Excellence starts in the vineyards and extends to our

Excellence starts in the vineyards and
extends to our wineries, carried out by
our vineyard stewards and winemakers
who are in constant pursuit of besting
their last vintages.
Index
Northwest Vineyards and Estates
The heart and soul of Precept Wine’s production are in the winemaking regions of Washington, Oregon and Idaho,
where ideal soils, extensive sunlight and warm days with cool nights make for some of the best wines in the world.
Our grapes are sourced from a combination of owned and contracted vineyards throughout the Northwest which
allow our winemakers to select from the finest vineyards to make the highest quality wine.
3-4 – Introduction
Northwest Vineyards and Estates
Vineyards and Winery Stewardship
5-7 – Washington State
Appellation Map
Appellations Overview
Why Washington Wine?
8-13 – Our Washington vineyards
Alder Ridge
Canoe Ridge
Willow Crest, Canyon Vineyard Ranch
Waterbrook Estate Vineyard, The Benches, Phil Church, Whiskey Canyon,
Nine Canyon
14-17 – Our Washington Wineries
Willow Crest – focus on aromatics
Alder Ridge, Canoe Ridge, Waterbrook
VINEYARDS (Precept Wine & Baty Family owned) TOTAL ACREAGE / 3,746
18-21 – Oregon
Appellation Map and Facts
Battle Creek, Waldo Hills, Roe and Howell Prairie vineyards
Winery: 12th and Maple
22-26 – Idaho
Appellation Map
Idaho Wine Facts
Sawtooth and Skyline Vineyards
Sawtooth Winery
Ste. Chapelle Winery
2
Washington
Oregon
Idaho
Washington Acres: 2,698
Oregon Acres: 578
Idaho Acres: 470
WASHINGTON VINEYARDS
Columbia Valley
Phil Church
Horse Heaven Hills
Alder Ridge
The Benches
Nine Canyon
Canoe Ridge Estate
Walla Walla Valley
Waterbrook Estate Vineyard
Yakima Valley
Canyon Vineyard Ranch
Willow Crest Estate
Whiskey Canyon
OREGON VINEYARDS
Willamette Valley
Howell Prairie
Waldo Hills
Battle Creek
Ribbon Ridge
Roe Vineyard
IDAHO VINEYARDS
Snake River Valley
Skyline
Sawtooth Estate
3
Vineyards and winery Stewardship
Conservation in our wineries and vineyards
Environmentally responsible practices—from vine to bottle—
cannot be overlooked. It’s good for the earth and good for our
wines. Led by our VP of Operations Ben Hummer and VP
of Vineyards David J. Minick, just some of our stewardship
includes:
Ben Hummer,
SVP of Operations
Dave Minick,
VP of Vineyards
Vineyard
stewardship:
Winery
stewardship:
• Soil moisture measurement to cut water
waste
• Deficit irrigation to concentrate energy on the
fruit, saving water
• Use of drip irrigation for continued efficiency
and conservation
• Field monitoring for pest damage to make
careful, integrated decisions only when
intervention is required
• Growing on our own rootstock for heartier,
more sustainable vines wherever possible
• Use of environmentally friendly pest control
agents
• Operating low impact vehicles in the
vineyards, e.g. ATVs and motorbikes.
• Hot water conservation and efficient tank heating
systems
• Use of fluorescent bulb lighting to maintain cooler
temperature and scale down wattage use
• Employee training on water conservation practices
• Cellar hose nozzles help to control water waste
• Water efficient landscaping (natives, xeriscapes in
some cases) on our grounds
• Waste pond aeration pumps for efficiency and
oxygenation - cleaner
• Recycling glass, paper, cardboard, bulbs, aluminum,
batteries and corks
• Repurposing leftover grape pumice for fertilizer and
livestock feed
• Re-usable packaging and low-waste collateral
materials
• Employing local and regional vendors where
possible to reduce road miles/emissions
4
Washington State
WASHINGTON’S GROWING REGIONS
Columbia Valley – established 1984
• Washington’s largest growing region- totaling one third of the state’s land mass.
• Contains 99% of wine grapes grown statewide – 40,050 acres.
• Leading varietals: Riesling, Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Columbia Valley also includes sub-AVAs Red Mountain, Yakima and Walla Walla Valleys, Wahluke Slope,
Rattlesnake Hills, Horse Heaven Hills, Snipes Mountain, Naches Heights and Lake Chelan.
• Precept Sources From: Black Rock, Goose Ridge
Washington State
Why Washington Wine?
· Washington wines have received more 90+ scores than other leading wine regions at a value price.
