Basel Cellars Estate Winery

At the base of the Blue Mountains on 87 acres of landscaped property (including 26 acres of vineyards), Basel Cellars Estate Winery offers a romantic escape far from the ordinary. In full production since the 2002 harvest, the facility produces award-winning wines with a focus on Bordeaux-style blends, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

This sprawling estate began when owner Greg Basel retired from a major construction company and moved his wife Becky and their family to Walla Walla. There he planted a 32-acre vineyard called Pheasant Run. Greg and Becky will soon be addingan additional Estate Vineyard to the Basel Cellars Estate.

Basel Cellars is a true wine country resort. Their promise to offer guests the "Never Ending Wine Experience" is exceeded in every way. Estate manager Becky Brammer, who has been with them since day one, ensures guests receive the same quality of care that goes into making the wine.

The American Lodge Comes to the Northwest

Basel Cellar's main building is an awe-inspiring design replicating the great American lodge. And if you've even seen Yosemite's Awahnee Lodge, or Mt. Hood's Timberline Lodge you know what I mean. Rustic but elegant, this 13,800 square foot lodge features handcrafted woodwork, natural stone masonry, and an abundance of windows in the style of the Pacific Northwest.

The lodge offers seven luxurious bedrooms with queen beds and a grand master suite with a king bed. In order to rent the entire lodge, you must join the Basel Cellars Wine Club. (See their web site for information on joining.) For the individual couple there is a separate poolside Cabana with one guest room (king bed) and private bath. In addition to the pool, all guests have access to the gourmet kitchen, hot tub, sauna, theme bar, commercial outdoor grills, and more.

Staying in the Cabana is the closest we have ever come to living the luxurious life. It felt like our own private retreat and the mid-night swim topped it all off.