Keith Pilgrim

Terra Blanca could be the setting for a Hollywood movie. But it's not—and that's all part of its draw. Unpretentious, with a casual ambiance and most gracious hosts and personnel, it is the small winery experience created on a very large scale. Set on 200 acres, the winery produces over 30,000 cases per year of acclaimed reds, a variety of dry white wines, and a select few dessert and late harvest wines.

A far cry from the 80-acre rattlesnake-infested sagebrush that Terra Blanca owners Keith and ReNae Pilgrim purchased in 1993, this winery does everything on a grand scale — from its newly constructed 55,000 square foot facility to its expansive cave system (the largest in the Northwest), which holds 3,000 barrels.

Nature's Playground for Growing Grapes

Three elements of nature produce the superior estate grapes of Terra Blanca: sun, soil, and micro-climate. Situated on the southwest corner of Red Mountain, the estate basks in intense afternoon sun, which evenly ripens the fruit for an early harvest, while the excellent high carbonate and mineral soils and the day-to-night temperature variations of 30 to 40 degrees produce vinifera grapes displaying concentrated fruit, balance and structure.

Adding the skills of owner/winemaker Keith to the mix results in wines that Wine Spectator calls "beautifully crafted, polished," the Los Angeles Times writes "intense and structured," Wine and Spirits Magazine acclaims "elegant, luscious," the New York Time praises as "harmonious, juicy, finesse" and Bon Appetit reviews as "jammy, dark, exciting potential."

Winemaker from the Age of 6

Keith's inspiration stems from trips he took with his parents to the emerging Napa Valley wine production center in the late 60's through the 70's. Later on, working in vineyard management while earning geology, enology and viticulture degrees, gave him the experience and education to pursue his dream. Working as a geologist, Keith spent over ten years tasting wines along the West Coast, settling upon the Red Mountain area because of its unique soil and climate.

In Keith's words, "Terra Blanca is a very terroir-focused winery and spends a great deal of time and energy in the vineyards. I am a very strong believer that wines are made in the vineyard and simply polished in the winery." While he continues to experiment with new technologies and techniques in winemaking, Keith holds closely to the lessons of classic winemaking.

Tastings Accompanied By Culinary Creations

Set against the backdrop of Red Mountain's lush vineyards and rolling hills, you will be immediately taken by this Mediterranean-influenced villa with its stucco façade and graceful arches that frame the outdoor veranda (perfect for relaxing in the shade during the warmer months).

Inside, the immense fireplace creates a welcoming ambiance (and comfort in the winter months), enhanced by the wood-fired oven and demonstration kitchen where gourmet cheeses and appetizers are offered as complements to the wine.

The tasting room is open daily and winery tours feature a guided excursion into the winery's caves—a "must-see." Guests enjoy awarding winning wines at the exquisite black granite tasting bar. The tasting list also includes reserve and limited editions, which you can indulge in for a small fee.