Walt Houser named his Ridgefield, Washington vineyard and winery after the love of his life: his wife, Bethany. Bethany Vineyard grows 15 different varieties of wine grape, all of them suited to southwestern Washington’s cool climate. Bethany Vineyard wines include grapes from the vineyard, which wraps around the winery and tasting room. The other grapes used come from Eastern Washington and go into the making of cabernet sauvignon, Malbec, merlot, and syrah. Preferring to emphasize the taste of the grape, after just seven months in new oak, wine is transferred to older, neutral oak barrels.Then the wine remains in barrels for an additional two years or longer, depending upon the varietal. The result is handcrafted, premium wines, the number 1 seller is Bethany's pinot noir. Inside the tasting room, visitors can see the barrels in the backroom, resting comfortably between racking. During the summer, music and wine lovers alike flock to the winery to enjoy “Music in the Vines” summer concerts featuring local artists. The performances take place next to the winery’s private lake, which is also the setting for many outdoor weddings, held with regularity on weekend
Directions: From I-5 take exit 14 and head east on SR-501 [Pioneer St.]. Continue on S. 5th St. for 1 mile and turn right onto NE 10th Ave. and proceed about .25 miles. Turn left onto NE 259th St. and proceed 1.5 miles. Look for Bethany Vineyard & Winery on the right.
