Meet our Team

At Argonne Cellars, our wines are a labor of love, crafted by an amazing team, and a group of volunteers and friends who bring our history and passion to life.

Get to know us!

Spencer Smith
James "Lars" Larson
Owen Smith
Sloane Smith
Rana Campbell

Founder Spencer Smith

Spencer started Argonne Cellars as a simple idea; an homage to a grandfather’s stories of first tasting French wine during World War I; a true desire to ensure his memory and of that of his comrades remained alive. But it evolved into much, much, more. While researching this legend we had no idea the journey we’d started. In the background there was always the idea of emulating the flavor profiles of wines that he probably encountered—those softer rounder whites, as well as some big, powerful New World reds as only the Red Mountain AVA does ‘em. And between the awards and, more importantly, the reception you’ve given Argonne Cellars, we think we’re on the right track. Thank you.

Master Winemaker James “Lars” Larson

Lars has been making wine since 1997, longer than most wineries in Washington have been in existence and he’d be the first to humbly admit he’s never stopped learning his craft. He is a boutique wine producer under the Mount Si Winery brand and Argonne Cellars is fortunate to have been allied with such a talented winemaker from our inception. Lars has several winemaking processes that have all been honed over the years. They remain slower, more deliberate, and gentler than the typical commercial vinification process. The results are wines of exceptional depth, softness, and character.

"The Great Grandson" Owen Smith

Owen is the great grandson of our brave, wine drinking soldier and has been an integral part of Argonne Cellars from its very inception. Owen has literally chased “the legend” through obscure French villages, fields, and forests. He’s seen the foxholes his great grandfather’s unit dug in the forest and has celebrated his memory on the road where he almost died. He’s been a part of our decision-making from the beginning on the grapes we’re working with and has a stellar palate. And most importantly, through Lars’ able instruction he knows what to do when you’re staring at a several tons of grapes, fresh from the vineyard.

Digital & Social Media Sloane Smith

Sloane heads up our digital media efforts and is expert at reaching the right audience, whether it’s been high fashion, consumer products or movie theater chains. But it’s more than a jaded and cynical marketing ploy for her, look for a significant social media presence, but with a twist. She really views her role as providing meaningful information to folks interested in the Argonne story and in the end, expanding our circle of friends. Sloane Smith is the proud great granddaughter of Argonne Cellars' brave soldier, Charles J. Smith.

Operations & Blending Alchemist Rana Campbell

Every winery needs a retired engineer to inject a little rigor into processes and practices. Rana has been instrumental in systematizing what was formerly an admittedly ad hoc approach. But Rana’s most valuable asset has been creating Argonne’s trial blends. Working in secrecy, she’s fiendishly created various alternative blends, one of which ultimately always hits the bottle. Argonne Cellars has typically solicited input from friends and Rana keeps us honest in the effort. And no matter what, Rana always has a way of bringing the right group of Friends of Argonne™ together.

A Special Thanks To Volunteers and Friends of Argonne

Argonne Cellars would not be possible without the assistance, commitment (and palates) of some talented volunteers. We are especially proud of their involvement with crush activities, bottling, and ongoing blending trials. In the end, as Spencer and Lars put it, “it’s not what we want, it’s what our friends want.”