· Washington’s growth is EXPLOSIVE
o 2nd largest wine producer in the US
o Growing from 150 to 750+ wineries in the last 10 years.
o Washington wine sales are growing faster than all other major categories (Table Wine, Domestic & Imports).
o Washington wines are sold in all 50 states and more than 40 countries.
· The Future – while California is experiencing grape shortages, Washington has the ability to double its
vineyard acreage.
Washington Wine Boasts Top Scores and Value
Yakima Valley – established 1983
• Washington’s first federally- recognized appellation; includes more than 60 wineries.
• Contains 16,042 acres; on third of the state’s vineyards
• Leading varietals: Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Riesling and Syrah increasing significantly in acreage
• Precept-owned Vineyard: Canyon Vineyard Ranch, Willow Crest, Phil Church, Nine Canyon
• Precept vineyard sourced: A & R, Oasis, Willard
Washington*
Oregon
France
Italy
California
*Wine Spectator, January 2012
Horse Heaven Hills – established 2005
• Located in Southeast Washington – 10,130 acres of planted grapes; 25% of Washington’s total grape
production.
• Leading varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling and Syrah
• The source of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd “100 - point” wines in Washington State.
• Precept owned vineyards: Alder Ridge (800 planted acres), Canoe Ridge, The Benches
Walla Walla Vineyards – established 1984
• Grape growing began in the 1850s by Italian immigrants.
• Nearly 100 wineries and more than 1,600 acres of vineyards; crosses into Oregon.
• Leading varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Syrah.
• Precept-owned vineyards: Waterbrook Estate Vineyard (85 planted acres)
• Precept-sourced vineyards: Pepper Bridge, Mirage
More Washington State American Viticultural Areas:
• Wahluke Slope – 81 acres planted; AVA established 2006; 20 vineyards
• Rattlesnake Hills – 1,566 acres planted; AVA established 2006; 17 wineries, 29 vineyards
• Red Mountain – 1,199 acres planted; AVA established in 2001; 15+ wineries
• Snipes Mountain- 759 planted acres; AVA established 2009; 6 wineries
• Columbia Gorge- 500 acres planted; AVA established 2004; includes Washington & Oregon with
more than 20 wineries.
• Puget Sound - 69 acres planted; AVA established 1995; 45 wineries
• Lake Chelan – 227 planted acres; AVA established 2009; 20+ wineries
• Naches Heignts– 40 acres planted; AVA established in 2011
• Ancient Lakes - 1,399 acres planted; AVA established 2012; The 13th AVA in WA State
6
% of 90+ point Wines
3 Yr Avg
48%
44%
40%
34%
33%
Avg Price 90+ point Wines
3 Yr Avg
$42 (*Precept Wine average: $22)
$49
$64
$70
$91
ABOUT WASHINGTON WINE COUNTRY:
Washington State Wine Facts:
· Located in the Northwest corner of the United
States, Washington State has the same latitudes as
leading wine grape growing regions in France.
· Washington wine country lies in the sunlit region
in the eastern part of the state. The low rainfall,
warm days and cool nights create ideal growing
conditions.
· Diurinal Shift - Day to Night Temperature
Variability: Washington State has some of the most
dramatic temperature fluctuations in the world
resulting in added freshness and balance.
· Soil – loess, basalt, clay, silt, loam, sandy loam.
o The vine-killing aphid, Phylloxera, cannot travel
in sandy soils to reproduce, leaving Washington
remarkably free of this common vineyard pest,
providing natural disease control and vine longevity.
• Original Rootstocks. Vinifera wine grapes are
primarily grown on their own root stocks, which
support healthier vines and consistent quality.
·
·
·
·
Total number of wineries: 750 +
Total number of grape growers: 350 +
Total planted acres: 43,000 +
Grapes planted: 30 + varieties;
55% white to 45% red.
· Total number of AVAs: 12
· Wine production: 12 million cases
7
Our Washington Vineyards
Alder Ridge Vineyard
Our Washington Vineyards
Canoe Ridge Vineyard
Alder Ridge Vineyard
Appellation: Horse Heaven Hills
Planted Vineyard Acres: More than 800 acres.
Canoe Ridge Vineyard
Appellation: Horse Heaven Hills
Planted Vineyard: 143
Alder Ridge is one of the state’s largest and most coveted
vineyards, on a rolling plain set atop a steep bluff above the
Columbia River. Its first vines were planted 1997. Natural
wind and air drainage protects the vines from the dramatic
weather changes, both in the summer and winter. Alder Ridge
is known for exceptional long hang time, with a moderating effect of the river on summer heat spikes and
winter freezes, giving the Cabernet for which the vineyard is known tougher skins and firm tannins.
