Kestrel Vintners

The common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is a bird of prey belonging to the falcon family, Falconidae. The bird is often found in the vineyards of Eastern Washington and is considered a great asset to the grape grower.

Located on 3 acres in the Prosser Wine and Food Park (on Lee Road), Kestrel Winery occupies 15,000 square feet comprising production space, barrel area, tasting room and gift shop. The “homey” tasting room brings us here. Outside is a well manicured, landscaped area for picnicking, making it a definite stop along the Prosser WineTrail for unpacking something that goes well with a bottle of Yakima Valley’s finest.

Of course, what’s not to love about a winery whose no. 1 seller is “Lady in Red”? With its distinctive label, the “Lady in Red” and Platinum white series, Kestrel Vintners offers food friendly entry wines in a bottle that you don’t want to throw away. However, visitors can explore a variety of Kestrel wines including their more upscale (you can lay these babies down) wines including the Signature Edition Series or the Winemaker Select Series. Different labels; different price points; different styles – there’s a wine that meets everyone’s palate and wallet.

Ninety percent of the Kestrel wines sold are of the red persuasion, and a large percentage of the fruit comes right from the Kestrel vineyards. This 160-acre site caused Wine Enthusiast (Spring 2003) to exclaim, “A renowned vineyard, one of the ones to look out for in Washington.” The remaining fruit comes from other growers in the Yakima Valley. From these intensely flavored grapes, winemaker Flint Nelson produces 35,000 cases a year.

Incidentally, if you can’t make it to their Prosser tasting room, no worries. They have two other tasting rooms in the state to experience including their Woodinville Warehouse District location and the every popular tourist destination Leavenworth on Front Street.

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  Kestrel Vintners was featured in WineTrails of Washington as part of the Prosser WineTrail North on page 338!