Where Castle meets Crown
OUR TALE OF FAMILY, CULTURE, AND ADVENTURE.
Representing the crown is our founder and winemaker, Stephen Lesefko, whose first name is derived from the Greek word “Crown.” To represent the castle, Co-founder Kelsey’s last name, von der Burg, means “from the Castle” in German. Castle and Crown Cellars represents the next chapter in our journey to do something that we love together. In an effort to understand different and unique styles of winemaking, this continuous journey has led us from Australia’s historical wineries and New Zealand’s extraordinary Waiheke Island to the breathtaking Rheingau in Germany. Made in Washington and sourced from the Pacific Northwest, our unique wines are focused on minimalist intervention so that the grapes and vineyards may tell their own story. We invite you to partake in our tale of our love for family, culture, and adventure.
Since our inception in 2018, Castle and Crown was created as a specialized winery, nestled in the heart of Port Townsend. Carefully sourcing our grapes from the lush vineyards of Washington and Oregon. Infused with the rich inspirations of our Asian and European heritages, our wines are a harmonious blend of Pacific Northwest terroir and international artistry.
Stephen, Founder & Winemaker
A Southern California native and Kirkland transplant, Stephen was first drawn to winemaking through his experience in the culinary and hospitality industry. It was winemaking’s dichotomy between art and science, and his love of botany that eventually led him to complete his MSc in viticulture and enology through the University of Auckland, Hochschule Geisenheim University and the University of Adelaide. This journey enabled Stephen to study under some of the best scientific minds in the world, as well as work under premier wineries across both hemispheres.
In 2016, Stephen returned home to Seattle. Washington’s diverse and spectacular viticultural landscape continues to inspire each vintage as well as Stephen’s approach to winemaking. This approach is simple and minimalistic in nature, choosing to let the grape varieties shine through by utilizing whole cluster fermentations, native yeast, no additives and neutral oak.
Aside from wine, Stephen enjoys cooking, traditional archery and traveling with his family.
Kelsey, Founder
Raised in the Pacific Northwest, Kelsey grew up riding horses and wanting to become an artist. She traveled and competed in horse shows around the US with her red roan, Chuck. While horses have remained a true passion of hers, her desire to travel and explore new cultures came to the forefront. After Stephen and Kelsey were married, their whirlwind travel adventure officially began. This allowed Kelsey a chance to explore the wine world more thoroughly, which instilled in her a true love for the vineyards and the wine they produce. It also gave her the chance to become the event coordinator and tasting room manager for the first winery on Waiheke Island, New Zealand- Goldie Estate.
An avid baker, Kelsey also loves venturing to new coffee shops and eateries while finding fun places to explore with their children, Hendrik and Ilse (plus winery dog Otto!).
