Vineyards

Located in the Hood River Valley at 1,600 feet, Wy'East is one of the highest elevation vineyards in the state. The original 10 acres were planted in the mid-80's and consisted of Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. Our family purchased it in the mid-90's and have since then planted another 10 acres of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. 

Wy’East is the Native American word for Mt. Hood. Because of the close proximity to the mountain, the vineyard resides on volcanic soil. Wy’East vineyard is a south facing vineyard in the heart of the Hood River Valley east of the Cascades.  Hotter summer temperatures east of the Cascades are mitigated by higher elevation. The cool, moist marine layer which regularly fills the Willamette Valley with low clouds does not cross the Cascade Mountains, meaning the we have warmer days and cooler nights.  These wide temperature swings contribute to the pleasantly high acidity levels which are balanced with bright fruitiness.

Meticulous vineyard management is apparent in the quality of the grapes produced.  Yields are purposefully kept low to ensure concentration of flavors in the grape clusters. Between pruning twice a year and thinning and hand picking, the vines are tended by hand about 7 times a year. The gentle touch of no machine harvesting continues throughout the winemaking process. 

Blue Chip

Our tasting room and winery are located at Blue Chip Farm. There are also pear orchards and horse boarding at Blue Chip. Here, the slopes face east, enabling the vines to capture the cool morning sun.  We let the west side of the plants retain their leaves to shelter the grapes from the hotter western sun.