Bateaux Cellars is a boutique winery located near the Cowlitz River in Washington State. Our name honors the early explorers who traveled these NorthWest waters by bateaux, hand powered boats of commerce and exploration. Our mission is to make exceptional Washington wines approachable, affordable and fun. We hope you will join us on our voyage and visit us in Toledo, Washington.
Our Story
Bateaux Cellars was founded in 2009 on 40 acres located in Lewis County, Washington near the historic river town of Cowlitz Landing (long since washed away by the meandering Cowlitz River) and present day Toledo. Starting modestly and doing as many festivals and events to get our brand noticed, our consistently high quality wines and welcoming environment have allowed Bateaux Cellars to grow steadily.
The winery started in a small outbuilding and is now housed in a stunning building containing production space, barrel and tank room, tasting room and event space. Our outdoor space is a gorgeous patio with stunning shade sails, welcoming picnic tables and Adirondack chairs, a fire pit, and bocce, horseshoes, and cornhole.
Our next adventure is the addition of Smokey Valley Cabins - short term rental cabins currently being built on our beautiful property. We hope to open these to the public in 2026.
About the Family
Lauren Padula and Angelo Neroni are your owners and guides to your experience here at Bateaux Cellars. They moved back to the region in 2019 (Lauren grew up a little further south in Ridgefield) to connect with the area, learn the wine business, and assist the winery founders. Lauren has studied wine through the Wine and Spirit Education Trust and currently holds her WSET Level 2 with Honors and the two of them have enjoyed the creativity they can bring to events, experiences, and the community here at Bateaux.
Steve and Cheryl Padula are the founders of Bateaux and have recently transitioned into retirement, but have no fear, you’ll still see them around often as Steve continues to be our expert winemaker and Cheryl is our social butterfly.
Steve honed his winemaking skills under the tutelage of Marcus Miller at Airfield Estates over 15 years ago as Bateaux was being founded and has continued to grow and expand his knowledge and expertise every vintage.
The important roles of Winery Dogs go to Arlo and Alice, whose love and affection can be bought with goldfish crackers, lots of goldfish crackers.
Our family cares deeply about making all feel safe, welcomed, and comfortable in our space. We believe in human rights and you’ll spot “Lewis County Welcomes Everyone” and “Rural American Against Racism” signs as you enter our property.
About Our Grapes
We are committed to wine grape varietals grown in the Yakima AVA in central Washington. Presently we source all of our fruit from Airfield Farms’ 1,000-acre vineyard located near Sunnyside and Grandview. We believe this area consistently provides us with remarkable grapes on which to base our French style blends and single varietal wines.
News and Awards
Yelp’s #10 Women-Owned Winery in the US to Watch in 2023!
Read about it here!
Great Northwest Wines gives our 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon an OUTSTANDING!
Read about it here.
Great Northwest Wines gives our 2012 Voyageur an OUTSTANDING!
Read about it here.
Awards and Recognition
Vancouver Craft Beer and Wine Fest 2015 – Double Gold, Muscato 2014
The Craft Wine Fest 2015 – Bronze Medal, Pinot Gris 2014
Vancouver Craft Beer and Wine Fest 2014 - Silver, Rose 2013
Vancouver Craft Beer and Wine Fest 2014 - Bronze, Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Vancouver Craft Beer and Wine Fest 2014 - Gold, Vilaine (White Blend)
The Craft Wine Fest 2014 – Gold Medal, White Rhone Blend (Vilaine)
The Craft Wine Fest 2014 – Gold Medal, Late Harvest Viognier 2012
On The Road to Paradise Mt. Rainier Fall Wine Festival 2011 – Tasters’ Choice Award Voyageur (Bordeaux Blend) 2009
Wine Spectator 89 points Voyageur (Bordeaux Blend) 2009