5
TOP: The Basel Cellars tasting room in Walla Walla, overlooks the estate
vineyard, providing picturesque views of the Blue Mountains.
Photograph by Mark Myers
MIDDLE: The 14,000 square foot estate house and tasting room and the
9,600 square foot underground temperature controlled cellar are unique
features of the winery
Photograph by Ali Walker
BOTTOM: Guests who rent the estate house can enjoy these views of the
vineyard from the outdoor patio at all times of the day.
Photograph by Mark Myers
In 2004, Greg invited Steve and Jo Marie Hansen, acquaintances
from earlier careers, to visit Basel Cellars and experience the still-
young operation with an eye towards becoming partners in the
future. As it turns out, it proved to be a good match. Steve, a
long-time construction manager of major bridge and highway
projects in the western U.S., grew up in a farming family in Yakima,
Washington. He not only brought an entrepreneurial spirit with
him, but also a love for the land and the sunny side of the state.
The couple began their partnership with a fifty percent ownership
of the winery.
Seven years later, Steve and Jo Marie began transitioning into full
ownership of Basel Cellars Estate Winery. And, their team now
