Chinook Winemaking

Through consistency and a focus on quality, Chinook Wines has become synonymous with a limited amount of highly acclaimed dry wines produced from Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, Semillon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

You can get a glimpse of the time and care that goes into Chinook winemaking by simply stepping foot in the winery. For a winery of Chinook’s size, the equipment is carefully designed and reflects Kay and Clay’s strong winemaking background and focus. They have designed their winemaking process to be extremely efficient; while at the same time all incoming fruit is minimally processed. They believe that cleanliness in a winery is just as important as in your favorite restaurant kitchen. For them, winemaking is all about balancing the natural juxtaposition of sugar, acidity and flavor one finds in Yakima Valley grapes. Extraordinary attention is paid from the instant fruit arrives at Chinook to the moment a finished bottle leaves the winery for your table.

On the average day at Chinook, if there is one, you’d be just as likely to meet Kay pouring in their tasting room or baking loaves of fresh bread as you would to find her racking a tank or putting together trials for a new blend. Clay could be on his way out the door to hand deliver a vanload of wine to the Seattle area, chatting with a local farmer, setting up for a bottling day, or working in the vineyard. The couple’s no nonsense approach to winemaking, grape growing and life in general endears them to all who cross their (busy) path. Their wines are truly a testimony to a winning partnership.