Champion Wine Cellars, founded by Emile Ninaud, is a pioneer in the local wine scene in Seattle, Washington. As the first licensee to operate a wine-specialty shop in the state, Champion Wine Cellars played a crucial role in bringing great wine to pair with the caliber of cuisine emerging from the Pacific Northwest. Originally limited by high tariffs on out-of-state products, the shop's offerings expanded in 1969 when regulations on out-of-state imports were relaxed.

Emile opened his first shop in Downtown Seattle, focusing on Old World vines and becoming the first retailer in Washington to curate a wide selection from Bordeaux, Burgundy, Loire, and the Rhone Valley. Over the years, the store grew to include wines from Italy, Spain, Germany, and new world varieties from South America, Australia, and South Africa. With a reputation for quality and approachability, Champion Wine Cellars offers an expertly curated selection of wines for every taste and budget.

After 50 years of operation, Emile retired and passed on the tradition to new owners in 2017. Erin Lyman, the current owner, continues Emile's legacy by providing friendly and expert advice to customers. Located in Seattle's Greenwood neighborhood, Champion Wine Cellars remains the city's oldest independent wine shop, offering great vintages and amazing values since 1969