textural elegance and preserving its bright, focused acidity without imparting overt oak flavors.
Our commitment to minimal intervention extends to our red Rhone varietals. We partner with growers who share our dedication to sustainable practices as much as possible and who cultivate fruit with the intensity and nuance these classic varieties demand. In the cellar, gentle handling is paramount.
For our red wines, this often involves cold soaking to coax out delicate aromatics and vibrant color, followed by cooler maceration to achieve a harmonious balance of structure and finesse. These wines then mature gracefully in neutral French oak puncheons. The larger format of the puncheon allows for a slow, micro-oxygenation, softening tannins and adding layers of complexity while respecting the inherent character of the fruit and the unique voice of each vineyard site. Our aim is to craft wines that speak authentically of their origins, showcasing the exceptional potential of Pacific Northwest terroir through a lens of understated elegance and methodical care.
The Kanok
This intricate graphic is inspired by Kanok, a cornerstone of traditional Southeast Asian design found throughout the temples and sacred artifacts of Thailand and Myanmar. Characterized by its fluid, flame-like lines and rhythmic symmetry, the pattern mimics the organic elegance of falling leaves and blooming flora. More than just ornamentation, these motifs represent a rich cultural heritage and a commitment to meticulous craftsmanship—bringing the soulful, storied energy of the East to every bottle.
The GOlden Swan
Apinya is our youngest daughter’s middle name. In Thai, it means ‘to possess magical powers,’ and in our opinion, our daughter certainly does. One of the magical beings most well-known in Thai lore is the golden swan and you will see this included on all of our Rhone variety wines.