RSSYakima Valley Wine Guide 2008
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Spring Barrel Tasting—Go forth and drink wine!Yakima Valley Wine Guide 2008Yakima Valley Wine Guide—Annual wine eventsAfter the wine, check out Delfeayo Marsalis at The SeasonsOther events: 10 Days Out
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SPECIAL NOTES:
* Tasting room hours are subject to change and may vary during event weekends and winter months. Call ahead.
* Some wineries charge a small tasting fee.
AGATE FIELD VINEYARD
2911 Roza Drive, Zillah
509-910-7032; 509-930-0806
www.agatefieldvineyard.com
Agate Field is a family-owned and operated winery in the hills above Whiskey Canyon offering a limited production of estate-grown red wines. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays through Sundays.
AIRFIELD ESTATES
560 Merlot Drive, Prosser
509-786-7401
www.airfieldwines.com
Airfield Estates has been growing wine grapes for more than 40 years and transitioned into wine production with the first crush of Airfield Estates Wine in 2005 (reds) and 2006 (whites). The estate vineyard was planted around an old World War II air base and the winery resembles historic World War II air hangers. Summer hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays through Sundays.
ALEXANDRIA NICOLE CELLARS
2880 Lee Road, Suite C, Pros6-3497
www.alexandrianicolecellars.com
Alexandria Nicole Cellars is an estate winery of Destiny Ridge Vineyards. The vineyard, in the Horse Heaven Hills above the Columbia River, produces intensely flavored grapes that are handcrafted into a limited bottling of premium wines. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
APEX CELLARS
The Winemaker's Loft
357 Port St., Studio F, Prosser
509-786-1278
www.apexcellars.com
Sample the award-winning creations of master winemaker Brian Carter. Enjoy Apex, Apex II and Bridgman Cellars wines in Apex's new home in The Winemaker's Loft. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Monday.
BLACKWOOD CANYON
53258 N. Sunset Road, Benton City
509-588-7124
www.blackwoodwine.com
Blackwood Canyon is a producer of old-school wines made in the traditional European style from 50 to 100 years ago. In addition to the tasting room, a high-end deli is scheduled to open by this summer. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
BONAIR WINERY
500 S. Bonair Road, Zillah
800-882-8939
www.bonairwine.com
Founded in 1985, the Puryears invite customers to visit "the little hobby that got out of hand" and sample -- in the new, large tasting room -- their chardonnays, barrel-aged reds, fruity sipping wines and mead. Also, visit the vineyards and koi pond on the grounds featured in "Washington's Best Places to Kiss." Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
BUCKMASTER CELLARS
35802 Sunset Road, Benton City
509-628-8474
www.buckmastercellars.com
Buckmaster Cellars, within the Red Mountain viticulture area, is a small winery dedicated to producing premium wines from Washington state's finest vineyards. Currently focusing on limited releases of Riesling, pinot gris, cabernet franc, merlot and cabernet sauvignon. Summer hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during event weekends and by appointment.
BUNNELL FAMILY CELLAR
87203 W. 134 PR NW, Prosser
509-973-4187.
www.riveraerie.com
Overlooking the Yakima River, the RiverAerie Farm began making wine in the garage, eventually building a winery excavated into the hillside. Bunnell Family Cellar focuses on varieties native to the Rhone Valley of France. Hours: Open by appointment only.
CAÑON DE SOL WINERY
46415 E. Badger Road, Benton City
509-588-6311
www.canondesol.com
Cañon De Sol Winery produces hand-crafted, premium red wine from the heart of the Columbia Valley appellation. The Columbia Valley vintages feature award-winning syrah, merlot, Meritage and viognier, aged to perfection in American and French oak barrels. Hours: Open during "Catch the Crush" the last weekend in September, or by appointment.
CHANDLER REACH VINEYARDS
9506 W. Chandler Road, Benton City
509-588-8800
www.chandlerreach.com
This Tuscan-style estate winery overlooks Red Mountain, one of Washington's premier growing regions. A warm, northern-sloped vineyard produces premium syrah, cabernet franc, merlot, sangiovese and cabernet sauvignon. Don't miss the "barrel cave," complete with underground tasting room. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays. (Closed in January.)
