Today we’d like to introduce you to Benedict Almquist.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey to where I am today has been a process of discovery, shaped by a deep curiosity about geography and a passion for winemaking. It began with an academic interest in geography and climate science at the University of Kansas, where I enrolled in a course entitled ‘the geography of wine.’
While the Midwest wasn’t traditional wine country, I was fortunate to have access to some of the nation’s best independent wine shops. Immersing myself in that world allowed me to learn directly from visiting winemakers about their methods and regions. This is what ultimately shifted my career path toward production.
I spent nearly a decade honing my craft working alongside my cousin at Almquist Family Winery + Distillery in Seattle and eventually became the resident winemaker in 2018. Through those years of creating award-winning wines, I developed a specific winemaking philosophy: a hands-on, minimal-intervention approach that guides rather than forces the fruit. This method allows me to naturally showcase the true and unique terroir of the Pacific Northwest.
Today, that journey has culminated in Rujaya Winery—a boutique winery based in Woodinville, Washington. The name ‘Rujaya’—my wife’s middle name, which means ‘prosperity’ in Thai—encapsulates our mission: to craft elegant, aromatic wines that celebrate the pursuit of a prosperous future.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has certainly been a journey with several obstacles, but I believe those challenges are a must and essential to creating the vision behind Rujaya Winery.
Transitioning from a decade of working under an established family brand, Almquist Family Winery + Distillery to launching my own brand required a massive shift in mindset. When you work for a larger operation, you have established infrastructure and sales routes. When transitioning to a boutique, independent model, you trade the majority of that security for total creative control and the complexities of owning your own business. Some of the struggles have been foundational, from defining my niche and resource management to the learning curve of independence and balancing my new professional responsibilities with late nights and early mornings.
Ultimately, these hurdles haven’t been ‘roadblocks’ so much as they have been the ‘fermentation’ process for the brand itself. They forced me to be more precise, more intentional, and more disciplined about the wines we choose to produce and the story we want to tell.
As you know, we’re big fans of Rujaya Winery. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Rujaya Winery (pronounced root-cha-yah), is a boutique winery that is dedicated to one core mission: capturing the pure essence of exceptional fruit sourced from the most dedicated growers across the Pacific Northwest. We are owned and operated out of Woodinville, WA and partner with premier growers in Washington State and Oregon to ensure that every bottle reflects the unique terroir of our region.
We are most proud and known for our refined, expressive wines, with a primary focus on dry Riesling, alongside select Rhone and Burgundian varieties. We specialize in a minimalist, hands-on winemaking approach-our goal is not to manipulate the wine, but to inspire its qualities to manifest naturally. Every release is a reflection of that optimism and dedication to quality.
What truly sets Rujaya Winery apart from others is our intentionality. In a crowded landscape, we choose to remain small and focused. This allows us to maintain a laser-level detail of finesse over every lot that is produced. Transforming grape into bottle is a true art form; we are curating an experience of sophistication, energy, and joy. Our ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between world-class viticulture and the vibrant, semi-urban wine scene of the Pacific Northwest.
If there is one thing we want people to know, it is that Rujaya is for those who appreciate the details. Whether you are a long-time wine enthusiast or just beginning your journey, our offerings are designed to bring a sense of vibrancy to your table. We invite people to follow our journey, join our list for future releases, and experience wines that are built on deep relationships with the land and the growers who tend to it.
Any big plans?
We are constantly evolving and looking for new ways to express the terroir of the Pacific Northwest, and I’m incredibly excited about our next chapter. We are beginning to work with Gamay Noir from the Björnson Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills of Willamette Valley. This is a significant step for us, as it allows us to explore a new dimension of cool-climate viticulture, leaning into the energy and bright fruit profile that the Eola-Amity region is so well known for. Beyond that, our focus remains on deepening our relationships with the growers, continuing to refine our dry Riesling program, and sharing these stories of place through our wines through our upcoming vintages.
Pricing:
- 2023 Dry Riesling – $45
- 2025 Rosé of Grenache – $28
- 2024 Chillable Red – $28
- 2022 Apinya ‘Royal Slope’ Syrah – $65
- 2022 Apinya ‘Walla Walla’ Syrah – $65
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rujayawinery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rujaya_winery/
