Owners - Gary & Eva Hill
In 1955, just as the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project transformed desert to verdant farmland, Eva moved with her parents from their homestead in Wyoming to a small whistle stop near Quincy Washington called Winchester. Eva grew up on “the farm”, helping raise animals, moving irrigation pipes, participating fully in the rhythms of a hardworking life. The family farm produced most of their meat, vegetables and fruit. They canned and preserved as much as possible for winter use including sauerkraut, pickles and home smoked sausage and bacon.
Large “apple squeezes” were the centerpiece of an annual fall family event. Pheasant hunted from the cornfields became a a special treat for company dinners. Today those traditions are being carried forward as Gary and Eva continue to grow and preserve many fruits and vegetables. Now though, the fall “apple squeeze” also includes wine pressing as they work hard creating a unique vineyard and winery.
The garden, fruit trees, fresh apple juice and pheasant in the nearby fields are all part of the fabric surrounding Winchester Estate Winery. The pheasant on the label reminds us of a time when this beautiful majestic bird was so common in the Columbia basin that thousands of people came to the area every fall to hunt.
“As a true Estate Winery we manage every aspect of the wine from bud break to bottle here on the farm. Our lifestyle and our wines conform to the rhythms of this special environment. We live and feel the process from beginning to end. Thank you for sharing our wines with us. ”
Gary and Eva Hill
gary@winchesterwinery.com
eva@winchesterwinery.com
Winemaker - Haley Hill
Haley is the winemaker for Winchester Estate Winery. She loves the art and science of wine production. It allows her to leverage her formal training as a chemist while incorporating her passion for wine. Haley holds her Ph.D. in Chemistry from Northwestern University and has taken Washington State University's Enology Certificate program. Haley has been making wine since 2010.
haley@winchesterwinery.com
Haley is the winemaker for Winchester Estate Winery. She loves the art and science of wine production. It allows her to leverage her formal training as a chemist while incorporating her passion for wine. Haley holds her Ph.D. in Chemistry from Northwestern University and has taken Washington State University's Enology Certificate program. Haley has been making wine since 2010.
haley@winchesterwinery.com
Winery Dog - Chilly
Chilly is the official Winery dog of Winchester Estate Winery. She is the newest member of the dog team having joined in 2013. Chilly oversees harvest, crush and cellaring activities. She is fond of grapes and can often be found in the vineyard snagging a snack. When it is hot outside you will find Chilly lying on the cold concrete of the winery lab.
Chilly is the official Winery dog of Winchester Estate Winery. She is the newest member of the dog team having joined in 2013. Chilly oversees harvest, crush and cellaring activities. She is fond of grapes and can often be found in the vineyard snagging a snack. When it is hot outside you will find Chilly lying on the cold concrete of the winery lab.
Vineyard Dog In Spirit - Sage (2002 - 2015)
Sage was the official vineyard dog of Winchester Vineyards. Originally a farm dog, Sage was moved off the farm team as a puppy because she chewed hoses and generally caused mayhem in the fields. As we were establishing the vineyard, Sage oversaw the rows of grapes and was responsible for training other dogs (both on staff and visiting) in the proper protocols for spending time at the vineyard. Her skills included chasing crows from the property, digging out gophers, serving as the guard dog and relaxing in the shade.