CHATEAU CHAMPOUX
524 Alderdale Road, Prosser
509-894-5005
www.chateauchampoux.com
Five miles from the Columbia River, Chateau Champoux (owned and operated by Paul and Judy Champoux) focuses on informative vineyard tours and tasting premium Washington wines. The retail shop and tasting room offer a wide selection of Pacific Northwest wines produced from Champoux Vineyards grapes. Hours: Open by appointment only.
CHINOOK WINES
Corner of Wine Country and Wittkopf Loop, Prosser
509-786-2725
www.chinookwines.com
Sample flavorful dry wines at Chinook Wines, which produces small quantities of delicious chardonnay, semillon, sauvignon blanc, cabernet franc, merlot and cabernet sauvignon. Original farm buildings house the winery, barrel storage and tasting room; the shaded garden area is a favorite picnic spot. Summer hours (May through October): noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
CHRISTOPHER CELLARS
www.christophercellars.com
E-mail: Chris@Christophercellars.com
Located in the Yakima Valley Appellation, Christopher Cellars is a small and exclusive winery formed by Chris Hoon and several friends and family members. The Zillah winery uses only its own vineyard fruit to blend its red wines. Hours: Not open to the public.
CLAAR CELLARS
1001 Vintage Valley Parkway, Zillah
509-829-6810
www.claarcellars.com
Claar is a family-owned estate winery dedicated to the proposition that wine is fun, healthy and an integral part of the good life. Featuring Riesling, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, cabernet, merlot, sangiovese and syrah. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
COL SOLARE
50207 Antinori Road, Benton City
509-588-6806
www.colsolare.com
A winery and vineyard forged out of a 12-year partnership between Washington's Chateau Ste. Michelle wine company and the Antinori family of Italy, which has been making red wines for more than 600 years. The winery is a visual representation of this Euro-American partnership featuring a Tuscany-style decor and structural elements, such as the tasting room's ceiling, designed to emulate the basalt cliffs and other natural elements of the Red Mountain area. Hours: Open to small groups by appointment only.
CANYON'S EDGE WINERY
10 Merlot Drive, Suite D, Prosser
509-786-3032
www.canyonsedgewinery.com
Using fruit from the winery's premium vineyards in the high valley at the south rim of the Horse Heaven Hills, Canyon's Edge controls every step of the process from grape to bottle to ensure taste and quality. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
CÔTE BONNEVILLE
2841 Fordyce Road, Sunnyside
509-840-4596
www.cotebonneville.com
Côte Bonneville is committed to producing the best expression of its DuBrul Vineyard each vintage. Hours: Open by appointment only.
COVENTRY VALE WINERY
160602 Evans Road, P.O. Box 249, Grandview
509-882-4100
Coventry Vale Winery is a custom winemaking facility and one of the largest wineries in Washington. It performs winemaking services for other wineries throughout the United States and in Canada, Europe and Japan. Hours: The winery does not have a tasting room, but tours are available on a limited basis by appointment only.
COVEY RUN WINERY
888-659-7900
www.coveyrun.com
Covey Run produces wines from grapes grown primarily in Washington's Yakima and Columbia valleys. Covey Run's wine portfolio includes two distinctive tiers of wine: the Quail Series and Columbia Valley Reserve. Hours: Not open to the public.
COWAN VINEYARDS
2880 Lee Road, Suite E, Prosser
509-788-0200
www.cowanvineyards.com
Cowan Vineyards is a family-owned and -operated vineyard and winery in the Port of Benton Wine and Food Park. The Cowan family has been growing quality wine grapes for more than 12 years, and in April 2005 opened its own tasting room. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
COYOTE CANYON WINERY AND LOUNGE
357 Port Ave., Prosser
509-894-4500
www.coyotecanyonwinery.com
www.coyotecanyonvineyard.com
Designed to be both hip and classic, this winery and lounge features dark wood floors, comfy chairs and couches, deep red walls, contemporary art, and handcrafted wines from the Coyote Canyon Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills appellation. Regular hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays or by appointment Tuesdays through Thursdays. Event hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.
DAVEN LORE WINERY
23103 S. Davlor PR SW, Prosser
509-781-0557
www.davenlore.com
This small club winery perched on the Horse Heaven Hills specializes in blended red wines. Primarily using new barrels, Daven Lore combines French, American and Hungarian oaks for its hand-harvested grapes. Hours: Winery tastings and tours by appointment only.
