Thurston Wolfe Winery

Imagine going to a winery that has roads with names like Merlot Drive, Port Avenue, and Cabernet Court! Such is the case at the winery/tasting room for Thurston Wolfe. Few winery owners can boast that their winery is “legendary,” but with wine-industry roots that go back to the mid-’80s, Wade Wolfe and Becky Yeaman can make that claim. Both worked closely with other pioneers in the industry, such as Dr. Walter Clore (considered to be the father of Washington’s modern premium wine grape industry), to create Thurston Wolfe. With a Ph.D. from the University of California at Davis, Wade’s résumé includes stints at Ste. Michelle, Hogue, and Hyatt before he launched his own winery. Now he and Becky devote all of their time to their winery.

To understand Thurston Wolfe is to appreciate its forte for making “non-mainstream” wines. Yes, you can find award-winning Bordeaux and Rhone-style wines at Thurston Wolfe, but don’t pass up the opportunity to enjoy its “JTW” port (named after Wade and Becky’s son), primitivo, petite sirah, sangiovese, lemberger, The Spaniard (a blend of tempranillo, grenache and syrah), and pinot gris–viognier (“PGV”). Of course, with only 3,000 cases produced annually, the winery tends to sell out quickly. Don’t expect all varietals to be available when you visit the winery.

Located in the Vintner’s Village just off I-82, the Thurston Wolfe winery features a contemporary design and a spacious tasting room. A large fireplace provides a warm and cozy environment during the winter, and the extra-long wine bar offers extra elbowroom for weekend crowds. One of Becky’s roles is that of managing the tasting room, and she is there most days. With her wealth of knowledge about the wine industry in Yakima Valley, she entertains, informs, and pours, all with an engaging manner.

FYI, after you have sampled Thurston Wolfe’s “PGV,” don’t forget to ask B.Y. about the Rattlesnake Hills AVA before you taste the “JTW.”

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  Thurston Wolfe Winery was featured in WineTrails of Washington as part of the Vintner's Village WineTrail on page 354!