About Us
2002
In 2002, artistic, architecture loving Brandee Slosar met easy-going, down to earth and up for any adventure Brian Grasso. She learned on the first date that while she loved wine, he definitely was a “vodka guy”. But after countless romantic dinners, exciting adventures, and shared glasses of wine, they discovered not only a mutual love for wine but also a deep love for each other.
During a 2006 visit to Walter Dacon winery, a dream was born. Brian came home that day and simply declared that he would now become a winemaker. In an instant a new direction was taken. Brandee has often said said that Brian is a train in the shape of a human, and now, that train’s destination was winemaking.
2007
In 2007 he began his wine education at Northwest Wine Academy and apprenticed at Darby Winery in Woodinville. By 2008, he’d crafted his first barrel of wine (Syrah), in a friend's garage in West Seattle. From there, he dove headfirst into the wine world—working as a "cellar rat" at Baer Winery and interning with Chris Sparkman at Sparkman Cellars—all while squeezing in winemaking wherever space would allow.
2011
Then came the pivotal moment in 2011. Amid a remodel of their modest Ballard Craftsman home, Brian had a bold idea: “Let’s turn the basement into a winery.” After what Brandee lovingly refers to as many “lively” discussions, they took the leap. That basement soon became a fully licensed, bonded winery, and just like that, Structure Cellars was born. The little driveway alternated between being a crush pad and a “tasting room”. The bedrooms and living space became “barrel rooms” and fermentation area. Vintages 2011-2013 were handcrafted in that home.
2012
1 Marriage, 1 house remodel, 2 dogs, 2 full time jobs, 1 baby winery. Just another adventure in the life of Brian and Brandee….
2011-2016
Between 2011 and 2013, they churned out vintages from their basement and driveway. In 2014, the big move happened: from a home-based business to an actual tasting room with proper production space. Building on the architectural theme, Structure Winery unveiled the "Blueprint Room," and from that moment, everything seemed to move constantly fast forward. In just eight years, production skyrocketed from 200 cases to 3,000, while our wine club blossomed from 52 members to an incredible 800. Along the way, we met extraordinary people and formed friendships that will last a lifetime. Before we knew it, our cozy space could no longer contain the magic happening within...
2017
Selling out every bottle in each vintage, and needing more production space, so in 2017 they opened their second tasting room, “The CELLAR” within the same building. Along the way, they've earned over a done 91+ point scores from Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator, grown their club to over 800 members, opened a second tasting room in SoDo's buzzing wine scene, and even hired their first employee! Along the way, they've earned over a dozen 91+ point scores from Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator, grown their wine club to over 800 members, opened a second tasting room in SODO's buzzing wine scene, and even hired their first employee! 2017 was when they released the first Graphite.
2019
Since 2019, Structure Winery has racked up an impressive list of accolades, earning over a dozen 91–93+ point scores from Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator. That same year, they were named one of the “Washington Rising Stars” wineries, and by 2023, they became the most awarded winery in the Pacific Northwest Wine Competition—spanning Western Canada, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho—taking home nine medals, including three platinum.
Their portfolio has grown significantly, starting with the approachable Blue Label “Everyday Delicious” series and the elevated White Label “Foundation” series. They later introduced the Brown Label (or DIRT Wines), a tribute to terroir, Mother Nature, and the dedicated growers who nurture the grapes. But when they released the first Graphite Label wine, “Thorncrown,” they knew they had reached a whole new level of excitement.
2023
Brian and Brandee open a second tasting room located in the Tacoma Theatre District at South 7th and St. Helens Ave as a natural extension of the Seattle Sodo space. Opening the Tacoma location has been a beautiful adventure and was a strategic investment to expand the Structure Cellars Puget Sound footprint and reputation while still being able to manage the operation locally.
2025 and beyond
Today, Brandee and Brian are humbled every day by the life they’ve built, the team we work along side, and the incredible community surrounding them. Washington has become the #NewEpicenter of winemaking, and they’re proud to be part of this dynamic and innovative industry. They invite you to join them on this thrilling adventure—because at Structure Cellars, it’s not just about wine; it’s about sharing a story, a dream, and a passion.
#MyLifeNeedsStructure ~ Cheers to the journey!