DESERT HILLS WINERY
1208 N. First St., Yakima
509-453-0503
www.deserthillswinery.com
This winery handcrafts dry red wines -- including sangiovese, merlot, syrah and cabernet sauvignon -- using grapes selected from the award-winning viticulture areas of Washington. Summer hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
DESERT WIND WINERY
2258 Wine Country Road, Prosser
866-921-7277
www.desertwindvineyard.com
In 2007, Desert Wind winery opened a $3.5 million winery and tasting room. The facility also includes a winemaking facility, restaurant, demonstration kitchen, banquet room, four guest rooms and two outdoor patios. Desert Wind wines use fruit from family-owned vineyards on the Wahluke slope. Varietals include viognier, semillon, Bare Naked chardonnay (unoaked), Barbera, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and Ruah, a red wine blend. Summer hours (May through September): 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
DONITELIA WINERY
321 E. Yakima Ave., Suite B, Yakima
509-452-9900
www.donitelia.com
Donitelia continues to handcraft classic Italian wines in honor of great-grandmother Maria Prospera "Donitelia" Melfi Maiocco. Located in downtown Yakima. Hours: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays.
EATON HILL WINERY
530 Gurley Road, Granger
866-328-6644
The rustic Eaton Hill Winery is housed in the historic Rinehold Cannery and features quaint picnic grounds. Its wines include cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, semillon, Riesling, Sun Glow, orange muscat, Sweet Bisbee, rosé franc, ambrosia and port. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
FIDELITAS
51810 N. Sunset Road, Benton City
509-521-4433
www.fidelitaswines.com
This family-owned Red Mountain winery is faithful to cabernet sauvignon, loyal to Bordeaux winemaking techniques and true to the Columbia Valley terroir. A 2,500-square-foot visitor's center and tasting facility opened in 2007. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
FOX ESTATE WINERY
24962 Highway 243 South, Mattawa
509-932-5818
www.foxestatewinery.com
This small, family-owned and -operated winery 20 miles south of the Gorge Amphitheatre is moving closer to using its own Mattawa grapes exclusively. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
HARLEQUIN WINE CELLARS
250 Ehler Road, Yakima
509-966-0686
www.harlequinwine.com
Harlequin handcrafts distinctive wines from vineyards in Oregon
and Washington. Current wines include Oregon pinot noir, Washington state viognier, chardonnay, syrah, claret and a special Bordeaux-style blend, Cuvee Alexander. Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays.
HEAVENS CAVE CELLARS
2880 Lee Road, Suite A, Prosser
509-788-0008
www.heavenscave.com
Heavens Cave Cellars is a small case winery producing premium wines from the Horse Heaven Hills. The winery's Heavens Cave Estate Wine Collection and Make The DASH Count Wine Collection support the Make The DASH Count Foundation, which benefits at-risk youth. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays, beginning in May.
HEDGES FAMILY ESTATE
53511 N. Sunset Road, Benton City
509-588-3155
www.hedgesfamilyestate.com
Founded in 1987 by Tom and Anne-Marie Hedges, this winery focuses on showcasing the terroir of the Red Mountain viticulture area through estate-grown and -bottled wines, including Single Vineyard, Two Vineyards and Three Vineyards estate bottling. The tasting room features 14-foot ceilings, a large stone fireplace and a beautiful wood bar built on-site by a local craftsman. Summer hours (March through November): noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays or by appointment.
HIGHTOWER CELLARS
19418 E. 583 PR NE, Benton City
509-588-2867
www.hightowercellars.com
Owners and winemakers Tim and Kelly Hightower strive to make world-class red wines of elegance, depth and complexity. Established in 1997 in Woodinville, Hightower Cellars moved to 15 acres on Red Mountain in 2002. Hours: Open event weekends and by appointment.
HINZERLING WINERY
1520 Sheridan Ave., Prosser
509-786-2163
www.hinzerling.com
Founded in 1976 by the Wallace family, the Yakima Valley's oldest winery specializes in small lots of handcrafted wines. Hinzerling is noted for award-winning dessert and appetizer wines. The Vintner's Inn, a bed and breakfast, restaurant and wine bar, opened next to the winery in 2001. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.
HOGUE CELLARS
2800 Lee Road, Prosser
800-565-9779
www.hoguecellars.com
Founded in 1982 by Mike Hogue, Hogue Cellars has gained national and international acclaim for its wines. Varietals include chardonnay, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, syrah, fume blanc and Riesling. The tasting room offers wine tasting, a gift shop, picnic area and wines, including reserves and rare terroir wines available only in the tasting room. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (closed major holidays).
