our story
At Spruce Hill Winery, we make the wines we pour. As hands-on producers, we’re involved in every step of the process, from sourcing fruit from standout Washington vineyards to crafting small-lot wines that emphasize balance, character, and place.
We focus on interesting and sometimes unexpected grapes—like sparkling Albariño, Cinsault, and Tannat—while also making classic, approachable wines that people know and love. Our approach is thoughtful but not fussy, and always driven by what tastes good in the glass.
With a distinctly Pacific Northwest vibe—welcoming, relaxed, and a little adventurous—and tasting rooms in both Seattle and Gig Harbor, we’re rooted in our communities and focused on creating places where people can enjoy good wine without pretense.
Get to Know Us
Mark Bader
WINEMAKER
Mark’s path to winemaking was shaped by a mix of creativity and curiosity. Before he ever set foot in a cellar, he balanced a career in the high-tech world with life as a working musician in Seattle’s music scene, playing bass and learning firsthand what it means to stay focused through repetition and practice. As he traveled and explored wines from around the world, he realized that winemaking combined the technical precision and expressive freedom he most enjoyed.
He started crafting his first vintages in his garage and, despite the inevitable early missteps, his passion for wine only grew. To develop his skills in a structured way, Mark enrolled in the Northwest Wine Academy to study commercial winemaking and refine what he had learned through trial and error.
Mark also gained valuable experience working in the cellars of Washington wineries, where he had the opportunity to learn from respected winemakers such as Brian Carter, Peter Bos, and Bart Fawbush. Their guidance helped shape his practical, hands-on approach and reinforced his commitment to making wines that are balanced, expressive, and rooted in place.
Jo Bader
ASSISTANT WINEMAKER, OPERATIONS
Jo’s first career was in the Seattle tech industry, where she spent 30 years building skills in problem-solving, communication, and leadership. During that time she traveled extensively and discovered a love for wine that eventually became the foundation of her second career.
To pursue this passion, Jo completed the Winery Sales and Marketing program at Northwest Wine Academy and spent time working in several local tasting rooms, helping people discover wines they love. That guest-focused experience shapes how she approaches both service and storytelling at Spruce Hill Winery.
Jo is also deepening her winemaking knowledge through coursework at UC Davis enrolling in their Winemaking Certificate Program. She applies that learning side-by-side with Mark in the cellar while also managing operations, helping ensure that the winery runs smoothly and that guests feel genuinely welcome.
Winemaking is 5% creativity and 95% cleaning (or does it just feel that way?)
We never let a little rain get in the way of a good time!
Sampling some wine as it comes through the press.
Putting some wine to rest in barrels.
When we're not making wine, we're traveling or exploring the beautiful PNW!
New sign... check!