The 2009 vintage in Washington Sate was a warm one. While the average heat units for our vineyard are 2600, in 2009 we accumulated 2861 during the ripening period. By the 3rd week in September, pretty much every variety on the farm was at a brix and pH level in the harvest zone. Due to the fact that everything was ripening at once, it became a mad scramble to bring in the fruit at its ideal ripeness. This was accentuated by the freeze event that occurred on the morning of October 11th. Temperatures fell to 19 degrees in the vineyard, resulting in the rapid defoliation of our vines. This event quickened the pace of harvest as fermenters were piled sky high in the cellar to bring in the fruit before it lost its flavor. The 2009 vintage will be marked by ripe flavors, and lower acidities than normal in the typically high acid varieties. While it was a hectic harvest, it is one that achieved a high quality.

A family owned and operated winery located in Prosser, Washington -- in the heart of the Yakima Valley AVA. Great wines begin in the vineyard! Airfield Estates uses 100% estate grown fruit. Our first vines were planted in 1968 by Don Miller. Today, the estate vineyard spans over 860 acres and includes 26 different varieties.

The vineyard is located at the foot of the Rattlesnake Mountains in the Yakima Valley. All of the vineyard blocks are situated within a 3 mile radius of the original WWII airbase. Within this range, there is a considerable amount of diversity of soil and microclimatic conditions. To maximize quality, we carefully match grape varietals to the most suitable sites.