When we travel to Walla Walla, Watermill Winery is always on our list to visit!
While the Brown family has been farming and growing apples in Walla Walla Valley of Washington for over a century, they are relatively new to winemaking.
In 2001 the family started converting some of the apple orchards into vineyards and founded Watermill Winery in 2005 under the supervision of famed winemaker Rich Funk of Saviah Cellars.
They were among the first to plant vines in Rock District AVA – a unique and some of the most special places in Walla Walla.
Twenty years later, they produce a wide range of wine in the small lots under the leadership of Andrew Brown, who took over as the winemaker after studying under Rich Funk.
Lucky for us, Bryan Roy, the Assistant Winemaker, had some time to show us Watermill’s vineyard in the Rock District and explain what makes it so unique.
Year Founded: 2005
Winemaker: Andrew Brown, Brian Roy (Assist. Winemaker)
Wines: White, Rosé, Red
Grapes: Chardonnay, Viognier, Cabernet Frank, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Grenache, Malbec, Nebbiolo, Syrah, Tempranillo
AVA: Rocks of Milton Freewater, the Rattlesnake Hills, Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley
Notable Vineyards: Watermill, Anne Marie, McClellan, Dugger Creek
Fun Facts: Founders farmed apples, wheat, and others for over a century in Walla Walla Valley.
While some orchards converted to vineyards, they still grow apples (organic too) and produce cider. Their Blue Mountain Cider Company tasting room is next door from the winery.