HORIZON'S EDGE WINERY
4530 E. Zillah Drive, Zillah
509-829-6401
Situated on 18 acres of prime vineyard, the winery offers a panoramic view from the tasting room, where visitors can see the tanks and barrels being worked. All wines are produced in small batches and varietals include pinot noir, Monster Chardonnay, gewürztraminer, muscat, merlot and cabernet sauvignon. Summer hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays, and Tuesdays and Wednesdays by chance.
HYATT VINEYARDS/ROZA RIDGE
2020 Gilbert Road, Zillah
509-829-6333
www.hyattvineyards.com
In the heart of the Rattlesnake Hills appellation, Hyatt Vineyards concentrates on red wine, including merlot, cabernet sauvignon and syrah. In 2005, Hyatt added a reserve tier of wines under the Roza Ridge label. Hyatt also produces dry chardonnay, Riesling and black muscat rosé. The spacious tasting room overlooks a large picnic area with views of Mount Adams and Mount Rainier. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
KANA WINERY
10 S. Second St., Yakima
509-453-6611
www.kanawinery.com
Kana is a native word for the spirit or the fire within a mountain, in reference to the perceived supernatural power of volcanic activity. Kana Winery wines emphasize Rhone varietals along with specially selected wines from single vineyards. Summer hours: noon to 6:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.
KESTREL VINTNERS
2890 Lee Road, Prosser
509-786-2675
www.kestrelwines.com
Kestrel Vintners strives for top-quality handcrafted dark, rich red wines at reasonable prices. They include Kestrel's flagship meritage blend, Raptor Red, and the Lady in Red collector series. The award-winning Kestrel View Estate vineyard is home to some of Washington's oldest vines. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
KIONA VINEYARDS WINERY
44612 N. Sunset Road, Benton City
509-588-6716
www.kionawine.com
Kiona Vineyards, which pioneered the Red Mountain viticulture region, is renowned for intensely flavored red wines including cabernet, merlot, syrah and lemberger, as well as white and late harvest wines. Summer hours: Noon to 5 p.m. daily.
MAISON DE PADGETT WINERY
2231 Roza Drive, Zillah
509-829-6412
www.maisondepadgettwinery.com
Owned and operated by a small local family, the winery's architecture and gardens complement its quality wines. Summer hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays, and Tuesdays and Wednesdays by chance. Groups of 10 or more should call ahead.
MARYHILL WINERY
9774 Highway 14, Goldendale
877-627-9445
www.maryhillwinery.com
Overlooking the Columbia River, Maryhill Winery is adjacent to the Maryhill Museum of Art, just south of Goldendale, and focuses on red wines, with special attention to syrah and sangiovese. The winery includes an outdoor amphitheater, which hosts a summer music series. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
MASQUERADE WINE COMPANY
The Winemaker's Loft
357 Port St., Studio C, Prosser
509-786-1377
www.masqueradewines.com
The lure of wine country living drew Bill and Jennifer Kimmerly here in 2004 to pursue their dream of building a winery. They offer cabernet sauvignon, merlot, chardonnay and gewürztraminer. Summer hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.
MASSET WINERY
620 E. Parker Heights Road, Wapato
509-877-6675
www.massetwinery.com
With grapes from well-established hillside vineyards, Greg and wife Michaela Masset craft full-bodied reds and dessert wines. Visitors can also explore a historic 1905 farmstead. Hours: 2 to 5 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Mondays, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
MASSET WINERY DOWNTOWN CELLARS
312 E. Yakima Ave., Yakima
509-248-5251
www.massetwinery.com
Opened in late 2007, Masset Winery Downtown Cellars features a menu of savory finger foods and sweet treats designed by chef Greg Masset to complement his wine. Hours: Noon to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, noon to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.
MICHAEL FLORENTINO CELLARS
The Winemaker's Loft
357 Port St., Prosser
509-786-2705
www.thewinemakersloft.com
Michael Florentino Cellars is in the main tasting room of the Winemaker's Loft in Prosser's Vintners Village. This Tuscan-style studio winery houses seven independent tasting rooms and more than 12 different labels. Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
McKINLEY SPRINGS
1201 Alderdale Road, Prosser
509-894-4528
www.mckinleysprings.com
McKinley Springs is a small, family-owned winery in the Horse Heaven Hills. For more than 25 years, McKinley Springs has developed its reputation for growing high-quality grapes that have produced award-winning wines, and in 2002 it opened its own winery specializing in cabernet sauvignon and syrah. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays, or by appointment.
