Jerry Milbrandt, a pioneer of the Columbia Valley wine region, saw potential in growing and producing world class wines in Eastern Washington. In 1997, he planted our first vineyards and soon became recognized for helping establish two of the top AVA’s in Washington State: Ancient Lake and Wahluke Slope. With our estate vineyards now spanning over 3,000 acres along with our two wine processing facilities, Ancient Lake and Wahluke Wine Company; RM Wineries is focused on 3 things: consistently producing world class Washington State Wines at extraordinary values, furthering consumer education about Washington State Wines, and cultivating strong, long lasting relationships within the industry who share the same passion we have in promoting Washington State Wine!
The Beginning
Our Wineries
Providing one of the most diverse set of wine lists in Washington State,
a true Grape to Bottle Experience.
Wahluke Wine Co.
Developed in 2005, Wahluke Wine Company is focused on small lot, ultra-premium Washington State wines, producing some of the most sophisticated wines in the world at an unrivaled value. With over 80,000 square feet of climate controlled barrel storage, a high speed barrel line, multiple gentle presses, over 3 million gallons of temperature controlled Stainless Steel tanks, and a state-of-the-art bottling line to finish the job, we are one of the most efficient, ultra-premium wineries in the state!
www.wahlukewinecompany.com
Ancient Lake Wine Co.
Built in 2014 by the winemaking team still running the show today, this 100% outdoor wine production facility is one of a kind! Focused on creating premium Washington State wines at an unrivaled value, the 23 acre winery is one of the most efficient in the state. With a large belt driven receiving system to help reduce maceration, multiple gentle presses, over 6 million gallons of temperature controlled Stainless Steel tanks, and a high speed state-of-the-art bottling line, we can process grape to bottle efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of quality.
www.alwinery.com
Our Vineyards
With over 300 days of sunshine, a Rain Shadow Effect producing less than 6 inches of precipitation a year, 50 degree diurnal shift, a volcanic foundation, a series of ancient cataclysmic floods, and the Columbia River, eastern Washington has been cultivated into a one of a kind, world class growing region.
Wahluke Slope AVA
Designated in 2006 and named after a Native American word for “watering place”, the Wahluke Slope is a premier grape growing AVA sitting on a large alluvial fan in Washington State. The AVA lies entirely within the established Columbia Valley appellation and spatially protected by the Columbia River, Saddle Mountains, and Hanford Reach National Monument. With the growing elevations varying between 1,000 to 1,400 feet above sea level, this is one of the warmest AVA’s in the state producing complex, yet structured and balanced wines.
Ancient Lakes of
Columbia Valley AVA
Designated in 2012 and named after a series of thirty-five lakes that dot the area left by the Missoula flood that occurred thousands of years ago. One of Washington’s more northerly appellations, Ancient Lakes AVA sits on a significant deposit of Caliche rock which is great for drainage and helping produce some of the most unique aromatic white wines in the world! Growing elevations range between 1,200 to 1,800 feet above sea level and has a large diurnal shift that help lock in acidity.
www.ancientlakescolumbiavalleyava.com