Wynnwood Cellars, nestled above Duck Lake in the Creston Valley of the Upper Columbia Basin, is a boutique winery founded in 2007 by partners Michael Wigen and Dave Basaraba. Wigen, a third-generation member of the Wynndel Box and Lumber family, brings a passion for fine wines, cultivated from an early age through exposure to high-quality Burgundies. Basaraba, a farmer from southeast Washington who relocated to the Creston Valley in 1987, has extensive experience in viticulture, having planted an experimental vineyard in 2000 to test the region’s potential for wine grapes. Their shared vision and serendipitous partnership—sparked when Wigen revealed he owned the ideal vineyard site Basaraba coveted—led to the creation of Wynnwood Cellars.
The Sirdar Vineyard
The Sirdar Vineyard, located 4 miles north of Wynndel on the east shore of Duck Lake, spans 11 acres on a south-to-southwest sloping hillside at an elevation of 1,755 to 1,870 feet. The site’s mineral-rich, limestone-laden soil, a remnant of ancient oceans and glaciers, imparts a distinctive complexity to the wines, reflecting the unique terroir of what geologists call the “first shores” of North America. The vineyard benefits from the moderating influence of nearby Kootenay and Duck Lakes, with afternoon sun reflecting off the water to enhance grape ripening.
The region’s climate, with 22 inches of annual rainfall and a 170-day growing season, supports dryland grape production.Wynnwood Cellars grows a variety of vinifera grapes, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Their low-technology, minimalist winemaking approach emphasizes vineyard-driven quality, with careful site and clone selection to produce wines that showcase the unique character of the Creston Valley.
Wynnwood Merlot 2021
My friend Terry picked up a bottle of Merlot from Wynnwood Cellars when he was cycling in the Creston area. 2021 was a difficult growing season with wildfire smoke and extreme heat.
This approachable Merlot offers inviting aromas of dark berries, complemented by delicate floral hints and a touch of sage. On the palate, it reveals rich flavors of black cherry, dark plum, leather, and a subtle black pepper spice. Medium-plus in body, this wine features smooth, fine-grained tannins and a well-balanced finish. 88 points.