Phillip and Patricia Butterfield are the faces behind Spokane’s newest winery. The wines are made inside an old farmstead and new production facility on Spokane’s South Hill. Designed by Seattle-based architect Tom Kundig, the production building overlooks Winescape’s 14-acre site, which is also home to the owners’ 1918 small home and orchard, as well as a revolving assortment of deer, hawks and barn cats.
The quaint tasting room is tucked inside the main facility, where visitors can wander outdoors to additional seating in a farm-like setting. Guided tours of the crush, production and laboratory facilities are available by appointment.
The Butterfields are both faculty at WSU’s Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. “Washington has rock star grapes and incredible winemakers; we love learning from everyone and becoming a small part of our region’s wine legacy,” says Phillip.
“Nothing is better than seeing guests come through our door to taste and relax,” adds Patricia. Located two miles from Spokane’s southside businesses, the Butterfields wanted to create a wine tasting experience that felt rural, secluded, and away from the fray of the city. Indeed, they have succeeded.
Their son, Tristan Butterfield, who has a day job as the enologist for Kiona Vineyards and Winery, assists his parents in the family winery operation. The two wines we tasted are both solid efforts, demonstrating careful attention in the cellar and high quality fruit. Look for more to come from this rising star.
Visit the winery at 6011 East 32th Ave, Spokane; www.winescapewine.com
Winescape 2015 Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, $37
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Sourced from two different Kiona vineyards, this big and bold red wine is powerful and structured, with gripping tannins underlying smoky, mesquite notes amid flavors of blackberry, dark cherry, violet, sage and spice that roll through the smooth finish.
Winescape 2016 Columbia Valley Chardonnay, $21
Editor’s Choice – Excellent (88-90 pts.)
Sourced from four Columbia Valley vineyards, this appealing version strikes a well-rounded balance, offering rich flavors of Asian pear and fresh apple mixed with notes of honeydew melon, keylime and light toast.