You’re almost there… keep going…

Beth Barnes and Chris James say their vineyard is “off the beaten path” – and they’re right about that. This is one of those over the river, through the woods, up a dirt wagon road, miles from cell phone range wineries.

But once you’re there – wow is it worth it! Stunning views of the entire valley from the gorgeous deck outside their tasting room make your trek worth the effort.

On their first date, Chris told Beth that he would some day be a winemaker and live on a vineyard so she would know what she was getting in to. But she may not have quite realized what was in store: When they bought this 60-acre property, there wasn’t even driveway access –the only way in was through the neighbor’s horse pasture. It was covered in Douglas fir and not ready for grapes.

But after clearing the land, they’ve got eight acres of vines planted, first with Pinot Noir, and many more unique varietals coming. Which is exactly what Chris loves. When I met with him I must’ve tasted more than 10 wines and he kept rattling off more that were in the barrel!