· Our Vineyard ·

Nearly all of our grapes come from our estate Minnick Hills Vineyard. 

 

History

Minnick Hills Vineyard was planted by Jay DeWitt from 1999 through 2001 on ground that the Minnick family has owned for over a century.  Jay’s family has been farming this piece of ground along with the Minnicks since the 1960s.  

 

Orientation

The vineyard lies 2 miles north of Walla Walla at the point where the valley transitions to rolling hills.  Elevation is between 1050 and 1200 feet, and the land slopes to the south and west.

 

Soil Composition

The soil is extremely diverse.  A healthy dose of volcanic ash that was deposited following the eruption of Mt. Mazama 7700 years ago dominates the bottom portion of the vineyard soil.  This eruption formed the caldera in Southern Oregon now known as Crater Lake.  At a depth of three feet there is a layer of undisturbed ash that is 6 inches thick. This soil has the same texture and smell as ash cleaned out of a fireplace. 

 

Loess deposited by wind provides topsoil for the hillside and at the top of the hill lies a knob of clay.  It is rare to find such a diversity of soil types in one spot, which is why Jay & Doug can make an exceptionally complex wine from a single vineyard.

 

Soil Conservation

The Minnicks and DeWitts believe in conserving soil, which is why the vineyard has been managed without any tillage since it was planted.  This is the best way to keep the soil in place and reduce the use of fossil fuels.

 

Air Drainage & Irrigation

The site also has excellent air drainage, which reduces the risk of frost damage.  Rainfall averages 16 inches annually, so a small amount of supplemental irrigation is provided via drip system.  

 

Because of the diversity of soil and differences in the microclimates—from the top of the hill to the bottom—the vineyard must be closely managed.  Jay’s experience with this particular piece of ground began while changing sprinkler pipes when he was 12 years old, and this experience and respect for the terroir can be tasted in the wines produced at Dumas Station.

 

Hand Picking

We rely on hand labor for vineyard operations and are fortunate to have a very stable group of workers.  The core group has been here since the vineyard was planted, and they understand what it takes to grow and harvest the highest quality grapes.

 

 Minnick Hills Vineyard referenced by Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance