Our Vineyard Sources
Starting with perfectly grown grapes make my job easier in the cellar as a winemaker.
Fiona S. Mak, Winemaker
Seven Hills Vineyard
We source our Sangiovese grapes from the famed Seven Hills Vineyard. The original vineyard and heart of SeVein, Seven Hills, is one of the first commercial vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley AVA. Seven Hills Vineyard was first planted in 1980 and then expanded in 1989. Norm McKibben purchased this 20-acre old block in 1994 and, in partnership with Gary Figgins, Marty Clubb, and Bob Rupar, expanded Seven Hills Vineyard in 1997 and 1998 to over 200 acres. The three partnering wineries collectively utilize 50 percent of the vineyard fruit, selling grapes to more than 25 other premium wineries.
With an elevation of 850 to 1,050 feet, the site has excellent soil and air drainage and is one of the most technologically advanced in the industry. The vertically trained canopy, controlled cluster spacing and sunlight exposure generates uniform fruit ripeness. Soil moisture is monitored daily by computer with sophisticated drip irrigation scheduled to augment vine development yet limit excessive canopy growth. Yields are strictly controlled to assure ultra-premium quality.
Gamache Vineyard
Our Pinot Gris, Syrah and Cabernet Franc grapes comes from Gamache Vineyard. Our winemaker Fiona believes that this site is perfect for white and Rosé grape growing due to layers of calcium carbonate under the soil aiding in acid and water retention. Gamache sits above the white bluffs overlooking Basin City to the east with 200 acres of wine grapes. The highest elevation is 960 feet with a gentle, mile-long southwestern slope ending at 840 feet. Bordering the east side of the vineyard is a 300-foot drop to the valley floor, towards Basin City.
Sagemoor Vineyards acquired Gamache in 2016 from brothers Bob and Roger Gamache. When the Gamache brothers first located the site in 1980, they asked Dr. Walter Clore to walk the property. After viewing the site, he shared there was “absolutely no reason you can’t grow good quality wine grapes here.” Deeming the land sufficiently blessed, the Gamaches moved forward in a time when there were only about 10 bonded wineries in the state.
In 1982, Gamache planted 20 acres each of Chenin Blanc and Semillon. Riesling was planted in 1983. Gamache still has its original Riesling as well as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Gris, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Viognier.
