Whitman Hill Winery offers easy access on Roza Drive, an area that beckons with postcard-like charm amid a bucolic mixed-use setting of vineyards, hops, orchard farms and horse ranches near the epicenter of Zillah’s winegrowing region about 20 minutes from Yakima.
Owners Scott and Denise Whitman (whose maiden name is Hill) purchased the former winery, Agate Field, in 2020 and have since transformed it into one of the area’s up-and-coming destinations.
There’s a stylish modern tasting room and outdoor water feature surrounded by mature trees and manicured grounds, all lending an air of tranquility and caring hospitality. Guests are encouraged to picnic, soak in the vistas of the rolling hills, and to reserve a complimentary guided tour of the 25-acre estate vineyard.
Of course, exceptional wines are at the heart of the operation. Beginning with the 2020 vintage, Whitman Hill is producing entirely estate-grown wines.
Washington Tasting Room Magazine asked Scott Whitman about his soft spot for producing single-varietal, single-block wines. “To me, this is the purest vine-to-bottle wine made, and the best reflection of the vineyard and farming practices,” he asserts. “The only nuances you can make to the wine are barrel selection of wine made from the block. Single-varietal, single-block wines are the most challenging to do well.”
Scott made his first hobby wine in 2009, called the Garage, and his first commercial vintage followed in 2010. Prior to that, he cut his teeth in the cellar at Fort Walla Walla Cellars from 2007 to 2009, one of Walla Walla’s early pioneer wineries.
Growing up working in berry fields and on a dairy farm, Scott admits that his winemaking journey has led him back into farming. Overseeing the vineyard management at Whitman Hill puts him in the driver’s seat, literally, giving him greater control over the final product. “Growing our own fruit, learning soils and managing the canopy and the crop really shows in our wines. We are able to hand-harvest in small lots right when the fruit is ready.”
All the reds we tasted showed impressive balance and grace with classic varietal typicity.
Book a vineyard tour or simply taste and unwind on the beautiful estate property located at 2911 Roza Dr, Zillah WA, phone (509) 829-3370. Hours are Wed-Sun and you can learn more about this destination winery at www.whitmanhillwine.com.
Below are three releases we recently reviewed:
Whitman Hill 2020 Captain Block Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
95 pts.
Impeccably balanced, this single-varietal, single-block estate red demonstrates a distinct sense of place with aromas of dark fruit, earthy loam, tobacco and pencil lead. Elegant in feel with firm, sweet tannins wrapped around silky flavors of cassis, boysenberry and black cherry that glide toward the long finish, supported by polished acidity. $50
Whitman Hill 2020 Yakima Valley Merlot
92 pts.
Smooth yet complex, with contoured structure shaped by an undertow of deft acidity and fine tannins that weave through rich and pure black raspberry, plum and cocoa details. Spice notes dig in on the finish lending a rustic feel. $25
Whitman Hill 2020 Yakima Valley Cabernet Franc
92 pts.
This charms with an equal ratio of dark fruit and savory character, evoking crushed blackberry, dried sage, underbrush and toasty barrel spice. The elements gain traction, building with concentration and very good length on the finish. $25