Matthews Estate and University of Washington President Mark Emmert formally announced their agreement on Monday, February 8th at the UW President's Hill-Crest Mansion during the UW Football Coaches' Reception. Matthews is producing and bottling a custom-labeled red and white "Hill-Crest Reserve" wine only offered at the UW President's Hill-Crest Mansion. Winemaker Aryn Morell said, "We are very excited about this opportunity. It's given us a chance to make a wine that showcases what the State of Washington is all about. Given the type of guests that Mark and DeLaine Emmert entertain, it's thrilling to know that the Hill-Crest Reserve will be enjoyed by people from all over the world."

This partnership began with a mutual interest in enabling President Emmert, and his wife DeLaine, to serve some of Washington's best wine for their guests at Hill-Crest. Because of the explosion of the wine industry in Washington, it seemed logical to have a local, boutique winery, solely using grapes grown in Washington, and owned by passionate Husky fans, to partner in this venture. UW President Mark Emmert commented, "We are very pleased and proud to serve Hill-Crest Reserve to our guests. Not only is it a fantastic wine, but it is a splendid representative of Washington's thriving wine-making community."

Co-Owners of Matthews Estate, Cliff and Diane Otis and Jim and Dawn Rubstello, both have strong Husky ties. Cliff, Diane, and Dawn all graduated from UW and both families have cheered on the Dawgs in Husky Stadium as long-time season ticket holders. Cliff states "We are incredibly honored and excited to be selected to work on this venture with the University of Washington and with Hill-Crest."