THE STORY - FIRST A VINEYARD

       When Jarrod and Ali Boyle christened their 367 acres of land in the Horse Heaven Hills of Washington, the choice of its name came easily.  Providence played a strong role in the birth of Alexandria Nicole Cellars and its estate vineyard.  Paying tribute to that force – so central to their dream come true – was a natural in the naming of Destiny Ridge Vineyard. 

       Jarrod was born in Prosser and learned the secrets of successful vineyard management as assistant viticulturalist under the tutelage of  Dr. Wade Wolfe when both worked for Hogue Cellars.  It was here that wine grape growing and winemaking became Jarrod's passion. 

       While working for Hogue, Jarrod was in charge of inspecting grapes and making grower recommendations to help grape varietals achieve their desired characteristics.  One day, a routine inspection of a vineyard on Horse Heaven Hills turned into a paradigm shift in Jarrod's career and his life.  It was that day he noticed a nearby piece of barren land, sloping gently to the south, overlooking the Columbia River.  From that moment forward, visions of vineyard blocks danced in Jarrod's head. 

       Soon after, a casual conversation with an old friend led Jarrod to telling the story of his Horse Heaven Hills land discovery and his vision of planting a vineyard there.  Jarrod's friend Rob Mercer (a member of a well-known local farming family) was almost as excited as Jarrod.  The level of shared excitement escalated when Rob realized the land of Jarrod's dream was owned by his father... Bud Mercer.  Before long, the Mercer family joined with the Boyle family and the dream of a vineyard on the hillside... and Destiny Ridge Vineyard was born.  The first vines were planted in the fall of 1998. 

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• Artisan Cheese Plate
• Organic Spring Greens
• Grilled Chicken Caesar

• Antipasto Plate
• Flat Bread Pizza
• Hot Dungeness Crab Dip

Estate Wines and assorted beverages available            

       On the high bluffs overlooking the beautiful Columbia River, an area known as Horse Heaven Hills is home to the 327 acres where Alexandria Nicole's Destiny Ridge Vineyard thrives.  It is here - high on the dominate ridge line - that 15 grape varietals are planted to the 243 acres that comprise the vineyard.  The first vines for Destiny Ridge Vineyard were planted in the fall of 1998, seven years before Horse Heaven Hills was federally authorized as an official American Viticulture Area (AVA).

       Within the vineyard lie four different soil types, each producing unique flavors and characteristics in the specific varietals grown there.  Each terroir proved to have its own message sent through its ripened grapes.  It was here that a passionate man learned patience;  Jarrod Boyle waited with optimistic excitement for the final fruits to come of age.  Having worked with many renowned winemakers, Jarrod learned, through experimentation in his winemaking process, to enhance and reflect the terroir of Destiny Ridge Vineyard in his finished wines. 

        The soils and climatic conditions of Destiny Ridge Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills appellation have shown themselves to favor many wine-grape varietals. Destiny Ridge Vineyard nurtures many of them, including:

       The hills of Destiny Ridge Vineyard are geologic folds in the earth's crust which are responsible for the consistent winds that blow across the land, part of what makes the Horse Heaven Hills' appellation distinct from the large Columbia Valley appellation that surrounds it.  Wind lowers the risk of vineyard disease and pests, while it stresses the vines by drying them out.  Add quick-draining soils of silty loam to the mix of vineyard characteristics, and the need for irrigation becomes even more pronounced.  Drip irrigation is the canopy-management tool of choice to limit the vigor of the vines at Destiny Ridge.

       In addition to its distinctive topography, Destiny Ridge Vineyard benefits from its proximity to the Columbia River.  Although it sits approximately 800 feet above the river, the vineyard is relieved of temperature extremes suffered elsewhere, thanks to the modifying effects of the river (with its stirring of air currents) and the land's slope toward the river (draining cold air away from the vines). 

        All these factors help produce intense-flavored grapes with a structural balance of sugars and acids.  Add to these factors attentive viticulture management, including balanced crop levels and gentle processing of grapes and you have the secrets behind consistently excellent harvests at Destiny Ridge Vineyard.

         Fruit not used for the wines of Alexandria Nicole Cellars is sold to other wineries under contract with Destiny Ridge Vineyard. 

DESTINY RIDGE ESTATE VINEYARD
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Tours and tastings at the estate vineyard Destiny Ridge are available and scheduled by appointment. To schedule your tour,
call 509-242-9979.

The winery located at Destiny Ridge also offers barrel tasting, five-course meals and guided tours through the production facility and by limo through the vineyard.  Please contact Alexandria Boyle for further information and pricing. 

Vineyard tours and barrel tastings are scheduled
by appointment Monday - Saturday between 11 - 5 pm
To schedule yours, call 509-242-9979.