Latah Creek Winery Family Built a Spokane Wine Tradition

Mike and Ellena Conway reached Spokane by U-Haul amid the Mount St. Helens eruption on May 18, 1980. Mike, who had studied biology and gained winery experience in California, became Spokane’s first winemaker. Two years after arriving, he helped launch both Hogue Cellars and Latah Creek Wine Cellars. Latah Creek later became independent, allowing him to concentrate on its wines.

The family divided the work as the business developed. Mike handled winemaking, while Ellena managed finances, purchasing, displays and the tasting room. She also created a winery gift shop before other local wineries had one. Their daughter, Natalie Barnes, was born in 1983 as work on the Spanish villa-style winery building neared completion.

Recognition came early. A 1982 chenin blanc, the winery’s first release, earned Best in Show at the Northwest Wine Festival. Mike later expanded from whites into reds. He also blended riesling with real huckleberry juice to create Huckleberry d’Latah, which remains a leading seller. Ellena collected recipes featuring the wines in a cookbook sold through the gift shop.

Natalie eventually left plans for physical therapy and became assistant winemaker after learning the science from her father. Her 20th year with the winery brought the N Collection, made from finished bulk wines and bottled on site. Latah Creek now rotates 20 wines and ranks 50th in Washington by size. After 44 years, Mike and Ellena remain involved, with Natalie preparing to carry the family business forward. Her 16-year-old daughter also hopes to make wine.