Bill Collins

Bill is an established and highly-respected Woodinville wine-scene hospitality expert heading Lauren Ashton Cellars Tasting Studio at the Apple Farm Village as Tasting Studio Manager. As the tasting studio’s mesmeric wine host, he will help people discover unique features about wine with his friendly demeanor, engaging and personal style. By intertwining wine lore with intuitive sensory experiences, Bill guides guests to an appreciation of wine regardless of previous background or knowledge.  In addition, he introduces neophytes to wine in a way that demystifies it, yet keeps alive their delight in discovering the artisanal wines of Lauren Ashton Cellars.

A native of Northern California, Bill lived among vineyards in Napa Valley in the early 1960's and learned to celebrate the beauty of the landscape, the life cycle of the vines and the processing of grapes into wine.  His methods of helping people gain insight into the color, aroma, and the taste of wine have been a favorite subject of wine and food bloggers in the Northwest over the past seven years and have earned him the respect of wine buyers, wine tour guides, and winemakers alike.

Bill graduated from St. Mary’s College of California with a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and the University of Washington with a Master of Social Work (MSW). He is currently a 'member' of Gaels in Wine, which is a loose-knit group of alumni from St. Mary's College of California and is a life-time member of the Washington State Nursery and Landscape Association.   His appreciation of wine was imparted by Brother Timothy, FSC, head-winemaker for Christian Brothers Winery in Napa, California.

Bills’ tasting studio experience helps people discover the wines they like and wish to share with their friends.