Renowned Grower Dick Boushey to Manage the Vineyard
Benton City, WA, June 1, 2016 — A glass of 2013 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet in hand, a spirited group of family, friends and fans celebrated the Grand Opening of Upchurch Vineyard winery and tasting room on Red Mountain. Nearly 10 years in the making, Chris and Thea Upchurch, founders, welcomed guests from the deck overlooking their estate vineyard, Locally inspired Asian fusion fare and acoustic guitar insured a perfect afternoon in the Yakima Valley.
“As is the European tradition, Upchurch Vineyard creates one wine, from one vineyard by one family – all to produce a first growth Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington State,” commented Chris Upchurch, winemaker.
“This is a unique plot of land, with the perfect amount of heat, sun, wind and elevation,” commented Dick Boushey, Vineyard Manager for Upchurch. “I have worked with Chris for over 25 years, when he was starting out with the team at DeLille Cellars; we know and trust each other. Actually I might even say he lured me up to Red Mountain. This plot has taken a lot of effort, but it’s proven to be worth it. The location and soil, coupled with Chris’ approach and winemaking style have led to a very distinctive wine.”
“Our goal was to create a home for our winery and our tasting room that would fit into the Red Mountain landscape,” noted Thea Upchurch. “We needed room for our cellar and garden as well as to maximize the amazing views. We designed everything from the ground up, using local materials and craftsmen, as an American barn, traditional post and beam structure. It turned out even better than we’d imagined.”
(L-R) Founders Chris Upchurch (Winemaker), Thea Upchurch
Winemaker
As founding winemaker and partner of DeLille Cellars since 1992, Upchurch has crafted some of the finest and most award winning wines in Washington State. He is the only winemaker to produce two Washington State brands to receive 5 stars (outstanding) in Robert Parker’s Wine Buyers Guide, for Both DeLille Cellars and Doyenne.
Wine: 2013 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Intense floral notes are a signature of this wine. Aromas of lavender, currants, eucalypts, and cherry blossoms permeate the powerful dark fruits typical of Red Mountain Cabernet.
91% Cabernet and 9% Merlot from the UV single vineyard estate on Red Mountain.
600 cases produced
Vineyard
Upchurch Vineyard is located at the southern tip of the acclaimed Red Mountain AVA in Washington State. Vineyard manager Dick Boushey (Auction of Washington Wines Grower of the Year 2009) has created a micro vineyard that combines Red Mountain terroir with European “small vine” methods and modern low impact sustainable farming.
Upchurch Vineyard is dedicated to sustainable farming and is certified by L.I.V.E. (Low Input Viticulture and Enology), a non-profit organization that promotes and certifies sustainable vineyard practices.
Address and Contact Information
The tasting room is open by appointment only
32901 Vineyard View PR NE
Benton City, WA 99320
Kelsey Upchurch, Office Director
Office 425.298.4923 | Cell 206.504.8338
www.upchurchvineyard.com
Video Credit: Ethan Schatz, Shotz Films
Photo Credit: Marcus McCoy
