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3 Hamilton Cellars BENTON CITY When Stacie and Russ Hamilton began considering retirement, they realized that, instead of golfing or fishing, their true passions laid in traveling and wine tasting. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Stacie, a CPA, looked for ways to make both travel and wine tasting tax deductible. The logical answer was, of course, owning a winery, but it was just an idea for a time. It wasn't until the pair watched the sunset over acres of vineyards from a balcony while on a wine tour in 2005, that they realized their dream. It was such a beautiful moment of serenity and connection for the pair that they looked at each other and at the same time said, "Let's do this!" As long-time lovers of wine, Stacie and Russ sought a winemaker whose style and palate reflected their own. Charlie Hoppes had been the expert behind the Hamiltons' favorite wines for many years, so when Hamilton Cellars became a reality, the pair was thrilled to add Charlie to the team as winemaker. A graduate of UC Davis, Charlie Hoppes spent more than 20 years as a leading winemaker for several notable Washington wineries, including Chateau Ste. Michelle, where he helped craft the first two vintages of Col Solare, the winery's premium label, as head red winemaker. In 1999, Charlie helped found Three Rivers Winery in Walla Walla, and established his own label, Fidelitas Wines in 2000. Charlie consults wineries across the region, and the Hamiltons are proud to count him among their valued partners in crafting truly exceptional wine. FACING PAGE: The 10-acre vineyard and a portion of the landscaping is viewed from the owner's deck at Hamilton Cellars Estate. ABOVE The front entrance to the tasting room and the outdoor patio greets our guests at Hamilton Cellars Photograph by Stacie Hamilton

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