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. (Exit 57 off of I-5)
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 Washington. Starting in a modest outbuilding 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.
We currently offer a variety of wines for tasting, glass purchase, and bottle purchase. We also carry beer from our partners at Brothers Cascadia Brewing and ciders from our partners at OutWest Ciders.
We have a woodfired pizza oven and charcuterie boxes available for snacking purposes while you are enjoying our wine.
You are welcome to bring any non-alcoholic beverages you’d like with you!
About the Family
Steve and Cheryl Padula, ardent wine explorers of the Pacific Northwest and the world, are co-owners of Bateaux Cellars and your hosts. Cheryl will most often meet you in our beautiful tasting room. Steve continues to hone his winemaking skills under the tutelage of Marcus Miller, winemaker for Airfield Estates and will happily give you a tour of the production area and may treat you to some barrel tasting. Lauren, the daughter, and Angelo, the son-in-law, round out the human team filling the roles of co-owners, distributors, event managers, social media and marketing wizards, and wine servers as well.
The important roles of Winery Dogs go to Arlo and Alice, whose love and affection can be bought with pizza crust and goldfish crackers.
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 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. For more information on these initiatives, please visit our friends at the Lewis County Dignity Guild.
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 Washington. 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