After nearly a decade of crafting small-batch, grape-based spirits and building a loyal following, Mastrogiannis Distillery is preparing to open its first flagship tasting room in the heart of downtown North Bend.
Set to open by late summer in the Sunset Garage building, the new location marks a milestone for owner and head distiller Ilias Mastrogiannis, who has long dreamed of creating a space where the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest complements the craftsmanship in every bottle.
A Valley Connection Years in the Making
The relationship between Mastrogiannis and North Bend began three years ago through the city’s Sip, Suds and Si events. During that time, the family developed what Mastrogiannis calls “a strong appreciation for North Bend and the Valley” and committed not only to opening a tasting room, but also to relocating their production facility and eventually making the area their home.
That journey led them to the Sunset Garage and a design partnership with Joseph Design Group, which brought their Mediterranean-modern vision to life. The result will be a community-oriented destination featuring comfortable seating, a custom bar, mountain views, and small-batch offerings made with pride.
A New Flavor in the Local Beverage Scene
Though there is a distillery in Duvall, Mastrogiannis will be the first of its kind in the Snoqualmie and North Bend area. The space is designed to complement, not compete with, the region’s wineries and breweries. Mastrogiannis envisions a tasting flow where visitors begin their day with wine, stop by a brewery for lunch, and finish with a slow sip of brandy in a more intimate setting.
“We’re adding a completely different dimension to what visitors can experience here,” he explained. “Brandy is meant to be sipped slowly, thoughtfully- it’s a different pace entirely.”
The distillery focuses exclusively on grape-based products, including brandy, wine, and vermouth. Guests will be able to experience the full journey of Washington-grown fruit. Mastrogiannis believes this educational element enhances appreciation for the region’s agriculture and winemaking traditions.
Rooted in Heritage, Guided by Meraki
Much of the Mastrogiannis story traces back to Ilias’s childhood in Greece, where he learned the fundamentals of fermentation from his father, a mason-turned-winemaker. Inspired by those memories, he founded the business on the Greek concept of Meraki, a word that means putting your soul, creativity, and love into whatever you do.
Constantine (Kostas) Mastrogiannis — A mason turned winemaker.
His father would shout “Merakia!” when proud of something he had made, and today that same spirit lives on in every bottle. “It wasn’t just about making good spirits,” Ilias said. “It was about honoring his memory by putting that same soul into everything we do.”
That includes decisions many customers never see, like tasting every batch multiple times, choosing longer aging periods, and hand-selecting barrels. “We could take shortcuts- everyone does-but that wouldn’t be Meraki.”
A Space Designed for Connection
Joseph Design Group helped translate those values into a physical space that feels both warm and sophisticated. Olive-green tones reference Ilias’s Greek heritage, while natural Pacific Northwest elements like wood and stone make the setting feel local and grounded.
From bar height to bottle displays, every detail was chosen to encourage conversation. “We weren’t just designing a retail space,” Ilias said. “We were creating a place where relationships are built over exceptional brandy.”
The team also prioritized customer experience over production, which Mastrogiannis views as essential. “A lot of spaces tend to focus on production and less on the customer experience,” he said. “We focused on customer experience first.”
Looking Ahead
The tasting room is just the beginning. Within the next few years, the production facility will move to the back of the Sunset Garage space, making room for tours, barrel tastings, and even bottle-filling experiences. Exclusive tasting-room-only releases, seasonal offerings, and library selections will add to the appeal.
Local partnerships are already in place, including a seasonal Brandy Salami made by Salt Blade and past collaborations with breweries like Métier. “The goal is to make the whole valley a more compelling destination, where each stop enhances the others rather than competing with them.”
A Legacy Continued
While his father passed before this new chapter began, he was there for the earliest days of the business. Mastroianni’s inaugural brandy, Baton Brandy, was created in his honor. The name represents a tradition passed forward through generations.
“I truly believe he’s looking down, proud of our family name, what we’ve accomplished, and what we’re building here in North Bend,” Ilias said.
In time, he hopes Mastrogiannis becomes a must-visit stop in the Valley and a place where craftsmanship and community remain at the forefront. “If we can be a small part of keeping that spirit alive while sharing our family’s story, then we’ll have succeeded.”