Planted in 1989, Canoe Ridge Vineyard gently slopes five
miles toward the east and west from its 910-foot peak along the
Columbia River.
Planted Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Syrah, and specialty vines totaling 28
varieties, including some of Washington’s most sought-after Rhone varieties.
Soil: Bone-dry desert averaging four inches of annual rainfall. Sandy soil.
Planted Varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc
Soils: On Canoe Ridge, the sandy loam ranges in depth from eighteen inches to five feet. This mixture
allows the vine roots to drill deep for nutrients while providing excellent drainage. Here, vines
grow on their own roots and can ensure the grape’s true varietal character, in part thanks to
below freezing winters that thwart Phylloxera destruction (common in France and California).
Topography: Elevation ranges from 300 to 1,000 feet. South facing, differing slopes offer a wide
range of exposure offerings. Considered a warmer vineyard site, it is usually one of the last
vineyards to be picked, mostly because of the dramatic dips in temperature at night in fall.
Topography: The vineyard is located at a wide expanse of the Columbia River, which moderates the
vineyard temperature in both summer and winter. During winter, the moderating effects of the
river keep Canoe Ridge an average of 10 degrees warmer than other parts of the Columbia
Valley.
Interesting fact: Some of the state’s boutique wineries have a history of sourcing from Alder Ridge,
including Forgeron, Januik, Syneline, Rulo, Betz Family, Ross Andrew, our own Alder Ridge, Six Prong, Pendulum and Apex Cellars.
Interesting fact: Canoe Ridge is said to have inherited its name from explorers Lewis & Clark.
During their 1805 exploration, someone remarked that the nearby ridge resembled
an overturned canoe.
101 Columbia Ridge Rd. Prosser, WA 99350
8
221608 S. Sandpiper PRSW, Paterson, WA 99345
9
Our Washington Vineyards
Willow Crest Estate Vineyard
Willow Crest Estate Vineyard
Appellation: Yakima Valley
Planted Vineyard: 300
The Minick family has been growing vinifera grapes since 1982. Their
Willow Crest Estate Vineyard boasts older and newer phases of planting
for continued, vigorous production.
Planted Varieties: Predominantly Riesling and Pinot Gris, supplemented by Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Gewurztraminer.
Topography: The Willow Crest Estate Vineyard is at 1,300-feet elevation. Elevation and sloping ensure an advantage when the cold winter days hit. A warmer temperature difference of up to 15 degrees from other AVAs is not uncommon. The infamous winter of 2003 hit some record lows in the Yakima Valley with some areas reporting -17 Fahrenheit. Fortunately, because of elevation and sufficient air drainage, the temperatures at the Willow Crest Vineyard only dipped as low as -3 Fahrenheit.
Soils: Silt loam and fractured basalt rock.
Deficit Irrigation: Drip systems only use 30 percent of the water that overhead sprinklers require.
Throughout the growing season, we control the vigor of the vine by restricting water flow, “deficit
irrigation.” This controls the growth of the canopy and lets the vines concentrate on producing
quality grapes. Willow Crest Estate Vineyard is part of the Roza Irrigation district at the
northernmost area of Prosser.
Growing Seasons: Minick Vineyard Riesling and Pinot Gris have a relatively long growing season as the vineyard
sits at a higher elevation than most in the Yakima Valley. This allows the fruit to be slightly cooler during
the hotter months of the growing season and pushes the ripening to the end of October where most vineyards
have harvested a month earlier to avoid frost; all of these factors lead to naturally bright acidity.
Our Washington Vineyards
Canyon Vineyard Ranch
Canyon Vineyard Ranch
Appellation: Yakima Valley AVA
Planted Vineyard: 300+
Formerly known as Snipes Canyon Ranch, the 500-acre parcel
we know today is a combination of a prolific apple and cherry
orchard run by Bob Stiles and vineyards planted as early as
1982 by Keith Klingele. More than 300 planted acres boast
vinifera grapes, the oldest of which are on the east side.
Planted Varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Syrah and Malbec among many others.
Elevation range: 950-1,180 feet
Soil and Irrigation: Sandy loam, utilizing deficit irrigation, working with Sunnyslope Valley
Irrigation District (lower) and the Roza Canal Irrigation District (upper).
Interesting fact: Canyon Vineyard Ranch is also the heart of Precept Wine’s education center and
corporate retreat. Former farmer and owner Bob Stiles still resides there and welcomes wine
and spirits industry professionals who visit the property by appointment for wine education.
1805 N Crow Road, Prosser, WA
Interesting Fact: This vineyard’s Riesling has been an anchor for one of the highest-rated Washington Rieslings and is one of Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Rieslings.
