Our Story

Hamilton Cellars vineyard
How It All Started

From Dream to Reality

Our story is one of perseverance and determination, fueled by a shared passion for wine. Despite numerous setbacks and challenges, we refused to give up on our dream of owning a winery. Through hard work and dedication, we found our home on Red Mountain and built a winery that reflects our commitment to quality and sustainability. We are proud to share our wines with you and hope that they bring as much joy to your life as they do to ours.

2006
2006-2011
2014
NOW

A Sip & A Dream

Hamilton Cellars was born on a beautiful spring day in 2006 when we shared a perfect moment of tranquility and peace while drinking Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. After deciding to start our own winery, we began the search for a place to call home. However, we faced challenges due to strange and strict zoning laws in the area. After a failed attempt to build on a 23-acre parcel in West Richland, we had to find another location.

Grit & Determination

After our first two attempts to find a location failed, we converted an office building we owned in Queensgate Village into our tasting room and renovated a former beer distribution warehouse into a wine production facility. In January of 2011, we opened our tasting room and received an occupancy permit on the production building.

A Dream Realized

As wonderful as the tasting room in Richland was, it had always been our dream to own a vineyard on Red Mountain. In September 2014, we opened the new winery on Red Mountain, which is now home to our tasting room, production facility, and 10 acres of estate grapes. We are excited about having all estate red wines, starting with the 2017 vintage. Our new facility is also the only Net Zero solar winery in Washington State—something we're very proud of!

Present Day

With their new space on Red Mountain, we can now host weddings and special events, and we even have a dedicated space for our wine club members. Our premier landscaping and spectacular view make it perfect for any outdoor celebration, and we are looking forward to hosting many more events in the future.

 
Sip, Savor, and Relax

Our Source Vineyards

We are fortunate to live in the middle of the Columbia Valley, home of the finest vineyards in Washington state. All our wines are sourced within 35 miles of our tasting room.

  • Gamache Vineyards

    Located atop the White Bluffs of Columbia Valley, this vineyard is also part of Sagemoor Vineyards group. This is our Rosé vineyard.

  • Ciel du Cheval

    One of the top vineyards in Washington State, and almost old vine status, we pull some Merlot every once in a while from this vineyard.

  • Kiona Vineyards

    Located just one mile from us are these wonderful Red Mountain neighbors. We usually source one of our white wines from them.

  • Champoux Vineyard

    Located in the Horse Heaven Hills, this has been named one of the top five vineyards in the state by Wine Enthusiast magazine. 

  • Bel Tramonto Vineyard

    This is our Estate Vineyard on Red Mountain overlooking the lower Yakima Valley. Its name is Italian for "beautiful sunset."

  • Scootney Flats

    A south-facing gradual slope on the famous Red Mountain AVA next to Ciel du Cheval. Located about 1-2 miles from us.

  • Red Heaven

    A vineyard up the street from us on Red Mountain. We usually pull our Syrah from here.

  • Weinbau Vineyards

    On the slopes of the mighty Columbia River, it's part of Sagemoor Vineyards. These grapes got us as high as a 96-point rating. 

Hamilton Cellars winemaker
Sip, Savor, and Relax

Our Winemaker

Charlie Hoppes, our winemaker, was named Winemaker of the Year at Seattle Magazine's Eighth Annual Wine Awards.

Anyone familiar with the Washington wine industry knows that Charlie is regarded as one of the nation's finest winemakers. After graduating from UC Davis in 1988, Charlie has spent the past 30 + years as a leading winemaker for several noted Washington wineries. Charlie has now worked with us on 10 vintages, and we look forward to the many vintages to come.