At Leadership Kitsap, we are proud to partner with a variety of people and businesses across Kitsap County to help empower community leaders in becoming educated, prepared, and engaged. This month we are honored to feature Eleven Winery, a Bainbridge Island-based gem whose approach to winemaking blends bold craft, heartfelt community investment, and a business model rooted in genuine relationships.
During a recent visit, our team enjoyed the opportunity to taste Eleven’s rich variety of wines, then we toured their efficient production facility. After a delightfully informative tasting session with Forrest Sherman, Eleven’s Wholesale and Happiness Engineer, we settled into the cozy outdoor seating space nestled below a towering canopy of native trees, warmed by the fire table our group was gathered around. As we watched guests drift in—many greeted like familiar friends by the staff—it became clear: this isn’t just a winery; it’s a gathering place, a community hub. And for us, it felt instantly like “our spot.”
About Eleven Winery
Eleven Winery’s mission is clear: to make great wine and to make it fun. They don’t believe wine tasting has to be intimidating. Instead, it should be accessible, joyful, and rooted in craftsmanship. They believe that everyone can enjoy great wine, and that the better the wine, the better the fun.
During our tasting, we experienced varietals rarely spotlighted in the region—Mourvèdre, Lemberger, Roussanne—alongside familiar favorites like Syrah and Pinot Grigio. Every pour felt thoughtful and intentional.
What struck us most was the balance of approachability and excellence. These wines aren’t just good—they’re extraordinary. Clean, expressive, and delicious.
Craft, Sustainability & Washington Pride
Eleven Winery sources grapes from Eastern Washington vineyards, a few of which are certified by Sustainable WA, the gold standard for responsible farming in our state. Their dedication to protecting land, people, and long-term agricultural health shines through in every bottle.
They are also the first carbon-neutral winery in Washington, setting an example for environmental leadership.
For a community that values preservation, stewardship, and future-forward thinking, this commitment matters deeply.
Awards & Recognition
Eleven Winery’s focus on quality and experimentation has garnered recognition. While specific award listings may vary by vintage, their consistent presence in the Bainbridge and wider Washington wine scene signals that their peers and critics alike respect the work. Their mention in tourism and local business guides underscores their status as a standout business in the region.
For the Kitsap community as a whole, this kind of recognition matters; it elevates the local region, draws more foot traffic, and enhances the reputation of Bainbridge Island as a destination for craft wine experiences.
Innovation With a Community Heart
One of the most impressive aspects of Eleven’s business model is how genuinely they involve their supporters and neighbors. Many businesses talk about community engagement—Eleven lives it.
A few of the community-centered practices we witnessed and learned about include:
- Volunteer days where patrons help with hands-on tasks—a LEAN-inspired approach that not only streamlines operations but deepens customer connection.
- Frequent community events, from fundraisers to social gatherings, that make the winery a hub for local engagement.
- Partnerships with local artists, makers, and crafters, offering their space as a venue for workshops, pop-ups, exhibits, and creative experiences.
- Regular collaborations with nonprofits, including donated wine, hosted events, and giving opportunities.
It’s a rare blend of business efficiency, authentic relationship-building, and creative community impact. For Kitsap leaders and wine lovers alike, this model is inspiring.
Why Eleven? A Name with Grit & Purpose
Founder Matt Albee explains that “the eleven” comes from a cycling term: when you’re in the race’s most critical moment—when you must give absolutely everything—you shift into the gear with eleven teeth. It represents full commitment, courage, and all-or-nothing effort.
Once you know this, the winery’s branding becomes even more meaningful. The cog-shaped logo, the cycling décor, the disciplined craft—it’s all a nod to perseverance. It also speaks to their philanthropic heart.
Community Impact & Giving Back
Eleven is committed to donate around one percent of their annual revenue to charity, in particular to World Bicycle Relief, an organization that supports economic development and education in communities in Africa. They also support Bike Works, a Northwest nonprofit that brings the same spirit to the Seattle area.
Add to this their many local donations, silent auction gifts, and nonprofit-hosted events, and you get a winery that embodies the belief that business can—and should—be a force for good.
That means drinking and supporting the winery becomes a way to champion broader social good. For the Kitsap community, it reflects a business ethos that connects profit, craft, and purpose. We believe this kind of philanthropy is vital to our communal health. The hallmark of a good leader is not just doing well—it’s doing good.
Our Visit: Warm Fires, Great Wine & a Sense of Place
When we visited Eleven’s Day Road winery, we were welcomed into a cozy, tree-lined space that felt instantly familiar. The production facility and the patio merge into a warm communal atmosphere. We sipped wine beside crackling fire tables while guests chatted, laughed, and lingered. Some clearly knew each other. All seemed familiar with the staff team. It truly feels like a third place—somewhere between home and work where people can settle in, be themselves, and unwind.
During our behind-the-scenes tour lead by co-owner Ashley Dunlap and team, we learned about the crafting process up close. All staff have the job title of Happiness Engineer, and it confirmed what we already tasted in every glass: this is a winery that takes their craft seriously and joyfully.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a community leader, or someone who values businesses with heart, you’ll feel that same welcome.
Plan Your Visit to Eleven Winery
You can visit Eleven yourself at their winery on Day Road or tasting room on Winslow in downtown Bainbridge Island. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube too!
Winery on Day Road
Open Daily 12-8pm
7671 NE Day Road, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Winslow Way Tasting Room
Open Daily 12-8pm
287 Winslow Way East, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
A Partnership We’re Proud Of
Eleven Winery is more than a business—it’s a community partner with a soul. Their blend of craftsmanship, sustainability, philanthropy, and genuine hospitality reflects the values we hope to cultivate in leaders across Kitsap County. Supporting Eleven champions a business model rooted in connection, creativity, and community-minded leadership.
We’re raising a glass to exceptional wine, powerful partnerships, and the organizations that make Kitsap a stronger place to live, lead, and grow.
Cheers to Eleven Winery—and to many more years of shared impact.
Leadership Kitsap’s staff team raising a glass to getting the keys to our new office space in Silverdale.