10
135701 West Snipes Road, Prosser WA
11
Our Washington Vineyards
Our Washington Vineyards
Waterbrook Estate Vineyard
Whiskey Canyon Vineyard
Whiskey Canyon Vineyard
Appellation: Yakima Valley
Planted Vineyard: 90+
Whiskey Canyon Vineyard is located adjacent to Silver Lake Winery in Zillah, Washington. This vineyard has received
several industry awards for its premium grapes.
Planted Varieties: Reserve quality Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling and Chardonnay.
Waterbrook Estate Vineyard
Appellation: Walla Walla Valley
Planted Vineyard: 85 acres
Year Planted: 2009
Our newest vineyard, these estate-grown grapes are grown
primarily for Waterbrook, Walla Walla’s fourth founding winery.
Originally homesteaded by Uriah Corkrum in the Spring Valley,
sprigs of wheat still perk up from the ground at will. Vineyards
have reigned here since the mid 1990s, but the wheat still reminds
us it was there first.
Terroir: Critics such as Paul Gregutt have written that the area’s wines share and display terroir-driven
flavors distinct from those elsewhere in Walla Walla. He writes in in his book, Washington Wines
& Wineries, “Intense, almost syrupy berry flavors are augmented by streaks of sweet herb, grass,
leaf and bark—grace notes, if you will, that characterize this unique site.” Others add that
fresh-cut wheat and hay notes are laced throughout the Spring Valley area’s wines.
Topography: A southern exposure, with both east and western ridge draws, maximizes sunlight for
optimal warmth. In deeper ridges dry-land wheat still grows, which in summer, creates a bright
flaxen reflection that generates heat for vine ripening.
Soil: The vineyard enjoys 300-foot-deep silt loam with remarkably little sand in its composure;
a sticky. wet texture holds moisture exceptionally well. When paired with the diurnal shift--hot
days and long, cool nights, which capture great acids and sugars—the result is concentrated and
well-pronounced flavor.
Planted Varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.
Interesting Fact: The vineyard is a long-term lease from the Derby family; it neighbors their lauded
Spring Valley Vineyard. 2012 marks Precept Wine’s first harvest.
Irrigation and topography: Whiskey Canyon Vineyard is situated in a deep canyon below a large basin. Cold air
from the basin drains into Whiskey Canyon. Bitter cold has been known to whip through in winter. The
fact that the vineyard is still there after 25 years speaks to the climate of the Yakima Valley.
Interesting fact: Many of our favorite Best Buy awarded Washington Hills Merlots have included fruit from Whiskey Canyon Vineyard.
1500 block of Vintage Road, Zillah, WA
Phil Church Vineyard
Phil Church Vineyard
Appellation: Yakima Valley AVA
Planted Vineyards: 200
Located along the banks of the Roza Irrigation canal near Sunnyside, Washington at 1,100 feet, Phil Church Vineyard
is ideal for growing white varietals. The cool site causes these grapes to ripen later in the season, with higher natural acidity and vibrant fruit characters. It was first planted in 1979.
Varieties: Riesling, Semillon, Chenin Blanc, Muscat Canelli, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Interesting Fact: Phil Church Vineyard is named after the vineyard co-founder and University of Washington
meteorology professor who recognized the excellent vinifera grape growing potential in eastern
Washington during the late 1950s. Using his analysis, the founders began experimenting with European
varietals in the state, opening doors for Washington wine.
2300 block of Holmason Rd, Sunnyside, WA
1600 block of Corkrum Road, Walla Walla, WA
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13
Our Washington Wineries
Willow Crest Winery
Willow Crest Winery – Prosser, WA
Our Washington Wineries
Alder Ridge Winery
Alder Ridge Winery-Prosser, WA
Willow Crest Winery was founded in 1995 by David J. Minick, a longtime grape grower in the Yakima Valley. The Minick
Family first planted wine grapes on their Roza farm, north of Prosser in 1982. Focusing on aromatic white wines such as
Pinot Gris and Riesling, Willow Crest Winery uses estate-grown fruit that the winemaking team can monitor each step of the
winemaking process. This attention and care to the grape is expressed in every bottle of Willow Crest wine.
Wines produced at Alder Ridge winery are carefully crafted in the heart of Horse Heaven Hills. Many of them
are created with handpicked fruit from the most premium sites within the adjacent estate vineyard, the wines are
made in small batches with amazing balance and complexity.