NACHES HEIGHTS VINEYARD
250 Ehler Road, Yakima
509-678-4271
www.nhvines.com
Naches Heights Vineyard is perched on the southwest plateau high above
the Naches Valley and is one of the highest-elevated vineyards
in the state. Producing five grape varietals: pinot gris, Riesling, gewürztraminer, tempranillo and syrah. Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays.
OAKWOOD CELLARS WINERY
40504 N. Demoss Road, Benton City
509-588-5332
www.oakwoodcellars.com
Oakwood Cellars has produced award-winning wines since 1986 with the philosophy that great wines require time to bring out their rich, pleasing flavor. Specialties include lemberger, merlot, syrah, cabernet sauvignon, lemberger blanc and Estate Riesling. Hours: noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays (and most Fridays).
OLSEN ESTATES
500 Merlot Drive, Prosser
509-786-7007
www.olsenestates.com
Olsen Estates handpicks the best fruit from 18 varieties of grapes grown at the estate to make its Rhône and Bordeaux-styled blends. The winery and tasting room opened in 2007 in Prosser, where the Olsen family has had roots since 1908. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
PARADISOS DEL SOL
3230 Highland Drive, Zillah
509-829-9000
www.paradisosdelsol.com
Winemaker Paul Vandenberg and wife Barbara Sherman oversee an idyllic garden of the sun. The grounds feature views of Mount Adams and Mount Rainier and are populated by chickens, geese, cats, dogs, fish, frogs, friends and family. (Check out son Kevin's Jellybean & Wine Charm Store.) Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
PIETY FLATS WINERY
2560 Donald-Wapato Road, Wapato
509-877-3115
www.pietyflatswinery.com
Situated in a 1911 mercantile building with old country charm (and gourmet food items), the winery features syrah, cabernet-merlot, pinot grigio-chardonnay, Mercantile Red, black muscat, port and late harvest wines. Summer hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.
PLAZA SOCIEVOLE WINERY
120 E. Yakima Ave., Yakima
509-454-9463
www.plazasocievolewinery.com
This downtown Yakima winery recently opened on the ground floor of the 1930s-era Larson Building. The Italian name -- socievole means "chummy" or "friendly" -- goes with the owners' goal of being a meeting place for family, friends and business associates. It offers wine tastings and wine by the glass, a light meals menu, sidewalk café and dining room for special events. Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.
PONTIN DEL ROZA WINERY
35502 N. Hinzerling Road, Prosser
509-786-4449
The Pontin family crushed its first grapes in 1984 to produce wines for the Pontin Del Roza Winery, which features varietal wines including white Riesling, chenin blanc, cabernet, merlot, pinot grigio, sangiovese and other limited specialty wines. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
PORTTEUS VINEYARDS
5201 Highland Drive, Zillah
509-829-6970
www.portteus.com
Established in 1981, Portteus vineyards is a 100 percent estate-grown and -bottled winery that's been a red-wine lovers' destination for more than 20 years. The winery, which recently expanded its tasting room, specializes in red zinfandel, Petite Sirah, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah, cabernet franc, sangiovese and the Rattlesnake Red blend. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
PROSSER WINE COMPANY
2880 Lee Road, Suite 2A, Prosser
Built on the foundation of family, farming heritage and love for the Valley, winemaker Robert O. Smasne shares his artistic passion by producing wines under the Smasne Cellars and Farm Boy labels. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays through Sundays.
RUNNING SPRINGS WINERY
9950 U.S. Highway 12, Naches
509-653-2848
Running Springs is at the northern entrance to Washington's wine country -- the Naches River Valley. The tasting room is in Thompson's Farm Market. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends April-May; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily June-October.
