Estate Vineyards

  • Once an apple orchard, Hallowed Stones Vineyard in The Rocks District has been transformed since 2018 into a symbol of viticultural excellence, with expansions in 2020 and 2021 enhancing its reach. This vineyard marries innovative practices with the area's stony soil to create a distinct flavor profile that is emblematic of its terroir. Employing a vertical shoot positioned (VSP) trellis system with a low cordon, Hallowed Stones vineyard is designed for resilience, allowing vines to quickly rebound from severe cold. Each grape from Hallowed Stones is a testament to the unique interplay of tradition, innovation, and the unmistakable character of the land.

    Appellation
    The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater

    Planted
    2018, expanded planting in 2020, and 2021

    Varieties
    Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Syrah

    Soil
    Very cobbly loam

    Elevation
    900ft

    Size
    31 acres

  • Watermill Estate Vineyard, the crown jewel of our holdings, is deeply embedded within The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater AVA, a region that redefines excellence in the Walla Walla Valley. Once challenged by a rugged terrain of large cobblestones—relics of an ancient riverbed—this vineyard has emerged as a testament to visionary winemaking. Inspired by French winemaker Christophe Baron's pioneering work in 1997, Watermill planted its roots here in 2006, embracing the very cobbley loam soil that is now synonymous with the distinctive terroir of The Rocks District.

    Our vineyard thrives through innovation, employing a vertical shoot positioning trellis system with a low cordon for resilience against the cold, nurturing our prized Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, and Mourvèdre vines. Watermill Estate Vineyard symbolizes the harmonious blend of tradition and pioneering spirit, producing wines that capture the essence of their unique terroir.

    Appellation
    The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater

    Planted
    2006

    Varieties
    Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, Mourvèdre

    Soil
    Freewater very cobbly loam

    Elevation
    888ft

    Size
    11.9 acres

  • Perched in the Blue Mountains' foothills, Anna Marie Vineyard is the origin of Watermill’s finest Bordeaux varieties. This prized vineyard combines sandy loam soil with the ideal microclimate—warm days and cool nights—to cultivate grapes of unparalleled quality. Its vines, set in wide-spaced rows and trained to a single-cordon system, are the cornerstone of Watermill's celebrated single-vineyard Walla Walla Valley appellation wines.

    Anna Marie is more than a vineyard; it's a symbol of Watermill's dedication to crafting wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Walla Walla Valley. Here, every grape tells a story of the land’s rich heritage and the meticulous care behind Watermill’s renowned wines.

    Appellation
    Walla Walla Valley

    Planted
    2001

    Varieties
    Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec

    Soil
    Silt Loam

    Elevation
    1,000ft

    Size
    47 acres

  • Tucked away in the Southeastern enclave of the Walla Walla Valley, Anna Marie North Vineyard finds its home between the prestigious Seven Hills West and Cougar Crest Estate vineyards, where the expanse of the valley floor rises to meet the gentle embrace of rolling hills. This unique geographical positioning, coupled with the vineyard's shallow silt loam soils and modest elevation, creates an idyllic setting for cultivating Bordeaux varieties that are as fruit-forward as they are complex. Varietals such as Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc flourish here, contributing to the creation of critically acclaimed wines that have elevated the reputations of Watermill, Saviah Cellars, and Seven Hills wineries alike.

    These vineyards are not merely plots of land but the very heart from which we draw our primary blending components, each vine and varietal chosen for its ability to add depth, character, and distinction to our wines. In the dance of winemaking, Anna Marie North Vineyard leads with grace and precision Formerly referred to as McClellan Vineyard.

    Appellation
    Walla Walla Valley

    Planted
    2003

    Varieties
    Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc

    Soil
    Silt Loam

    Elevation
    850ft

    Size
    25 acres

  • Just a stone's throw from the Anna Marie North Estate Vineyard, and due west of Cougar Crest, Dugger Creek Vineyard emerges as Watermill's vibrant canvas for blending varietals, established in 2009. Nestled within the Walla Walla Valley, this vineyard thrives on a rich tapestry of silt loam soil, creating a haven for both the esteemed Bordeaux varieties that grace the foothills and the Rhône varieties that hallmark The Rocks District AVA. Dugger Creek stands as a testament to the diversity and adaptability of the valley's terroir, offering a perfect blend of geographical grace and agronomic acuity.

    Yet, it's the vineyard's venture into the realms of Grenache and coveted Italian varieties—Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, and Barbera—that truly sets Dugger Creek apart. Here, experimentation is not just welcomed; it's embraced, pushing the boundaries of traditional viticulture to explore new horizons. Dugger Creek Vineyard doesn't just grow grapes; it cultivates innovation, blending tradition with exploration to create wines that are as unique as they are delicious.

    Appellation
    Walla Walla Valley

    Planted
    2009

    Varieties
    Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Grenache, Bordeaux Reds

    Soil
    Silt loam, cobblestone

    Elevation
    823ft

    Size
    20 acres

Viticulturist – Jack Klipfel

In the verdant expanses of Watermill's vineyards thrives Jack Klipfel,whose roots run deep with Washington State University's Plant Science program. His mastery in vineyard science and tree fruit genetics renders him an invaluable pillar within our vineyard's ecosystem.

In the verdant expanses of Watermill's vineyards thrives Jack Klipfel,whose roots run deep with Washington State University's Plant Science program. His mastery in vineyard science and tree fruit genetics renders him an invaluable pillar within our vineyard's ecosystem.

Jack's odyssey through the realms of viticulture is a tapestry woven with threads of innovation, unwavering dedication, and an intrinsic passion for the craft. His evolution from a research technician at the USDA to a pivotal viticulture field tech at Gallo has been nothing short of remarkable. Now, steering the helm as Milton Freewater's Vineyard Manager and serving as a Viticulture Consultant for Watermill Winery, Jack does more than tend to vines—he breathes life into them, ensuring that each grape bears the hallmark of our unparalleled dedication to quality and environmental stewardship.

Beyond the vines, Jack's adventurous spirit roams free. A true alpinist at heart, his zeal for backpacking, skiing, and the exhilarating plunge into mountain lakes is a reflection of his approach to viticulture: fearless, pioneering, and always eager to explore new horizons. Jack Klipfel is not just our Viticulturist; he embodies the essence of Watermill— a beacon of vibrant life and ceaseless pursuit of viticultural excellence.