Willow Crest Winery

“It starts in the vineyard,” states the Willow Crest website. It could also say it starts with the snout of a very young winemaking protégé. His name is Victor Palencia, and not long ago he was too young to drink alcohol legally. This created quite a problem at public wine tasting events where he repeatedly had to say “no thanks” to offers of wine samples. However, if you can’t drink it, you can certainly smell it, and that’s precisely what Victor did while learning the winemaking trade and studying at the Institute for Enology and Viticulture at Walla Walla Community College.

However, with the celebration of his 21st birthday, Victor can now taste the fruit of his labor without having to spit. Victor had the good fortune to be mentored along the way by viticulturist and winemaker David Minick, who is the owner of, and driving force behind, Willow Crest Vineyard and Winery. During most of the week, David tends the 185-acre Willow Crest Vineyard. He meticulously manages the vineyard’s canopy, prunes to yield quality grapes, and harvests when the balance of fruit and sugar is just right. Early on, David spotted Victor’s winemaking talent and has mentored him throughout his rookie years to the big leagues. This has freed David from his winemaking duties and allowed him to concentrate on the vineyard.

Visit Willow Crest’s new tasting room in the North Prosser Business Park on Merlot Drive. You’ll discover all the wines of Willow Crest; of particular note is its pinot gris (or “pinot grigio” if you’re feeling Italian) as well as a number of syrahs. While there, you can find out about upcoming events, join the wine club, and sample some amazing wines. Just remember to bring your ID if you look underage.

• 

  Order the book!

  Willow Crest Winery was featured in WineTrails of Washington as part of the Vintner's Village WineTrail on page 352!