MikeL's Guide to WA Wineries
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Production: (1997) 2500 cases/year
Vineyards: 5 Acres White Riesling planted in 1979. Chardonnay, Merlot, Gewurztraminer, Lemberger, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris purchasesd from Celilo Vineyards. Cabernet Savuignon from Columbia Valley.
History:
The winery was originally built by Charles and Beverlee Hooper, and was named Charles Hooper Family Winery. Over the years, the Hooper kids went off to college, and Charles and Beverlee were having a tough time keeping up with the demands of a winery, which requires a lot of physical labor. In 1997, after many fine vintages, they sold the business to Kris and Joel Goodwillie.
Kris and Joel are both Washingtonians in their early thirties, with lots of energy to run their own winery. They met in College at Eastern Washington University and have wanted to live in the Columbia River Gorge ever together ever since. Joel worked for E&J Gallo for three years, and decided he wanted to start his own winery. They got started in the Callahan Ridge (Roseburg Oregon) venture in 1992 as minority stock holders, were married in the vineyards. Three years later their son Connor was baptised in the vineyard by the same minister who had married them. Kris' degree in Recreation Management helped her in the position of Promotions Manager and Joel was national sales Manager. When they left to start their own business, the remaining partner, Mike Boler, bought them out.
The have re-opened the winery as Wind River Cellars.
They've got everything they need to succeed; with help from friends in the wine industry including Gary Carpenter (LaVelle Vineyards); Mark Deutch (Secret House Winery); Joe Dobbs Sr. (Markam Hill); Bernie Learch (Hood River Vineyards); Mike Boler (Callahan Ridge Winery), and Scott Henry (Henry Estates). Under the Charles Hooper name, it was granted a most-kissable rating in "The Northwest's best Places to Kiss" a romantic tour guide to the Pacific Northwest. And they say the best part is getting up each morning with the view of Mt. Hood out the window of the A-frame Chalet style house!
They plan to stay small and produce high quality barrel aged wines,
and would like to expand to approx. 5,000 cases within the next 5
years. They're also considering grafting some riesling vineyard to
"Temprino" This is actually 7 acres just above the winery property
which belongs to their neighbor, and was leased to and planted by the
Hoopers.
Sources:
[the winery]
The Wines: (Spring 1998)
Whites:
- 1995 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, Washington, $20.00
- 1996 White Riesling, Washington State, $9.00
Estate grown - 1997 Dry Gewurztraminer, Celilo Vineyard, $9.00
- 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Washington, $20.00
- "Bad Seed" Cider. (750ml btl) $6.00
Made from locally grown fruit, off dry with a touch of sweetness. From good Apples come...Bad Seed Cider!
Coming in the Spring of 1999..."Celilo Port"; Cabernet-Merlot
Winemakers:
Kris Goodwillie
Kris Goodwillie 1997-present
Of special note:
The winery hosts special events, weddings and an annual music festival.
The 1998 events schedule features:
- Music festival featuring "The Cowboy Angels" and "Jon Koontz and the Gas Hogs" (More info. at 1-509-493-2324). August 1 at the winery from 1-7 pm.
- White Water and Wine - rafting the White Salmon followed by a winemakers dinner at the winery. Saturday, August 15.
- Golf Tournament and Winemakers dinner - Golf Husum Hills followed by dinner at the winery. Saturday, July 25th.
- Cigar Dinner at the winery - Saturday September 5th.
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