Crush capacity: 1,500 tons
Total production capability: 90,000 cases
Barrel capacity: No Barrels
Fermentation tanks: 1,000 to 36,000 gallon
Crush capacity: 500 tons
Total production capability: 30,000 cases
Barrel capacity: 1,800
Fermentation tanks: small red wine fermenters (1,000 to 6,000 gallon)
Unique production tools:
• Cross Flow filtration for more gentle and efficient wine filtration.
• Centrifuge equipment to remove solids quickly from wines
‘Best Practices’ used to achieve consistent quality:
• General sanitation practices allow us to maintain the cleanest wineries in
Washington
• World class bottling QC program that standardizes our sanitation,
start-up, production standard checks, and shut down procedures.
Technology:
• Orion Wine Software allows our winemaking team to issue and track
work orders efficiently and to ensure that additions, wine movements and
blending are error free.
Long-term plans to continue improving quality:
• Continue to develop and implement best farming practices at the Estate
vineyard
• Dedication to continued industry research and development.
Strengths of the production team:
• Winemaker and Founder Dave Minick is laser-focused on white wine
production and leads a experienced team to produce word-class wines.
• Aromatics have been lauded by Robert Parker, Wine Enthusiast, Wine
Press Northwest and are noted for surpassing the competition for quality
to price value.
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Unique production tools:
• Double hand sorting tables.
• Small 2-ton fermenters with glycol quick-connects allow for micro control during small lot
fermentations.
‘Best Practices’ used to achieve consistent quality:
• General sanitation practices allow us to maintain the cleanest wineries in Washington
• Small lot fermentations to keep vineyard blocks isolated.
• World class bottling QC program that standardizes our sanitation, start-up, production standard
checks, and shut down procedures.
Technology:
• Orion Wine Software allows our winemaking team to issue and track work orders efficiently and
to ensure that additions, wine movements, and blending are accurate.
Long-term plans to continue improving quality:
• Continue to develop and implement best farming practices at the Estate vineyard
• Dedication to continued industry research & development.
Strengths: A talented and dedicated team with the advantage of its cosseted estate fruit.
15
Our Washington Wineries
Canoe Ridge Winery
Our Washington Wineries
Waterbrook Winery
Canoe Ridge Vineyard Winery – Walla Walla, WA
Founded in 1994 in Walla Walla, Canoe Ridge Vineyard has established an iconic reputation for sourcing wines
directly from the estate vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills. Led by winemaker Bill Murray, the winery is focused
on Bordeaux varietal production with emphasis on Merlot. A majority of the cooperage is French oak to add soft
toasted notes as the wines age. The wines are made with structure and softness – Iron fist in a velvet glove.
• Crush capacity: 1,200 tons
• Total production capability: 70,000 cases
• Barrel capacity: 3,000
• Fermentation tanks: various, ranging from 1,000 to 6,000 gallons
• Presses: Europress EHP 5000 & Diemme Press AR80 MS-C
• Bottling line: Multi-functional premium line with 65 bottle/minute ability
Waterbrook Winery – Walla Walla, WA
Founded in 1984 in the heart of Walla Walla, Washington, Waterbrook is recognized for producing wines that
truly exemplify the outstanding vineyard sources in the Columbia Valley. The winemaking philosophy underscores
fruit-forward, food-friendly wines at an exceptional value. From vineyard to bottle, every detail of production is
completed by a dedicated team lead by winemaker John Freeman.
· Total production capability: 350,000 cases (Waterbrook-currently 75,000)
· Barrel capacity: 10,000
· Fermentation tanks: 60 (1,000 – 3,000 gallon)
· Bottling line: Multi-functional high-speed, 100 bottles/minute
Unique production tools:
Unique production tools:
· Cross Flow filtration for more gentle and efficient wine filtration.
· Automated barrel racking station allows for efficient and thorough racking and sanitation
· Centrifuge equipment to remove solids quickly from wines
‘Best Practices’ used to achieve consistent quality:
‘Best Practices’ used to achieve consistent quality:
· General sanitation practices allow us to maintain the cleanest wineries in Washington
· World class bottling QC program that standardizes our sanitation, start-up, production standard checks, and
shut down procedures.
Technology:
Technology:
· State-of the art lab that includes equipment that most wineries don’t have (alcoholizer, spectrometer, etc),
allowing our winemaking team full in-house diagnostics to react quickly and maximize wine quality.
· Orion Wine Software allows our winemaking team to issue and track work orders efficiently and to ensure
that additions, wine movements and blending are error free.
• Cross Flow filtration for more gentle and efficient wine filtration.
• Automated barrel racking station allows for efficient and thorough racking and sanitation
• Centrifuge equipment to remove solids quickly from wines
• General sanitation practices allow us to maintain the cleanest wineries in Washington
• World class bottling QC program that standardizes our sanitation, start-up, production standard checks,
and shut down procedures.
