Chemist Eric Hoppe and his wife Leslie had intended to open their Benton City winery doors to the public in March 2020, but when the pandemic hit they couldn’t find contractors to finish the tasting room construction. The resourceful couple pivoted to bulk wine production, an arrangement that kept the business solvent until the pandemic ended, and finally three years later they held their grand opening in August of 2023.
A retired emeritus chemist after almost 35 years, Eric is credited with producing the world’s purest copper. It’s little wonder he is enamored by both the science and art involved in crafting fine wine. “I love the process of making wine and the creative outlet it provides, yet also that it is based on a foundation of good science. And when science gets too complex attempting to address too many variables, it becomes an art,” Eric comments.
Eric’s career led him to consulting within the wine industry and he was a dedicated hobby winemaker. Over time his knowledge grew: “I sought out expertise when I could and enjoyed my time talking with winemakers on Red Mountain. When business took me to Europe I was able to make arrangements to work with winemakers in France, Italy and Spain.”
Inspired by their travels to grow European varietals, the Hoppes searched for a site in Eastern Washington to plant a commercial vineyard. They fell in love with a parcel with southwestern slopes ideal for growing red wine grapes. The land is bordered on the north by basalt bluffs and features a Heron rookery (thus the name), as well as an historic homestead, plenty of desert wildlife, and serenity. During 2016-2018 they planted 18 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Dolcetto, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Syrah and other Rhône varietals.
Visitors can taste single-varietal Rosé wines made from five different grapes, as well as a lineup of European-influenced reds representing the Rhône/Rôtie and Bordeaux regions of France, and Piedmont and Tuscany regions of Italy. The reds are deeply concentrated, with an exciting balance to the bold, powerful fruit and Old World intonations.
Visit the winery and tasting room: $15 tasting fee, refunded with wine purchase of $50; 27938 W Old Inland Empire Hwy, Benton City; learn more at www.heronbluff.com.
Below are three releases we recently reviewed:
Heron Bluff Vineyard 2019 Estate Dolcetto Reserve
94 pts.
Smooth and well balanced, there’s a light floral note woven into the seamless profile of rich blackberry, dried plum and licorice. Velvety tannins add cushion to the saturated finish that ends with exponential depth. $34
Heron Bluff Vineyard 2022 Estate Rosé of Grenache
91 pts.
Made in a ripe and fuller-bodied style, offering deep red strawberry and cherry flavors with streaks of orange citrus on the midpalate. Warm stone and peppercorn spice linger on the concentrated, flavorful finish. $18
Heron Bluff Vineyard 2018 Syrah
93 pts.
This red combines strength with elegance, leading with crème de cassis, blueberry and jammy black raspberry layered with dark chocolate, rosemary, tobacco leaf, crushed rock and peppery spice. Sweet fine tannins glide along the robust yet rich and balanced finish. $38