Located in Benton City, in the heart of Washington's Red Mountain wine-growing region, a unique winery has been making waves, not just for its exceptional wines but also for its heartwarming story and inviting atmosphere. Frichette Winery, co-owned and operated by the dynamic duo of Shae and Greg Frichette, is a testament to the power of following your dreams, embracing community, and a dash of spontaneity.

Shae, originally from South Carolina, found herself in Washington after a fateful coin toss decided the location of their next chapter. "It landed on heads for Washington," Shae recounts with a chuckle. "I argued we should do best out of five, and he didn't agree." This playful spirit and willingness to embrace the unknown is woven into the fabric of Frichette Winery.

The journey to establishing the winery was not without its challenges. "First off, it's a very expensive business to start," Shae admits. "It's a lot of work. It's extremely labor intensive." Yet, their persistence paid off, and the winery they envisioned, a place where people feel welcome and connected, became a reality.

"We wanted to create something that, if we started a family, they get to work in," Shae shares, reflecting on their vision for the winery. "This picture of, you know, our kid working alongside us and someday taking over was really the vision that moved us."

Today, Frichette Winery is not just a place to enjoy premium wines, it's a hub for community and connection. Shae's warmth and genuine desire to connect with people shine through in every interaction. "I kind of look at people as, you know, like you're human, like we're both human," she says. "We're both trying to, you know, get through this life and find joy, and sometimes that means taking care of each other."

The winery's annual Soul Food Dinner is a highlight, bringing together the community for an evening of delicious food, exceptional wines, and heartwarming conversations. This year, the dinner featured the culinary talents of Chef Trey Lamont, owner of the acclaimed Jerk Shack Kitchen in Seattle.

Chef Trey, a passionate advocate for representation in the culinary world, shares a special connection with Frichette Winery. "Frichette is the first wine Black woman-owned winery in our state, so it put in my restaurant, and I stopped selling all other wine and only sold Frichette wine," he proudly states.

For Chef Trey, cooking is more than just a job; it's a way to connect with people and share his passion. "Being a chef, being a chef like me," he explains, "there are people who don't like to cook, but they're professional cooks. But for me, there's another side of people who aren't just doing it because it's just a job. They're doing it because they love to do it."

The Soul Food Dinner was a beautiful blend of Shae's welcoming spirit and Chef Trey's culinary artistry, a testament to the power of community, shared passions, and a whole lot of heart. As Shae aptly puts it, "This is a really cool opportunity to sit around the table, human to human, meet someone new, have a conversation with someone that maybe you've never spoke to before...and this is a really cool opportunity, over some amazing food, just to have some really cool conversation and make some new friends."

Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a foodie, or simply seeking a place to connect with others, Frichette Winery offers an experience that is both welcoming and unforgettable. It's a place where a shared love of good food, great wine, and genuine connection creates a truly special experience. As Chef Trey wisely observes, "There are more things that bring us together, that we have in common, and food always is a liaison to bring all sides together."