• State-of-the-art lab that includes equipment (alcoholizer, spectrometer, etc). This allows us to run tests
ourselves and get results right away rather than having to send samples out, allowing our winemaking team to react quickly and maximize wine quality.
• Orion Wine Software allows our winemaking team to issue and track work orders efficiently and to ensure
that additions, wine movement, and blending are accurate.
Long-term plans to continue improving quality:
• Continue to develop and implement best farming practices at the Estate vineyard
• Continued collaborative efforts with growers in the Horse Heaven Hills and Wine Growers Association
• Dedication to continued industry research & development.
Strengths of your production team:
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• Experienced and talented winemaking team led by Bill Murray.
Long-term plans to continue improving quality:
· Continue to develop better and more consistent fruit sourcing
· Dedication to continued industry research & development.
Strengths of the production team:
· Consistent cellar crew. The average number of years of service in the cellar is 8 years. We also have three
employees who have been with Waterbrook for 15 years.
· Talented, experienced winemaking team led by John Freeman
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Oregon Vineyards
Why Oregon wine?
• Perfect Climate for Pinot - Oregon is loaded with great growing sites west of the Cascade mountain
range. This location retains the long, cool growing season that thin-skinned Pinot
grapes need to fully ripen. The Red Jory soil is rich, and water abounds.
• We know Pinot (Noir & Gris) and do it well! – Oregon is prolific in producing top-scoring Pinot
Noir and Pinot Gris, the two most widely planted red and white varietals in the state.
• Acclaim – Although (in the world scope) Oregon represents a fraction of the total Pinot Noir
production, it has soared in its 90-point + acclaim, proportionately outscoring other areas.
• Well-established - The first post-Prohibition vineyards were planted in Oregon in 1961, and David
Lett planted the first Willamette Valley Pinot Noir in 1965.
• Soils– The Willamette Valley’s old, volcanic and sedimentary seabed, overlaid with gravel, silt, rock and
boulders was brought by the glacial floods and debris. Red Jory soil, the most common found above
300 feet, provides excellent drainage for superior quality wine grapes.
OREGON AVAs
Willamette Valley AVA– established 1984
• Oregon’s largest AVA
• Planted vineyard acres: 12,000
• Over 200 wineries
• Leading varietals: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling
• Includes sub-appellations: Dundee Hills, Eola- Amity Hills, McMinnville, Yamhill-Carlton and the
most recent – Ribbon Ridge, Chehalem Mountains.
• Precept-owned vineyards: Battle Creek (85 acres, 100% Pinot Noir), Howell Prairie (280 acres: 30
acres Pinot Gris, 250 acres Pinot Noir), Waldo Hills Vineyard (230 acres, 100% Pinot Noir)
• Precept Vineyard Sourced: Willakia, Gran Moraine, Roserock, Zena Crown
Ribbon Ridge AVA – established 2005
• Ridge-top location makes it slightly warmer than the surrounding valleys.
• Sub appellation to Willamette Valley.
• Planted acres: 350
• Total number of wineries: 5
• Total number of vineyards: 20
• Leading varietals: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay
• Precept-owned Vineyard: Roe Vineyard (70 acres, 100% Pinot Noir)
Total AVAs in Oregon: 16
Oregon Wine Facts
ABOUT OREGON WINE COUNTRY
•
•
•
•
• Over 72 grape varieties planted in Oregon.
• Winemakers focusing on 15 varietals, which
make up 97% of Oregon’s acreage.
• Oregon Wine Country predominantly
stretches down the western side of the state
down to the California border.
• Soil – volcanic, basalt, loess, sedimentary,
silt, clay, sandstone, metamorphic.
Total number of AVAs: 16
Total number of wineries: 300 +
Famed for Pinot Noir & Pinot Gris
3rd largest number of wineries in the United
States
• 4th largest producer of wine in United States
• Precept Wine holdings make it one of the
largest producers in Oregon.
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Oregon Vineyards
Our Oregon Wineries
Willamette Valley AVA Vineyards
12th & Maple Winery
Willamette Valley AVA Vineyards:
Battle Creek Vineyard
This Pinot Noir vineyard is located in the mid-Willamette River Basin, on the southeast side of Salem in Marion
County, Oregon. The first harvest took place in 2002.
• 110+ Acres, first planted in 2000
• Battle Creek is the company’s first vineyard established in Oregon in 2001 and features 20
different clone/rootstock combinations and has matured to become a producer of high quality
Pinot Noir.
