Matt Albee
Matt Albee is the founder and winemaker of Bainbridge Island-based Eleven Winery.
Dad to: Cole, 19, and Cameron, 16
Hometown: Coupeville, WA
Favorite ways to spend family time in WA: Hiking (and having brunch afterward), or holed up in a cabin on the coast or in the Methow, playing board games.
Your most rewarding fatherhood moment: When my 3-year-old son, sitting beside me in the cab of the box truck in which we were hauling grapes back from the vineyard, said to me “Thank you for taking me to the vineyard, Daddy!” as we rolled up the road from the ferry on Bainbridge Island.
Biggest challenge as a dad: Remembering to focus on praising my kids’ efforts instead of focusing on the quality of their work. What matters is how hard they try – quality comes with practice.
A father who inspires you and why: My friend Kelly, father of two, who always prioritizes family time among his many commitments and interests.
Best piece of advice for a new dad: Don’t expect the first six months to be anything but hard work and sleep deprivation. If you’re lucky it might not be, but you’ll be happier if your expectations are more challenging than the reality.
Your biggest hope for your children: That they will find their passion, and find a way to use that to help make the world a better place.
How are you celebrating Father’s Day? Gathering with extended family for a joint Mother’s and Father’s Day celebration, since I had COVID on Mother’s Day.
Love you Dad