Compass Wines was founded in Anacortes Washington, 'the gateway to the San Juan Islands' in 2001 by former restaurant manager Doug Charles and Seattle businessman Will Parks. The goal was to reintroduce exceptional customer service to the retail wine world, while at the same time having a joint goal of the greatest selection of rare Washington State wines on earth. Doug's twenty plus years in the food industry, combined with his extensive consulting background and professional training provide the contacts and trust with the wineries of Washington, while Will's experience in business and property management provides the operational backbone and administration skills of the business. Both Doug, Will and their entire staff work tirelessly to bring you best selection and customer service possible.
Contrary to most retail shops, Compass Wines was built on the idea of maintaining an extensive inventory of past vintages, as well as quantities of the current releases. We also purchase entire cellars of fine wines from around the world. These range from great old Bordeaux, to the 'cult' wines of California and Washington.
With our inventory updated to our web hourly, it pays to come back time and time again to see what's new.
In addition to wine, Compass Wines maintains secure, climate controlled wine lockers for customers. For those of you overseas, or in states with shipping issues, this is a great way to assure your purchases are kept in tiptop shape until they can be picked up. We also take deliveries from your winery mailing lists, and can arrange shipping for you or place it in you wine locker.
We deliver free of charge to all of the marinas in town. Call or e-mail us on your way to the ferry, and we can have your order ready and waiting.
Articles and Accolades
2020
March in all the madness of COVID-19, we received an email from Wine Enthusiast Magazine informing us we had been chosen by their editorial staff as one of the top 50 wine retailers in the country! We are honored and thrilled beyond belief. We are so thankful to all our loyal customers; new and old! Thank you! Without you this would not have been possible
2016
In 2016, Compass Wines was honor to receive best place to buy wine in Seattle. If you are from the Seattle area you know you'll know this is a huge honor, given our location- we're not in Seattle! We're 80 miles north of Seattle! Read all about here in Seattle Magazine
2015
Compass Wines received the Grand Award from the Washington State Wine Commission. This award commends individuals and organizations that designate menu and wine list space for Washington State wines while providing ongoing promotion and education. “The winners of the Washington State Wine Awards perform a vital role in shaping Washington State as both a favored destination and a favored home for those who enjoy premium wines with superior quality,” said Steve Warner, President of Washington State Wine.2014
Compass Wines received the Grand Award from the Washington State Wine Commission. This award commends individuals and organizations that designate menu and wine list space for Washington State wines while providing ongoing promotion and education.2013
of the Washington wine industry. You can read more about Doug and the award here.