Basel Cellars Estate Winery

At the base of the Blue Mountains on 87 acres of landscaped property (including 26 acres of estate vineyards), Basel Cellars Estate Winery is a true wine country resort. While it offers its wine club members lodging, special events, and winemaker dinners, it welcomes everyone to its daily wine tastings. Their promise to provide guests the "Never Ending Wine Experience" is exceeded in every way.

In full production since the 2002 harvest, the facility produces award-winning wines with a focus on Bordeaux-style blends, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. While they are best known for their signature Merriment blend, their Syrah is also excellent. The 2005 vintage of this wine placed at 25th on Paul Gregutt’s Top 100 Washington Wines for 2007.

The American Lodge Comes to the Northwest

This sprawling estate had humble beginnings when owner Greg Basel retired from a major construction company and moved his wife Becky and his family to Walla Walla. There he planted a 32-acre vineyard called Pheasant Run. In 2004, their long-time friends, the Hansen family, joined them to help run the growing winery.

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.

Outside, Basel Cellars offers acres of landscaped gardens, patios and estate vineyards overlooking the Walla Walla River. Their grape varieties include Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Franc. Surrounding the vineyards are flowing streams, waterfalls and garden-lined paths for leisurely early morning walks or romantic strolls at sunset.

Wine Tasting is a Daily Ritual

The winemaking facility is housed in a 9,600 square foot subterranean structure. The wine tasting room is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In addition, special tours can be pre-arranged. With so many wines to appreciate, Mardi and I have spent many afternoons here.

In addition to studying in the Viticulture and Enology Program in Walla Walla, winemaker Justin Basel worked for two years as the assistant winemaker before heading up the operation. His goal is to showcase each varietal separately and in blends to give wine enthusiasts a true sense of the terroir. His fans include Beth of Seattle's El Gaucho restaurant who says, "Basel Cellars is an undiscovered classic Walla Walla wine that possesses excellence, finesse, and quality that can be found at a wallet-friendly price."

A Tasting Room with a View

The tasting room gift shop offers the budding sommelier a great selection of wine-related items to take home including books, wine glasses, apparel with the Basel Cellars logo and more. It also features a large patio with a 180-degree view of the Blue Mountains. Whether you come in the spring, summer or fall, this patio is the ideal setting for sitting down with your own picnic lunch or enjoying a locally-made deli sandwich (or cheese box) purchased from Basel Cellars.