• Located on a south facing slope, it is in a “sweet spot” growing elevation for Pinot Noir (at its
highest 620 ft and lowest 450 ft)
• Varieties: Pinot Noir
Howell Prairie
• First planted in 2008
• 280 planted acres: 250 Pinot Noir and 30 acres of Pinot Gris
• Featuring 2,000 plants per acre, almost twice the number of plants of a high density planting
Waldo Hills
• First planted in 2009
• 230 acres (all Pinot Noir)
• Set on a south facing hill, it is a prime spot for Pinot Noir
Ribbon Ridge AVA Vineyard: Roe Vineyard
• First planted in 2008
• 144 acres (70 acres planted )
• Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir
• Sits on the Wilamette’s northernmost wine growing area near the river
Sustainable practices in our Oregon vineyards:
• All of our Oregon vineyards are LIVE Certified, an acronym meaning Low Input Viticulture
and Enology. This refers to the practice of limiting the amount of raw materials (inputs such as
pesticides, fertilizer, water, chemicals, fuel, etc.) used in vineyard production.
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12th & Maple Winery – Dundee, OR
Originally a processing facility for Oregon-grown hazelnuts, the 12th & Maple Winery, whose first
crush was in 2005, is located in the heart of Willamette Valley wine country where Pinot Noir is king.
Designed to be a “winery within a winery,” there are unique small-lot production capabilities specifically
crafted for Pinot Noir.
The 78,000-square-foot facility employs state-of-the-art equipment yet uses age-old winemaking
techniques. All wines are made with individual care using a gentle French press, three-tiered sorting
table and gravity flow wine movement.
Crush capacity: 3,500 tons
Total Production: 217,000 cases
Facility features: Crush, bottling and warehouse capacities.
Bottling: New bottling line with 120+ bottles/minute for high-speed production
Fermentation tanks: Small red wine fermentation tanks (1,000-6,000 gallons),
advantageous to preserve lots’ unique and individual characteristics from the various
sections of each vineyard.
Winemaker: Haydn Mouat is a New Zealand native who began his winemaking career in the
Central Otago region, where Pinot Noir is the leading varietal red wine. He leads
Oregon’s winemaking programs at Precept Wine and is the assistant winemaker for
Waterbrook Winery.
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Idaho Vineyards
Why Idaho wine?
• Perfect growing conditions- The unique combination of geography, climate and soils found in Idaho’s
vineyards produce grapes with outstanding varietal character.
• Room to grow- With tens of thousands of potential vineyard acreage, Idaho is what Washington was 20
years ago: emerging. Located southeast of Washington’s famed Walla Walla Valley AVA, Idaho’s potential
for growth is soaring where other states are facing grape shortages.
• New, outstanding press- Idaho wines have already garnered national acclaim in the Wine Enthusiast, The
Washington Post, Food & Wine, Sunset Magazine, Wine & Spirits, and Wine Spectator.
• Riesling and so much more – With its 3,000-foot elevation, long growing season and diurnal shift, Riesling is rampant in Idaho.
• Incredible value – Most Idaho-produced wine sells in the value tier, running under $15, and its more
premium tiers closer to $25, yet its high acclaim competes on quality with pricier, non-Idaho wine.
ABOUT IDAHO WINE COUNTRY
• History- Planted in 1864 in the Clearwater Valley in Northern Idaho, among the first vineyards
in the Pacific Northwest.
• Unique Terroir – Ancient volcanic sediment has bestowed rich, fertile, well-draining soil.
• Climate – Very similar to Washington’s Columbia Valley. Cold winters and long, warm summer
days, allow for an ideal growing season, producing grapes with good structure and balance.
• Four Distinctive Seasons - Vinifera grapes thrive in this distinct four-season climate. The
characteristic cold winters, which might first seem a disadvantage, are in fact quite conducive to
grape growing, allowing vines to go dormant, to rest and conserve important carbohydrates for
the coming season, all the while, ridding plants of bugs and discouraging disease. In addition, the
region’s summer combination of cold nights and warm days help balance the grape acids and sugar
levels favorably.
Snake River Valley
• Idaho’s first designated AVA
• Established as an AVA in 2007
• Leading varieties: Syrah, Viognier,
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Chardonnay and Riesling, Malbec,
Tempranillo.
• Nestled between the Rocky
Mountains and the Snake River
Idaho State Wine Facts
• Total number of wineries: 49+
• Total number of AVAs: 1
• Total planted acres: 1,600 +
• Precept owned Vineyards: Sawtooth
& Skyline Vineyards - 470 Acres
• Precept Wine is the largest wine
producer in Idaho
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Idaho Vineyards
Idaho Vineyards
Sawtooth Winery
Skyline and Sawtooth vineyards
Skyline Vineyard
Appellation: Snake River Valley
Planted Vineyard: 400
Sawtooth Winery
Nampa, ID
• The largest vineyard in Idaho.
