From Passion to Pour: The Story and Heart Behind Proletariat Wine Company
pro·le·tar·i·at
/ˌprōləˈterēət/
Noun
1. workers or working-class people, regarded collectively
In a world where the pursuit of fine wine often seems reserved for the elite, Proletariat Wine Company redefines the landscape with a simple yet powerful ethos: great wine should be for everyone. Rooted in the very name “Proletariat”—a term that traditionally denotes the working class—we embody a mission of accessibility and shared passion for wine that resonates deeply with enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
Since our founding in 2011, Proletariat Winery has stood out in the wine industry by marrying quality with innovative fun, without losing sight of what truly matters—the wine itself. Located in Walla Walla, WA (and now Garden City, Idaho), we’ve made our mark by debunking the myth that price dictates quality. Instead, Proletariat champions a philosophy of affordability and inclusivity, inviting everyone to partake in the joy of wine.
From Vision to Reality
In 2011, Proletariat Wine Company was founded with a bold and rebellious vision: to make premium wine accessible to everyone. This innovative idea was the brainchild of head winemaker Sean Boyd. He partnered with Elizabeth Baggerly and Scott Thompson to make the idea a reality, and Proletariat Wine Company was born. Sean’s professional career began with a geology degree and a decade in oil and gas exploration that led him to winemaking, infusing his understanding of soils with depth. For him, winemaking is a form of personal expression that transcends rigid guidelines. Hailing from Tacoma, WA, Sean embodies familial warmth, sharing a passion for culinary pleasures, fine wines, craft brews, and bold coffee.
Elizabeth, transitioning from a 30-year career in the technology sector, embraced her passion for wine and traded data centers for grapevines, co-founding Proletariat Wine Company & the Winery and Tasting Room in Garden City, Idaho, alongside her husband, Tracy, and their business partners. As General Manager, Elizabeth now oversees back-office operations and the Garden City tasting room, while enjoying Idaho’s charms with her family and three dogs.
Scott Thompson, also a founding partner, brought his entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm into the wine industry. Viewing it as his most exciting venture yet, Scott balances his professional pursuits with a love for fishing in his hometown of Eagle, Idaho, where he resides with his wife, Tina, and their two children. Together, Sean, Elizabeth and Scott sought to break away from the traditional elitism of fine wine, establishing Proletariat as a winery dedicated to inclusivity and quality.
Proletariat Wine Company’s inception was driven by a revolutionary idea to offer high-quality wine in reusable stainless-steel kegs, making premium wine accessible for glass pours at restaurants and bars. Think wine on tap! This innovative approach not only made wine more affordable but also addressed environmental concerns by reducing waste. The result was a cost-efficient, eco-friendly solution that provided excellent wine at a reasonable price for the working class.
However, the journey was not without its fair share of twists and turns. As one of the pioneering wineries to offer wine in kegs, we faced the challenge of introducing this novel concept to a market that was largely unfamiliar with it. Starting in sustainability-conscious cities like Seattle and Portland, the team invested considerable time and resources in educating restaurants and bars about the benefits of wine on tap. The early years were tough, with a steep learning curve and a slow market adoption. Despite these challenges, Proletariat’s management team remained steadfast in our belief that this innovative approach would eventually gain traction.
The resilience of Proletariat was further tested during the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw the closure of many bars and restaurants, especially in the key markets of Seattle and Portland. This brought production to a halt and threatened the very existence of the company. Through creative sales strategies, we navigated these difficult times, emerging stronger and more determined.
Our unwavering passion for wine and commitment to our vision played a crucial role in overcoming these obstacles. Proletariat’s story is one of perseverance, innovation, and a deep-seated love for wine that continues to drive the company forward, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, can enjoy the pleasure of great wine.
A Passionate Team for a Passionate Process
If Sean, Elizabeth and Scott are the roots of Proletariat, our two assistant winemakers, Kevin Masterman and Jesse Corvino, are the vines! These three winemakers dedicate countless hours overseeing every stage, from vineyard cultivation to guaranteeing ample quantities of top-quality finished wines for Proletariat customers.
Kevin Masterman is from Mt. Vernon, WA, and was initially drawn to photography. His path took an unexpected turn when he discovered his passion for wine at a local conference. This led him to pursue Enology and Viticulture at Walla Walla Community College. After honing his craft in Australia, Kevin joined Proletariat in 2015, where he meticulously crafts wines reflecting the region’s essence. Alongside his role at Proletariat, he nurtures his boutique label, House of Bones, expressing his creative vision and winemaking passion.
Jesse Corvino, born and raised in Walla Walla, Washington, began his career in wine and joined Proletariat Wine Company after almost ten years working in Latin America working in volunteerism, public health, and education. When he’s not at work, you’ll find him fishing, snowboarding and mountain biking.
At Proletariat, winemaking is more than just a craft; it’s a philosophy—a dedication to excellence and a passion for innovation. While the winemaking process is relatively consistent with that of other wineries, the talent and ability of our winemaking team sets us apart. We maintain contacts with premium vineyards all over the Northwest USA American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). Here within the rich tapestry of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, our vineyards flourish, each sip of our wines embodying the essence of these distinct regions. Our devotion to our vineyards is more than fertile soil and favorable climate, it is a commitment to quality and a reverence for tradition. Our wine company strives to create wines that are not only approachable upon release but also possess the depth and complexity to evolve gracefully over time.
Proletariat As an Idaho Winery
As the Idaho Wine Industry began to blossom, we saw an opportunity to expand our horizons and embrace a new chapter in our winemaking journey. Anchored by Elizabeth and Scott’s love for the state and a desire to connect with local communities, we embarked on the endeavor to establish a tasting room in Garden City, Idaho. In 2020 we purchased ground and in 2023 we completed the construction process and opened! With deep roots in the Northwest and a network of friends and collaborators spanning Oregon, Washington, and now Idaho, we continue to push the boundaries of winemaking, one bottle at a time. As we’ve embarked on this new chapter, it has been exciting to immerse ourselves in the vibrant tapestry of Idaho life, channeling its spirit into every bottle of Proletariat wine.
Today Proletariat serves as a place of connectivity, and fun in its classiest form. We’ve maintained a mission of uniting the working class through efforts of accessibility to high-quality wine, using our Garden City tasting room as a new space for cultivating passion and community and staying true to our roots! With a family of staff members who believe in Proletariat’s mission and share a love for our wines, our tasting room has developed to be an inviting place with a casual, non-stuffy vibe to appeal to all levels of wine enthusiasts. We create events that bring community members together and highlight other local companies by doing so. We donate wine and time to many different charitable organizations and participate frequently in wine industry events.
We’re excited to share that something special is on the horizon for Proletariat, inspired by our roots and journey through Idaho. In honor of a beloved local icon, we’ve been crafting something unique that reflects the heart of the Boise community. Stay tuned for a reveal that celebrates our connection to this vibrant region!
We want our story to be your story! By joining our wine club, you’ll enjoy exclusive discounts on wine and merchandise, and become part of a vibrant community of wine lovers. As a member you can participate in club events, share your wine experiences, and delight in gatherings filled with exceptional wine and food. Pop open a bottle of Prolo bubbles and raise a toast to Proletariat and the mission of creating connectivity through great wine. All for Wine and Wine for all!