Our Story
Whitman Hill Winery was born of a shared love of the land and a deep agricultural heritage spanning generations. For the Whitman family, farming has always been more than a livelihood; it is a way of life rooted in stewardship, hard work, and connection to place.
Before establishing Whitman Hill, Scott and Denise Whitman co-owned a winery on Washington’s west side, sourcing grapes from the Yakima Valley and becoming deeply connected to the quality and character of its fruit. Their first wines for that project were made humbly in their garage, a fitting start for a hands-on, family-driven venture that later inspired the Garage wines—a collection at Whitman Hill that reflects the same creativity, determination, and roll-up-your-sleeves spirit. When the opportunity arose in 2020 to acquire property in Zillah, they seized it, choosing to grow and craft wines where the vineyards could be farmed under their own care and vision.
The Whitman Hill crest tells this story in symbols. The intertwined W and H represent the Whitman and Hill families, while three stars honor family and purpose: the North Star for hope and direction, and two smaller stars for their sons, Cole and Bradley. The stag, a symbol shared by both family crests, represents strength, harmony, and renewal, reflecting their connection to nature and the enduring rhythm of harvest.
Whitman Hill Winery stands as a continuation of that legacy, a family-owned estate dedicated to preserving tradition while crafting wines that honor the land.
Winemaking Philosophy
Whitman Hill was founded on the belief that great wines begin with intentional farming and a clear sense of place. We chose Yakima Valley to build a true estate property, and sought out land with the right elevation, orientations, and soils to support a focused, long-term vision.
Our winemaking philosophy follows the same principles that guide our vineyard: intention, precision, and respect for varietal character. Each block is picked and fermented separately to preserve individual nuances, allowing us to craft wines that are balanced, expressive, and unmistakably tied to this site.
Varietal typicity is a rule, not a goal. Cabernet Franc should taste like Cabernet Franc, and Merlot should show structure and grace. We aim for clarity of variety and place rather than heavy-handed cellar influence. Balance drives every decision, from acid and alcohol to fruit and tannin. The wines are built for harmony, with silky, refined textures that deliver both immediate pleasure and graceful longevity.
Centered on Bordeaux varieties, our wines are crafted as single-varietal expressions that showcase the character of our estate. Every decision in the vineyard and cellar is made in pursuit of balance and texture. The result is wines defined by place rather than technique.
