Donedei is a small boutique winery located just outside Olympia, Washington. Donedei, translated from French origins, is "Gift of God."
A passion for great food and wine as well as extensive vineyard and winery experiences in France and Italy was instrumental in propelling former college English professor and NCAA Champion fast pitch coach Carolyn Lakewold into the winemaking arena. Leaving her academic and coaching positions behind her, Carolyn apprenticed first with Doug McCrea of McCrea Cellars starting in 1996. She would work
there off and on for 2 years while also apprenticing with Bob Andrake of Andrake Cellars. In 1997, she and her husband Fred Goldberg planted a small experimental vineyard on property near Tenino, Washington. The following year construction on their small, well-appointed, and charming winery was begun adjacent to their vineyard. The first crush for Donedei wines was in 1998 with the first commercial release being the Donedei 1999 Merlot. In 2000, a Cabernet Sauvignon was produced. Grape sources for both wines are predominantly from Red Mountain with other select vineyards also being utilized. These first releases were met with instant critical acclaim and the winery has quickly gathered a cult following. Donedei takes its name from a farmhouse in southern France near Cannes that has been part of Carolyn and Fred’s life for over 15 years.