SAGELANDS VINEYARD
71 Gangl Road, Wapato
800-967-8115
www.sagelandsvineyard.com
At the western gateway to the Yakima Valley, Sagelands Vineyard's tasting room presents flavorful wines and panoramic views of the Valley and Mount Adams. The vineyard focuses on quality merlot and cabernet sauvignon. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
SANDHILL WINERY
48313 N. Sunset Road, Benton City
509-588-2699
Sandhill Winery is a small, family-owned winery specializing in cabernet sauvignon, merlot, pinot gris and a proprietary Cinnamon Teal Red Table Wine. The 16-year-old vineyard on Red Mountain is the source of all of its estate-bottled wines. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
SELAH HEIGHTS WINERY
31 Katie Lane, Selah
509-698-6980
Selah Heights Winery is a small, family-owned winery in the Columbia Valley appellation that is dedicated to producing a regional wine product true to the flavors of the Upper Yakima Valley wine-growing region. It emphasizes handcrafted, minimally processed and food-friendly wines. Hours: By appointment.
SEVERINO CELLARS
1717 First Ave., Zillah
509-829-3800
Experience down-home hospitality and newly released wines in this turn-of-the-century farm house with a view of Mount Adams. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
SETH RYAN WINERY
35306 Sunset Road, Benton City
509-588-6780
www.sethryan.com
This small boutique winery is nestled in the prestigious Red Mountain appellation. Here, the Brodzinski family, as owners and winemakers, share the love and passion they have for crafting wines from the fruit of the rich, fertile Yakima Valley. Hours: noon to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, or by appointment.
SHERIDAN VINEYARD
2980 Gilbert Road, Zillah
509-829-3205
www.sheridanvineyard.com
Sheridan Vineyard, a 100 percent estate-grown winery, is in the heart of the Yakima Valley. Owner and winemaker Scott Greer's mission is to produce wines that fully express the characteristics of the 76-acre vineyard. Summer hours: noon to 5 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.
SILVER LAKE AT ROZA HILLS
1500 Vintage Road, Zillah
509-829-6235
www.silverlakewinery.com
Picnic on Silver Lake's spacious "viniferanda" perched atop this historic Whiskey Canyon vineyard. Banquet facilities are available, from weddings to corporate meetings. Summer hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.
SLEEPING DOG WINES
45804 N. Whitmore PR NW,
Benton City
509-460-2886
www.sleepingdogwines.com
Sleeping Dog Wines had its first commercial crush in 2002 after years of experimentation. Its wines are generally harvested later than normal, resulting in strong fruit flavors. Hours: By appointment only.
SNOQUALMIE VINEYARDS
660 Frontier Road, Prosser
509-786-5558
www.snoqualmie.com
One of Washington's first premium wineries, Snoqualmie Vineyards has been producing award-winning wines from the Yakima and Columbia valleys for two decades and is one of the first wineries in the state to make wines from certified organically grown grapes. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
ST. HILAIRE CELLARS
1340 St. Hilaire Road, Yakima
509-453-5987
Owned by Gary L. Jackson, St. Hilaire Cellars is the Northwest's leader in the production of private-label wines. St. Hilaire does not have a tasting room or conduct sales to individuals, but those interested in private-label wines are welcome to visit its Yakima farm. Call for an appointment.
STEPPE CELLARS
1991 Chaffee Road, Sunnyside
509-837-8281
www.steppecellars.com
A young and adventurous winery blended with an experienced German-trained winemaker, Steppe Cellars emphasizes dry Riesling and off-dry gewürztraminer. The winery has also produced a limited number of new releases in whites and reds. Summer hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays.
TANJULI
4530 E. Zillah Drive, Zillah
406-883-0803
Winemaker Tom Campbell has more than 25 years experience producing fine Bordeaux-style reds. His wines are sold to only a few select shops, restaurants and wine collectors. For information about direct shipments, contact Tanjuli by e-mail at tanjuli@gmail.com.
TAPTEIL VINEYARD WINERY
20206 East 583 PR N.E., Benton City
509-588-4460
www.tapteil.com
The estate wines of Tapteil Vineyard include deep and rich cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah and blends that are bottled and cellared at Tapteil Winery. Summer hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, special event weekends and by appointment.
TASAWIK WINERY
The Winemaker's Loft
357 Port Ave., Studio B, Prosser
509-531-5932
www.tasawikvineyards.com
Owned and operated by Erik Dahle and Sara Broetje Dahle, Tasawik produces wine from its estate vineyard. Hours: Noon to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.
