True friendships are rare and recognizing them when they happen is a gift. I feel incredibly fortunate to have such friends and to count Mike Sharon as one of them. Our careers in the wine industry began around the same time at Canoe Ridge Vineyard, and we continued to work together at L'Ecole No 41 for over 20 years, where Mike excelled as the Winemaker.

Today, Mike continues to make his mark on the industry as the co-owner and winemaker of Freewater Winery. He also consults for small to medium-sized wineries, sharing his expertise and helping them achieve their goals. I am thrilled that we can continue to work together now to make exceptional wines!

Mike's commitment to excellence and unwavering dedication to his craft make him an asset to any winery or consulting project. His passion for winemaking and deep understanding of the industry makes him a true leader in the field, and his record of achievement speaks for itself.

Mike’s Achievements

Mike Sharon's outstanding achievements in winemaking have been recognized and celebrated by industry professionals and critics alike. He graduated from Walla Walla University in 1992 before embarking on a more than 30-year career in the Walla Walla Valley wine industry.

• 2019 Co-Winemaker of the Year: Named by Seattle Magazine, highlighting his exceptional talent and contributions to the industry, particularly associated with his work at L'Ecole No 41.
• Transformation of L'Ecole No 41: Played an instrumental role in transforming a small winery into a highly decorated industry standard, distributed in 48 states and over 20 countries, producing 48,000 cases.
• 2015 International Trophy for Best New World Bordeaux: Awarded by the Six Nations Wine Challenge in Australia for his wine at L'Ecole No 41.
• 2013 Best Bordeaux Award: Received at the Decanter World Wine Awards in London, UK, further cementing his reputation as a top winemaker.
• Top 100 Winery of the Year: Under Mike's leadership, L'Ecole No 41 was recognized by Wine & Spirits.
• Top 100 Wines of the Year: Involved in producing five wines named Top 100 Wines of the Year by both Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast.

Working with people you respect and admire is a true privilege. So when I was ready to develop my 

wine label, it was an easy decision to collaborate with Carrie Ferguson, whose creativity and dedication have always inspired me.

Carrie and I have enjoyed a 25+ year professional and personal relationship that began at L’Ecole No 41. Early in her career working with wineries, Carrie presented a watercolor illustration for a point-of-sale poster, marking the beginning of our fruitful partnership. Over the years, we've accomplished so much together, blending her artistic vision with my sales and marketing expertise.

In 2019, Carrie founded CFerg Design. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, she continued to innovate and share her work. She began painting flowers from her neighborhood and experimenting with mixed media, showcasing her creations on social media. I couldn't be happier with Second Pour’s wine label, featuring whimsical birds—a testament to our enduring collaborative spirit and long friendship. Here’s to many more avian-inspired designs in the future!