Kristin Bacon’s status as a force in the beverage industry is nothing new. For the past 15 years, her Seattle-based magazine, Sip Magazine, has dutifully served the beer, wine, and spirits industry and consumers who want to learn more about it. I referred to it as “her” magazine, knowing that others have helped make the magic happen; still, Kristin is the moon that turns the tide, and she completely deserves recognition as a Rock Star.
Today, we learned that Alexandria Nicole Cellars named her a Rock Star of the Washington Wine Industry, an honor commemorated in wine: Rock Star Red.
Back when the Washington Beer Blog was young, and I was forging a career as a beer writer, I started writing for what was then Sip Northwest. The world looked a lot different. A lot less digital. It came to pass that I wrote for many magazines, but Sip was always my favorite. It has always been an absolutely beautiful publication. The assignments are always fun, offer me creative freedom, and on more than one occasion, an excuse to visit Montana (see my favorite story ever, PDF). And, it is all brought together by really cool people. The only thing Sip never offered me was annoying male egos and glad-handing Hefner wannabes.
Something that Sip Magazine and the Washington Beer Blog have always shared is a sincere passion for the industry we call our beat. It’s not just about covering the industry; it’s about being part of it and being an advocate for it. Kristin’s appreciation and enthusiasm are what set Sip Magazine apart.
Over the years, Kristin and I have shared many good times, some joyous celebrations, a couple of embarrassing moments, a few deep conversations about the state of the industry, and more than one of the inevitable, vicious hangovers that come with the territory. I’ve been calling her a rock star for years, and I am happy that she earned this recognition from Alexandria Nicole Cellars.
Here is the press release with more information about the very cool honor bestowed upon my friend and colleague, Kristin Bacon.
Sip Magazine Publisher Kristin Bacon Named “Rock Star” of the Washington Wine Industry by Alexandria Nicole Cellars; 2023 Rock Star Red Officially Released April 23
Seattle, WA (April 23, 2026) — Sip Magazine is proud to announce that its founder and CEO/Publisher, Kristin Bacon, has been recognized as a “Rock Star” of the Washington wine industry by Alexandria Nicole Cellars (ANC). The highly anticipated 2023 Rock Star Red, a collaborative blend bearing her name, is officially released today and now available for purchase.
For nearly 20 years, Alexandria Nicole Cellars has spotlighted influential leaders, tastemakers, and advocates through its Rock Star Red program, an annual tradition celebrating individuals who help shape and elevate the Washington wine industry. Each vintage features a standout collaborator, from chefs and sommeliers to writers and entrepreneurs. As the 2026 honoree, Bacon partnered with ANC’s winemaking team on this year’s blend, contributing both her name to the label and her palate to the final wine.
“Being recognized by Alexandria Nicole Cellars and the Washington wine community is an incredible honor,” said Bacon. “Sip Magazine was founded to celebrate and amplify the voices of the beverage industry, and collaborating on a wine that brings people together in that spirit makes this especially meaningful.”
Bacon launched Sip Magazine (formerly Sip Northwest) fifteen years ago, drawing on more than two decades of experience in publishing, sales and entrepreneurship to create a trusted voice in the beverage space. Today, Sip stands as one of the region’s leading media outlets covering wine, beer, cider, and spirits, reaching both consumers and industry professionals across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
The newly released 2023 Rock Star Red, a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvèdre, is available beginning April 23 exclusively at Alexandria Nicole Cellars tasting rooms. Quantities are limited.
As part of the Rock Star Red program, Bacon’s collaboration also supports ANC’s “Charity of Choice” initiative, in which custom-etched 3L bottles are donated to nonprofit organizations nominated by ANC Wine Club members. Bacon selected the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters, a longtime partner of Sip Magazine.
“Kristin Bacon embodies the spirit of our Rock Star Red program,” said Jarrod Boyle, winemaker and owner of Alexandria Nicole Cellars. “Her leadership, innovation, and dedication to the industry inspire us, and we’re thrilled to release this year’s wine in her honor.”
To purchase this special edition wine visit https://www.alexandrianicolecellars.com/rock-stars/
About Sip Magazine
Sip Magazine is an award-winning publication dedicated to showcasing the people, stories, and beverages shaping the Pacific Northwest and beyond. With a readership spanning both consumers and industry professionals, Sip is a trusted source for discovering the best in wine, beer, cider, and spirits.
About Alexandria Nicole Cellars
Founded in 1998 with the planting of Destiny Ridge Vineyard by Jarrod and Ali Boyle, Alexandria Nicole Cellars began producing estate wines shortly thereafter and officially launched in 2004. Today, ANC is known for its small-lot, handcrafted wines that reflect the distinctive character of Washington State’s Horse Heaven Hills AVA, with a continued commitment to quality, innovation, and community.
