Owners Dave and Michelle Dufenhorst were inspired by the European tradition of small family vineyards during bicycle rides in France and Italy and decided to plant a few vines and build a home on land they purchased in Orondo, not far from Chelan.
However, once Dave turned to consulting winemaker Ron Bunnell (Bunnell Family Cellars) to take a look at the viability of the site, that original intention morphed into something greater. Under the recommendation of Bunnell and growers Jim McFerran and Dick Boushey, the Dufenhorst’s have so far planted 43 acres at their Double D Vineyard with aspirations of someday petitioning for an American Viticultural Area (AVA) status.
The Dufenhorst’s boutique winery, Rocky Pond, also sources grapes from their Lake Chelan AVA vineyard, Clos Chevalle. Fruit from both vineyards are also sold to other wineries in the region.
Ron Bunnell (of Bunnell Family Cellars) came onboard as Rocky Pond’s winemaker “because the lure of making wine from a previously untried grape growing region was absolutely compelling.”
Profile: The crisp Riesling is 100% Lake Chelan fruit, displaying rapier-like acidity and a mouth-watering citrusy streak of lemon, bitter orange and lime flavors backed by Granny Smith apple and kumquat on a minerally driven finish.
Editor’s Choice – Excellent
Alcohol: 12%
Website: www.rockypondwinery.com