TEFFT CELLARS
1320 Independence Road, Outlook
888-549-7244
www.tefftcellars.com
Tefft Cellars is dedicated to producing handcrafted wines, including award-winning cabernet sauvignon, merlot, Italian varietals, ports, dessert wines and Champagne. The tasting room and picnic deck overlook the vineyard, and the renovated Outlook Inn Guest House at Tefft Cellars is available for rent. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
TERRA BLANCA
34715 N. Demoss Road, Benton City
509-588-6082
www.terrablanca.com
Since 1993, winemaker Keith Pilgrim has guided the winery and vineyard operation from rattlesnake-infested sagebrush to a pristine 80-acre vineyard and a winery that produces up to 30,000 cases per year with a focus on estate-grown syrah, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and dhardonnay. Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. event weekends.
THURSTON WOLFE WINERY
588 Cabernet Court, Prosser
509-786-3313
www.thurstonwolfe.com
Wade Wolfe and Rebecca Yeaman started Thurston Wolfe Winery in 1987 with the goal of producing small lots of exceptional wines from the best vineyards in the state. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays.
TUCKER CELLARS
70 Ray Road, Sunnyside
509-837-8701
www.tuckercellars.com
Tucker Cellars, established in 1981 by Washington grape growing pioneers Dean and Rose Tucker, is now owned by son Randy Tucker. Winery plantings include Riesling, pinot noir, gewürztraminer, chenin blanc, chardonnay and muscat canelli. Gifts and gourmet foods are available in the tasting room and there is a vineyard picnic area. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
TWO MOUNTAIN WINERY
2151 Cheyne Road, Zillah
509-829-3900
www.twomountainwinery.com
Within a few steps of the tasting room, the inspiration for this winery's name -- Mount Adams and Mount Rainier -- rises above the clouds. Two Mountain Winery is a family-owned operation where three generations have contributed their talents and expertise to crafting award-winning wines produced from grapes grown in the estate vineyards. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays through Mondays.
VINEHEART WINERY
44209 N. McDonald Road, Prosser
509-973-2993
www.vineheart.com
VineHeart is a boutique family winery producing Yakima Valley wines at affordable prices. The estate-grown grapes are hand-selected and sorted. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays.
WAVING TREE VINEYARDS & WINERY
2 Maryhill Highway, Goldendale
509-773-6552
www.wavingtreewinery.com
The tasting room is located in the log cabin across from the Maryhill State Park just north of the Biggs Bridge into Oregon. Wines produced here include cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, sangiovese, Barbera, Grenache, syrah and viognier. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays March-May, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Memorial Day through Labor Day.
WILLOW CREST WINERY
590 Merlot Drive, Prosser
509-786-7999
www.willowcrestwinery.com
Willow Crest Winery was founded in 1995 by David J. Minick, a longtime grape grower in the Yakima Valley, and uses estate grown fruit that Minick planted, cultivated and harvested to create crisp pinot gris and bold syrahs. The Tuscan-themed tasting room features a patio seating area and barrel room. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
WILRIDGE WINERY
250 Ehler Road, Yakima
509-966-0686
www.wilridgewinery.com
After 20 years, Seattle's Wilridge Winery planted its own vineyard next to the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy. A 1900s-era farmhouse on the site hosts a new branch of the popular Wines of Washington Tasting Room from Pike Place Market and features more than 20 wines for tasting, including the entire Wilridge lineup. Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays.
WINDY POINT VINEYARDS
420 Windy Point Drive, Wapato
509-877-6824
www.windypointvineyards.com
Owners/growers/winemakers Mike and Liz Stepniewski offer visitors samples of their award-winning wines, as well as a bird's-eye view of the Yakima Valley and beautiful grounds perfect for picnicking -- don't forget to check out the turtle tank. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays.
WINEGLASS CELLARS
260 N. Bonair Road, Zillah
509-829-3011
www.wineglasscellars.com
Owners/winemakers Linda and David Lowe established Wineglass Cellars in 1994. Their philosophy of winemaking is hands-on, with production small and quality high. Wines include cabernet sauvignon, merlot, sangiovese, chardonnay, rosé, red table and port. Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays (and Monday holidays).
YAKIMA RIVER WINERY
143302 W. North River Road, Prosser
509-786-2805
www.yakimariverwinery.com
This family-owned winery was founded in 1977 by the John W. Rauner family. The winery uses Yakima Valley grapes and its varietals include cabernet sauvignon, merlot, Johns Port, Petit Verdot and shiraz port. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
-- Information from Washington State Wine Commission, Wine Yakima Valley and Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail
