Our Growers

From its inception, Chinook’s mission has been to source the best possible fruit Yakima Valley has to offer from vineyard sites well matched to Kay and Clay’s varietal preferences. Through mutual respect, the couple has cultivated long-term relationships with some of the area’s most accomplished growers. In addition, the Yakima Valley is home to WSU Prosser’s prestigious group of vine and wine researchers, with whom they have many opportunities to interact. Preferring to work outside the confines of traditional acreage or tonnage contracts, Clay communicates Chinook’s preferences and takes a more reserved approach; trusting that his growers know what works best for their particular site.

All of Chinook’s growers are in the Yakima Valley AVA and within approximately 15 miles of the winery. This allows for face-to-face personal relationships, a unique understanding of the year’s weather events, minimal transportation costs and flexibility of picking schedules during harvest. Consequently, the winery is able to source impeccable fruit based on each vineyard’s ideal timeline, not on artificial deadlines. Since 1983, Chinook has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting local agriculture and will always continue to do so.

Colin Morrell- Lonesome Spring Ranch
Dick & Luanne Holden-Boushey- Boushey Vineyards
CHINOOK Estate Vineyard