Maryhill Winery

Maryhill's approach to winemaking is summed up in its motto: Passion. Patience. Balance. The ceaseless dedication of quality has helped the winery grow to the fifteenth largest production in Washington, in a peaceful setting high above the Columbia River.

When Craig and Vicki Leuthold decided to establish the winery, they spent three years looking for the right location and kept coming back to the lower Columbia Gorge due to its unique microclimate of milder winters, which allow for the growth of varietals of grapes that were not widely planted in other parts of the Northwest. They found the ideal spot 750 feet above the Columbia River, and in 2000 they quit their jobs to start Maryhill winery.

Tuscan Style with Views

The beautiful site offers sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood to the west, and it is surrounded by vineyards and cherry and peach orchards. The winery's architecture is reminiscent of a Tuscan villa, with a stucco finish and tile roof. Wine tasting is offered at the 20-foot long turn-of-the-century authentic Brunswick bar featuring carved wood and inset mirrors. A stone fireplace and seating area with leather sofas offer inviting places for guests to enjoy the wines.

Tours of the production facilities and barrel room are available by appointment, and they give guests a basic understanding of the wine production process. A vine-covered arbor invites visitors to relax outdoors from April through October for wine tasting and picnicking from foods that pair well with Maryhill wines, all offered at the self-serve deli.

Estate and Beyond

The Maryhill philosophy of making wine has won the winery more than 400 awards in national and international wine competitions. The winemaker worked at wineries in California, Washington, and Canada's Okanogan region before coming to Maryhill. Approximately 40 percent of the grapes come from estate vineyards surrounding the winery, while some come from far away as the Wahluke Slope. Maryhill makes 17 different varietals of wine in addition to a traditional Port, but it is best known for its Zinfandel.

Maryhill wines may be music to the mouth, and Maryhill brings music to the ears as well. Its 4,000-seat amphitheater offers live music during the summer months features big names such as Bob Dylan; Crosby, Stills and Nash; Don Henley; Willie Nelson and BB King.

Restauranteur's Favorite

Many restaurants sing the praises of Maryhill, including Ron Vansaghi of Heathman Lodge. "We love Maryhill wines at Hudson's restaurant! I have been pouring many of Maryhill's wines here at Hudson's for over six years now and all of them are very well received by our guests."

Mat Hayward of McGrath's Fish House would agree. "I am always on the lookout for great Northwest wines to add to our list. About five years ago I was fortunate to come across the incredible Maryhill Syrah. I was immediately blown away by the quality of the wine and couldn't believe what a tremendous value it was when I learned the price. Since then I have tasted numerous varietals from all the vintages, and they never cease to amaze me."