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VanArnam Vineyards
ZILLAH
On nearly 40 acres of rolling land sits VanArnam Vineyards, a winery where
the intimate relationship between the vineyard and the wine produced from
it is epitomized. Owners Kent and Allison VanArnam grew up in California and
were exposed, firsthand, to some of the oldest vineyards and wineries in the
nation. When they moved to Washington State, they quickly realized just how
special the Yakima Valley is for growing wine grapes. With the understanding
that exquisite wine comes from exceptional vineyards, the couple took the
next several years to meticulously search for the perfect place to establish
their winery. In 2007, they found it: 40 acres of southwest-facing land with
soil well-suited for growing grapes, with the right level of organic mass and
water drainage. Much to the delight of all who visit, the vineyards also enjoy
the captivating views of Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier. The VanArnams joke
that the grapes grow so well because they appreciate the view as much as
everyone else.
As owners and active managers of the winery, Kent and Allison can often be
found in the vineyard or the winery. Their children, Paige and Max, helped
the pair plant and build everything one sees at VanArnam Vineyards, and
on a typical weekend, it's common to find Allison in the tasting room and
Kent out on his tractor among the vines. The careful stewardship with which
the VanArnams care for the land—and the heart and soul they pour into
winemaking—makes VanArnam Vineyards wines so appealing. The vines are
pruned by hand to guide each to their optimum potential.
LEFT Owners, Kent and Allison VanArnam in front of the
cedar winery door Kent built by hand.
ABOVE LEFT: VanArnam Vineyards Tasting Room in Zillah,
Washington, during one of our beautiful sunsets.
ABOVE RIGHT: Vistors enjoy a view of Mt. Adams from the
tasting room patio.
Photographs courtesy of VanArnam Vineyards
