Standing atop the steep hillside, gazing south toward the Yakima River, you pause to enjoy the view. The rockiness underfoot goes unnoticed. Perhaps it’s the prominence, the elevation, or the aspect, but there is a sense that this vineyard is a special place.
Hugh and Kathy Shiels planted the steep rocky south-facing slopes of the DuBrul Vineyard in 1992. We grow six varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Riesling. We continue to sell grapes to other wineries while reserving portions of different blocks for our own wines. The ladies of our vineyard crew shape each vine to provide optimal exposure to sunlight. Low vigor soils combined with our deficit irrigation regimen produce small berries, small clusters, and low yields from our vines.
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