Spokane - Washington State Wineries

Latah Creek Winery Peppertree Liberty Lake Inn Arbor Crest Winery History Latah Creek Winery Grapes

Arbor Crest Winery. Arbor Crest has been winning awards for Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery is also known for its Riesling, Syrah, Pinot Gris, Sangiovese and a very tasty Cabernet Franc. Currently, about 20,000 cases are being produced annually, making it one of the largest family-owned wineries in Washington. For more information, visit www.avalonwine.com/Arbor-Crest-Winery.php

Latah Creek Winery. Heralded by Wine Spectator Magazine as one of the top producers of Merlot in the State of Washington, Latah Creek offers guests the opportunity to visit one of the most picturesque small wineries in the area. Latah Creek’s award winning wines can be sampled at your leisure while you tour the adjoining winemaking facilities. For more information, visit www.latahcreek.com  [Top]

Arbor Crest Winery History. Winemaker Kristina Mielke-van Loben Sels the second generation of the Mielke family to oversee Arbor brings both education and practical skill to her work. A University of California at Davis fermentation science graduate, Kristina came to Arbor Crest after several years at Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery in Healdsburg, California.

Her husband, James van Loben Sels, is an experienced viticulturist, which complements Kristina's skills nicely. Together, these two understand the complexities of grapes, soil, trellising, pruning, irrigation, and winemaking. They also share duties as the winery's general managers.  [Top]

Latah Creek Winery Grapes. Grapes from which Latah Creek’s award-winning wines are made come from two geographically different areas about 150 miles south and west of the winery. The vineyard producing our Merlot and Cabernet grapes (along with their Muscat Canelli and Reserve Chardonnay) is located in Central Washington on the south facing hills of the Wahluke Slope. This region boasts the longest and warmest growing season in the Northwest.

The reds produced are typically more full-bodied than from any other area in the state and can be easily identified by their inky-dark color. Latah Creek’s remaining grapes come from two separate vineyards located in the southern end of the Yakima Valley, between the cities of Prosser and Sunnyside. Slightly cooler than the Wahluke Slope, this area is noted for producing wines which are delicate and fruity in nature.  [Top]