Winery owners Dennis and Heather Malcom believe in the power of giving back. Their modest Bremerton-based winery is making a big difference for many in the community with a business model focused on donations to local non-profits.
Dennis’ wine journey began as a devoted hobbyist winemaker who discovered his passion in 2006 after scoring high accolades at a wine competition. Heather’s personal aha-moment came during a girls trip in 2011, when a recommendation from a waitress forever changed her perspective on wine. She experienced firsthand how the flavor and essence of wine transform with different food combinations, creating unique and memorable moments with every sip.
When the pair met in 2017, they discussed having a family, along with their devotion to community. “We felt if we were blessed with children, our children should have both of our names,” says Heather. “Middle name ‘Honey’ and last name ‘Malcom.’ As our family grew, we have been blessed with two Honey Malcom boys.”
Fast forward to 2021, when Dennis suffered a work injury. While recovering, he made a Pinot Gris that friends raved about. “At that moment a seed had been planted, along with our passion for creating community through our winemaking,” says Dennis. Thus, Honey Malcom Winery was born.
Together the couple came up with the “Ripple Effect” initiative where they donate a portion of the profits to different charities in the community. Each year, they feature a new Ripple Effect, showcasing different wine varieties that benefit a new charity.
The first ripple effect was their Pinot Grigio donations to Early Life Speech & Language in 2021, a non-profit that provides speech therapy to young children at no cost. “At the time, our pediatrician recommended we get help for our son—who had just turned two— due to his delayed speech,” says Heather. “Our son was diagnosed with apyrexia. So it was natural for us to want to give back to them as our first charity—we felt in our hearts we wanted to make them part of our Ripple Effect.”
Two other ripple effects go to donations to support Scarlet Road, a group that offers the hope of freedom to those who have been sexually exploited, and research for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
“Our passion is creating positivity through kindness, and giving back to community. Cheers to coming together, pouring back into community one sip at a time,” says Dennis. The winery does not currently operate a tasting room but pours at local events; check online for more details.
You can find their wines by calling (360) 801-7985, or visit their website for pop-up and tasting events at www.honeymalcomwinery.com.
Below are three releases we recently reviewed:
Honey Malcom Winery 2022 Draco Red
93 pts.
Sourced with grapes grown in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, this beautiful Merlot has a core of luscious, ripe red cherries and black currants that saturate the pillowy texture, nuanced with fig, anise and mineral spice. A pleasing tug of moderate tannins extends the ultra-smooth finish. $45
Honey Malcom Winery 2022 Pinot Grigio
92 pts.
Leesy aromas of fresh pear and honeysuckle blossom mingle with hints of slivered almonds in this Yakima Valley AVA white wine. A precise acidity binds the yellow apple, Tuscan melon and zesty citrus flavors inlaid with vibrant stony minerality. Plush and immersive on the mouthfeel, with excellent tension and good depth on the harmonious and lasting finish. $36
Honey Malcom Winery 2022 Tribal Rosé
91 pts.
A deep coral hue in the glass, this Rosé of Syrah from the Yakima Valley is packed with energetic fruit of fresh strawberry, tangerine and melon rind. Zippy acidity and spice details curl around the finish. $28