FRIDAY FIELD TRIPS WITH THE CHAMBER
Eleven Winery
On a Friday each month, the Chamber team hits the road to visit one of our members. We take a peek behind the scenes and ask business leaders to discuss their experiences owning and operating a business on Bainbridge Island. These Friday Field Trips offer the opportunity to showcase the diversity of our business ecosystem while gathering data about how we can best support our members.
Last month’s Friday Field Trip took us to Eleven Winery, one of the island’s most dynamic and beloved businesses, founded in 2003 and now helmed by powerhouse trio Alana Mignano (General Manager), Ashley Dunlap (Tasting Room & Events Manager), and Armathia Bolles (Winemaker). Whether you’re looking for a wine club membership featuring unique artisanal releases, an energetic by-the-glass experience with a Winslow Way view, or an evening of trivia, music, and community up on Day Road, Eleven is the “it” place for great wine and good times. Our team had a chance to peek behind the scenes during fall winemaking and learn directly from this high-energy, all-female leadership team.
BAINBRIDGE CHAMBER: What do you like most about operating on Bainbridge Island?
ELEVEN WINERY: “The people. Bainbridge has a strong sense of community, and people here show up for local businesses. They bring friends, celebrate milestones with us, join us for events, and become part of the Eleven family. We also love that the Island attracts people who are curious and ready to try something new. You never know who will walk through the door next, from a longtime neighbor to someone who just stepped off the ferry.” - Armathia L. Bolles, Co-Owner, Winemaker
BAINBRIDGE CHAMBER: What are the greatest challenges you face?
ELEVEN WINERY: “There are only so many hours in the day and we keep coming up with new wines, events, and ideas to fill them. Behind every bottle is a lot of planning, physical work, paperwork, and problem-solving. Add the cost of operating a small business and the seasonal rhythm of the Island, and there is never a dull moment. Luckily, our team is good at rolling with it, usually with a sense of humor.” - Armathia L. Bolles, Co-Owner, Winemaker
BAINBRIDGE CHAMBER: What would you like the community to know about Eleven Winery?
ELEVEN WINERY: “Our mission at Eleven is to make great wine, make it fun, and make the world a better place.* Eleven currently gives about 1% of its annual revenue to charitable causes, with a long-term goal of donating all after-tax profits to charity. We give $1 from every bottle of Ratio Blanco and Ratio Rosso sold to World Bicycle Relief and Bike Works. We also support local nonprofits through auction donations, fundraising, discounts, and community events at our locations. Add in our packed calendar of live music, trivia, bingo, classes, and parties, and there is almost always something happening at Eleven. Great wine is even better when it brings people together and helps the community.” - Armathia L. Bolles, Co-Owner, Winemaker
Learn More about Eleven Winery Below!
