Cave B Estate Winery

The dramatic landscape may be what first draws visitors to Cave B Estate Winery, whose photogenic vineyards, cliffs and gorges have witnessed many a marriage proposal. However, Cave B is not just another pretty place: it's also a source of many well-regarded wines.

Grapes at the Gorge

Owners Vincent and Carol Bryan are long-time Washington residents who began their winemaking career by purchasing land high above the Columbia River Gorge in 1980. They built their first winery, Champs de Brionne, and subsequently established the Gorge Amphitheater. When they discovered the characteristics of the land allowed production of many high-quality varieties, they founded the smaller Cave B Estate Winery to focus on making premiere wines.

Natural Techniques

Winemaker Freddy Arredondo first took interest in wine while in culinary school. Although he initially pursued a culinary career, he continued to learn about wines. In 2003, Freddy visited the SageCliffe vineyards, where he saw the potential for great wines. He switched his focus exclusively to winemaking, receiving a degree from the Institute for Enology and Viticulture in Walla Walla. Freddy joined Cave B first as assistant winemaker, becoming lead winemaker in 2007. He focuses on making wines that pair with food to create a gastronomic experience.

The Cave B winemaking philosophy is one of natural, minimal-interventionist production. Cave B and SageCliffe wines are made without the use of enzymes, and no addition of sugar or acid in the winemaking process. The wines are made from only the grapes themselves, along with yeast cultures and nutrients, to maximize the expression of the terroir.

"Destination" Winery

Cave B Estate Winery sits in the heart of the SageCliffe destination resort, with sweeping views of the area. Vineyards spread out in varying slopes from the winery and tasting room. Built to minimize the winery's footprint on the land, the cave area of the winery has a "breathing' sod roof. All facilities emerge from the hills, offering low profiles to avoid distracting from the dramatic landscape.

For an overnight stay in the area, Cave B Inn at SageCliffe offers 30 rooms, including 15 Cliffehouses, three suites, and 12 cave-side cavern rooms, all with views of sky, water, canyon and vineyard. Room décor is warm and contemporary, making use of natural elements such as wood, granite, basalt, glass and leather. Mardi and I also enjoy a dinner filled with local flavors, such as the Columbia Coulee quail with corn cake sofrito and blue sage, at the resort's Tendrils restaurant.

Taste of the Earth

The winery's Roundhouse tasting room is a dramatic round basalt building with views of vineyards and the river gorge. It is decorated in warm, desert-inspired colors and opens into the Cellar, which is built around a basalt rock face.

Several tasting options are available, including our favorite: the barrel tasting in the Cellar. The winemakers or staff guide a comprehensive tasting—using Riedel stemware—taking samples straight from the barrel and pairing them with light foods. Note: the barrel tasting is available only to groups and by pre-arrangement.

Visitors may request a map and take the self-guided vineyard tour, enjoying the memorable setting as much as its wines.