Barnard Griffin Winery

OK, OK, we’re biased. We love Barnard Griffin. Why? Because it makes fabulous wine! There’s a reason why it won “Winery of the Year” from Wine Press Northwest in 2006. In addition, it has accumulated enough gold and silver medals over the years to start a precious metals company. Accolades aside, Barnard Griffin continues to offer great wine at affordable prices. For example, its Tulip Label cabernet sauvignon sells for $17 a bottle.

Founded in 1983 by Rob Griffin and Deborah Barnard, the winery and tasting room are located in Richland, just off I-82, in the heart of south-central Washington wine country. More than 20 years later, and now producing 65,000 cases of wine annually, Barnard Griffin is the state’s largest family-owned winery. During this time, the focus has doggedly remained on the quality in the bottle. Winemaker Rob Griffin’s boyhood home is Napa Valley, where he grew up surrounded by the burgeoning wine industry. Graduating from the University of California–Davis’ Department of Viticulture & Enology program, Rob understands the science of making wine. His scientific background is at the heart of Barnard Griffin’s success.

Barnard Griffin’s tasting room on Tulip Lane is sandwiched between the Bookwalter and Tagaris wineries. A distinctive clock tower marks the location of the tasting room/winery. During warm weather, a garden patio beckons picnickers to relax for a while and enjoy life’s pleasures. There is often a small crowd to contend with in the tasting room, but the tasting room staff works the audience efficiently and with genuine friendliness. Depending upon supply, Barnard Griffin’s popular “Tulip Label” wines include chardonnay, fumé blanc, riesling, semillon, merlot, syrah, and cabernet sauvignon. For port lovers, check out the syrah port (if available)—it’s one of the more delectable ports in the Northwest. There is a $5 tasting fee for the winery’s limited-production reserve wines (including the syrah port). We heartily recommend springing for it. Why come all this way and deny yourself such a treat?

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  Barnard Griffin Winery was featured in WineTrails of Washington as part of the Tri-Cities WineTrail on page 404!