Why Wilbur?
Wilbur is the closest “major” city to where our estate vineyard is located on the shores of Lake Roosevelt.
You grow grapes on the shores of Lake Roosevelt?!
Yes, we do grow our grapes on the shores of the lake. Although there are currently no other vineyards around our location, our area was once where wine grapes were grown in the state before Grand Coulee Dam wiped out multiple vineyards.
What motivated you to plant there?
Many reasons! Back in the 1970’s, Walter Clores (the man considered the father of the Washington Wine industry) did a study on the area and concluded that the Lake Roosevelt area was a prime wine grape growing region that had growing conditions like that of Bordeaux, France.
Growing Conditions?
Grand Coulee Dam has created a massive body of water where our vineyard is located. This creates cool nights during the summertime, building up the acid and tannin structure in our grapes, while the hot daytime temperatures add sugar. During the fall, the lake becomes warmer then the surrounding area, warming the vineyard, extending the growing season. The first frost in the vineyard historically does not happen until the middle of November!
What grapes do you grow?
We grow Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, the main Bordeaux varietals.
No whites?
All of our wine is made 100% from only the grapes we grow, and we currently do not grow any white grape varietals. We feel that trucking in any grapes would cause Whitestone to lose part of what makes our winery unique and special. We do have the vineyard acreage to expand, so maybe in the future we will have some whites.
How long have you been around?
We are an old vineyard, new winery. Our vineyard has been around since 1994, when we grew and sold our grapes to other wineries around the state. In 2001 we started to make wine, and in 2005 we stopped selling grapes to other wineries.
Who is your winemaker?
Whitestone Winery is completely a family business. Michael Haig runs the vineyard and is the head winemaker. His parents, Walter and Judy, who started the operation, help out around the winery and vineyard (especially when it comes time to taste and blend). Michael’s wife, dogs, and cats serve as a Greek Chorus.
Can I tour your vineyard/winery?
Our winery is open Friday and Saturday year round from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. We do occasionally open our vineyard up for events and tours. Check back here or sign-up for our newsletter to find out more.