Renowned actor Kyle MacLachlan has ventured into the world of winemaking, establishing his label, \"Pursued by Bear,\" in Washington state. This endeavor is deeply rooted in his personal history, serving as a heartfelt tribute to his late father and a reconnection with his origins in rural Washington. MacLachlan's involvement extends beyond mere endorsement; he actively engages in the intricate details of viticulture and enology, working closely with experienced winemakers. His dedication aims to showcase Washington's potential as a premier wine-producing region, highlighting its diverse terroirs and unique \"Washington profile.\" The project, which began with a single Cabernet Sauvignon, has since expanded, demonstrating MacLachlan's steadfast commitment to crafting exceptional wines that embody a sense of place and authenticity.

Kyle MacLachlan, a familiar face from iconic films and television series like \"Dune,\" \"Blue Velvet,\" and \"Twin Peaks,\" maintains a strong connection to his home state of Washington. Despite a successful career that has seen him reside in major cultural hubs like New York City and Los Angeles, his roots have always called him back. His passion for wine, particularly Washington's burgeoning wine industry, became a profound way to honor his father, who passed away in 2011. MacLachlan often reflects on the shared experience of working on something tangible with his father, drawing parallels to his father's love for farming and gardening. This sentiment laid the groundwork for his winemaking pursuit, transforming it into a meaningful family legacy.

The actor's \"aha!\" moment with Washington wine occurred when he tasted a 1995 Red Blend from Elerding Vineyards near his childhood home in Yakima, produced by Wineglass Cellars. Initially skeptical, he was captivated by its quality, solidifying his belief in the region's winemaking capabilities. This initial spark led him to a 1999 Dunham Cellars Syrah, made by Eric Dunham, who would later become MacLachlan's first winemaker. In 2005, MacLachlan officially partnered with Eric Dunham to launch \"Pursued by Bear,\" a name inspired by a stage direction in Shakespeare's \"A Winter's Tale.\" The inaugural release was a single Cabernet Sauvignon, primarily sourced from the Columbia Valley appellation and aged in new French oak.

MacLachlan recalls the early days of \"Pursued by Bear\" fondly, emphasizing the validating experience of producing quality wines that resonated with his sense of pride in his home state. His initial vintage yielded 300 cases, and he remembers Dunham's insistence on selling the wine and planning for the next vintage, signifying the serious nature of their undertaking. While he initially approached winemaking more casually, by 2014, he began to devote more significant attention to the project, delving into the intricacies of cooperage and vineyard sources. Unlike many celebrity wine ventures, MacLachlan is genuinely engaged in every aspect, from grape growing to final production. He discusses vineyard selection, appellations, and vintage characteristics with a depth that reveals his profound understanding and appreciation for the craft.

In 2008, a Syrah named \"The Baby Bear\" was introduced, coinciding with the birth of MacLachlan's son. Subsequently, he expanded the \"Twin Bear\" line to include Chardonnay and another Cabernet Sauvignon, with plans for these to be single-appellation or single-vineyard expressions. Today, MacLachlan collaborates with Dan Wampler, a seasoned Washington winemaker, who crafts the wines alongside his wife, Amy, at Abeja Cellars. MacLachlan values Wampler's expertise, stating, \"I work with people who are really smart.\" He remains actively involved in blending decisions and oak selection, attending blending sessions annually. MacLachlan sees Washington as a region with a distinctive \"Washington profile,\" celebrating its diverse terroirs and vineyard sites, including sources from SageMoor and Les Collines. In 2016, MacLachlan assumed sole ownership of \"Pursued by Bear,\" and in the same year, launched an entry-level red blend and a Chardonnay (released in 2023) under the \"Bear Cub\" label, aiming for broader production and national distribution. This expansion reflected his growing excitement and commitment to the project, even leading to an abundance of wine that necessitated creating more varieties. Despite challenges facing the wine industry, MacLachlan's dedication to Washington state and its wines remains unwavering. He continues to cultivate strong relationships with growers and winemakers, a testament to his authentic belief in the potential of Washington's wine community, echoing the timeless sentiment that there's truly no place like home.