Kestrel Vineyard, Prosser, WA

The Kestrel View Estate Vineyard is home to some of the oldest Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec vines in the state with plantings dating back to 1972. Located in Central Washington, Kestrel View Estate Vineyard capitalizes on the region’s exceptional growing conditions. At 14.7 hours per day, Washington State’s northerly latitude averages two hours more sunlight than California’s prime growing regions. This allows the wine grapes to fully ripen. Warm temperatures throughout the day and cool nights allow the fruit’s natural acids to remain high, creating richly flavored and well-balanced wines. At the beginning of each year and continuing throughout the growing season, the plants are assessed on a block-by-block and sometimes vine-by-vine basis. Specific viticulture practices are utilized based upon the destination of the fruit and the desire of the purchaser. In some years a small percentage of the estate fruit will find its way to other wineries committed to excellence. The care with which the grapes are grown and the knowledge of the people involved in that process are critical in the production of fine wines. Praise is often directed to the winemaker, but even the winemaker’s most ardent supporters are quick to point out that exquisite wines begin with exquisite fruit. This commitment and a meticulous attention to detail have resulted in a fine tradition of exceptional wines worth their weight in gold.