Greg Lipsker and Michael White were vacationing with their families in British Columbia. En route, they stopped in a local shop to buy wine and walked out with a five-gallon Zinfandel winemaking kit. 

Five gallons turned into fifty gallons, which then turned into crushing 1½ tons of grapes in Greg’s garage in 2000. Validation came when they submitted their wine to the Indy International Wine Competition and walked away with three golds and a silver medal.  Their passion ignited, Greg and Michael forged ahead with a mix of trial and error, conversations with local vintners, and courses at Walla Walla Community College. In 2001, the two lawyers decided to name their new business after the British word for lawyer; Barrister Winery was launched.

As Barrister grew, so did the accolades. Vintage after vintage won awards, including “Best of Show” at the prestigious Los Angeles Wines of the World competition. As well, Barrister Wines claim consistent 90+ point scores in the industry’s most prestigious wine magazines.

As the winery grew, the need for an assistant was apparent.  Tyler Walters, knowing nothing about wine, but willing to learn and committed to creating a welcoming winery experience was a great fit.  Tyler has been helping make Barrister wine since 2009. Now part-owner, Tyler is fully immersed in all things Barrister.  As Barrister has grown, passion for great winemaking has always been at the forefront of the business.  But, the relationship with customers and the community has always set Barrister Winery apart.

In November 2015, Barrister opened its second Tasting Room, located at 203 North Washington Street, across from the Davenport Grand Hotel in downtown Spokane. This location features a selection of our wines at an easily accessible location for downtown shoppers, sight-seers, and theatregoers.