Richard Holmes and Paul Vandervort of Cotes de Ciel Wines and Ciel du Cheval Vineyard
To talk about Côtes de Ciel wines, we have to start with the coveted estate Ciel du Cheval Vineyard on Red Mountain. In 1973, engineers Jim Holmes and John Williams purchased land there with the intention of growing wine grapes. No other agricultural endeavor had succeeded in this sea of sagebrush, and there was no road, water, electricity, or building on the mountain. People laughed at the idea of scientists planting anything, but Jim and John were determined. In 1975 they planted to mostly white wine grapes what would become Kiona and Ciel du Cheval Vineyards, two of the finest vineyards in the state today. Their efforts attracted others, and helped to turn what was perceived as an agricultural wasteland into one of the premier wine regions in North America. In this interview, Jim’s son Richard, who manages the vineyard today, talks about what prompted his father to plant on Red Mountain and how people at the time reacted.
Today, Ciel du Cheval grapes are some of the most sought after in the state, and Richard sells to three dozen clients. In 2012, he decided to use a small percentage of grapes to make estate wines that would highlight grape varieties in the vineyard. Most of these Côtes de Ciel wines are single varietal, and some showcase grapes not much seen in Washington, such as Arneis and Nebbiolo. Tasting room manager Paul Vandervort has designed a tasting experience based on his belief that wine tasting is a job interview for the wine. And during a job interview, presentation is all important. Thus each wine in a flight is presented in a glass with a different shape. In this interview, he discusses the effect of glass shape on various wines. If you are looking for a winetasting experience that is fun and educational, Côtes de Ciel in downtown Walla Walla is an ideal place for you. And if you are interested in the grape growing side of things, you can tour the vineyard by contacting Red Mountain Trails. Future plans include building a winery and tasting room at the vineyard.
Listen to the Interview: