In Memoriam: Brock Lindsay
To say that Brock Lindsay was a giant in the Lake Chelan AVA would be an understatement. Brock was co-owner of Succession Wines and Alta Cellars and vineyard manager for Antoine Creek Vineyards. He was also a devoted family man to his wife, Erica, and two daughters.
Brock passed away on August 26 from injuries sustained in a vehicle accident. His loss to family, friends, and those in the Chelan and Washington wine industries is devastating.
How does one even begin to move on after such a tragic event? There is no answer to that question. We’re left to try to deal with the shock and grief of a loss of immeasurable magnitude, and to reflect on his life and accomplishments.
When I spoke with Brock a few weeks ago, we joked about how he was able to get any sleep, given his work schedule. Between his involvement with two wineries, duties as vineyard manager, spending time with his family, and the other, countless obligations that go with one’s professional and personal life, there seemed to be little time for anything else.
And yet, he succeeded and flourished in this environment, and did so without compromise. In retrospect, he may have been too generous with his time, something that becomes painfully obvious now that we realize what precious little of it he was given.
A couple of years ago, Brock was hesitant to enter his wines in the wine competition I help to produce. “Our wines are more nuanced and balanced and somewhat ‘feminine’ in approach,” he said. He was worried that his “lighter” winemaking style wouldn’t go over well with the competition judges.
Was he ever wrong. His wines from Alta and Succession earned seven double gold and three gold medals that year, and then another six double gold and ten golds in 2023. Outstanding work, Brock.
Brock’s untimely departure leaves a tremendous void in the Lake Chelan wine scene that may never be filled. We are left to wonder what might of been, but at the same time, thankful and grateful for what he accomplished in his all-to-brief time here on earth.