This vineyard is located near the town of Paterson overlooking the Columbia River 30 miles south of Prosser and is the source of half of Thurston Wolfe grapes. The vineyard is jointly owned by Don Watts and Hogue Ranch, but was developed by Wade when he worked for Hogue Cellars in the 1990’s. The vineyard gets its name from the frequent southwesterly winds that blow through the Columbia Gorge. Hogue Ranch set aside several blocks to be planted exclusively for Thurston Wolfe. These blocks include two of Viognier, two of Zinfandel, one of Primativo (the Italian clone of Zinfandel) and three of Petite Sirah, totaling 13 acres. The unique feature of this vineyard is the diversity of micro-climates provided by the ridge, which gives steep north and south facing slopes and gentle east and west facing slopes. Because of elevation, slope and proximity to the Columbia River, this vineyard experiences a long, warm growing season and moderate winter temperatures.
Thurston Wolfe Winery