• Supplier to many of Idaho’s best known wineries, in addition to Precept’s own Ste. Chapelle Winery and Sawtooth select wines.
• With south, west, north and east facing slopes at about 2,500 feet, the micro-climates differ greatly at the site, allowing for a wide
selection of varietals to be planted.
Planted Varieties: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Grenache,
Malbec, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Muscat Blanc, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Gris, Primitivo, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc,
Syrah, Tempranillo, Viognier
Topography: The south and west facing slopes are the warmer areas of the vineyard, better suited for vinifera grapes which thrive
on the long, hot days of the Idaho summers, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The east and north
facing slopes are ideal for varieties requiring more vigor and cooler climates, such as Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling.
14707 Surrey Lane, Nampa, ID
Sawtooth Vineyard
Appellation: Snake River Valley
Planted Vineyard: 70
• The is the estate vineyard for Sawtooth Winery
• Warm, sloped vineyard with excellent drainage of Scism silt loam
• With south, west, north and east facing slopes, the micro-climates differ greatly at the site, allowing for a wide selection of
varietals to be planted.
Planted Varieties: This site, at about 2,700 feet elevation, is well suited for Bordeaux varietals, rather than the traditional “cooler”
sites in Idaho. Other varietals include Roussannne, Tempranillo, Pinot Gris, and Syrah.
History: The site started as a 15-acre estate vineyard for Pintler Cellars in the heart of the Canyon County region of the Idaho’s
Snake River Valley. The vineyards surrounding Sawtooth Winery were once rich pastures owned by Charles Pintler. The
first harvest was in 1987. Acreage gradually increased as did varietal experimentation. Pintler Cellars joined Corus Estates
& Vineyards in 1998 and became Sawtooth Winery. Corus merged with Precept Wine in 2010.
Interesting fact: Krista Shellie, University of Idaho viticulture researcher, leads experimental plantings at Sawtooth Vineyard.
Her continued research suggests lesser-known varietals such as Gruner Veltliner (an Austrian aromatic white) and
Trousseau (a French red known as Bastardo in Spain) also thrive on the site.
14707 Surrey Lane, Nampa, ID
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Formerly known as Pintler Cellars, the winery was founded in 1987 in Idaho’s Snake River Valley. The estate vineyards
surrounding Sawtooth Winery were once rich pastures owned by Charles Pintler. The Pintlers saw a greater potential in
the steep, south sloping hills, and set out to grow wine grapes. Known for Riesling, Pinot Gris, Syrah, Merlot and Tempranillo, the winery—and Idaho--have gained increasing national acclaim with winemaker Bill Murray leading its program.
• Crush capacity: 436 tons
• Total production capability: 24,000 cases
• Barrel capacity: 2,550
• Fermentation tanks: 24 (48,000 gallon), also 550, 350 and open tops
• Two 5,000-liter presses: Europress EHP 5000 and Willmes UP5000
• Mobile bottling line
• Cross-flow filtration for more gentle and efficient wine filtration.
Unique production tools:
• Sloped bottom red fermenters for safe and efficient emptying of red wine fermentations
• Reverse osmosis water system, unique for Idaho wineries
• Three barrel rooms that are both humidity- and temperature-controlled
‘Best Practices’ used to achieve consistent quality:
• Cellar and bottling maintenance and QC program features standard operating procedures that ensure highest
quality and consistency of products.
Technology:
• In-house laboratory analysis for a range of standard specifications and diagnostics without the lost time of
outsourcing.
• Orion Wine Software allows our winemaking team to issue and track work orders
Long-term plans to continue improving quality:
• Work with our growers to maximize the quality of fruit coming to the winery;
• Key in on new research continually updated from the University of Idaho/USDA in the Sawtooth Vineyard experimental blocks.
• Addition of French oak barrels for reserve wines (previously American oak)
Strengths of the production team:
• A small but versatile workforce: cellar master, assistant and lead winemaker.
• Winemaker Bill Murray brings nearly 20 years of experience working across a variety of winemaking styles
and facilities; he joined Sawtooth in Jan. 2009.
25
Idaho Vineyards
Ste. Chapelle Winery
Ste. Chapelle Winery
Caldwell, ID
Founded in 1975 in Emmett, Idaho, Ste. Chapelle is well known for producing outstanding wines from the Snake River Valley appellation. Moved to its present facility in 1978, the winery grew quickly, producing Riesling and Chardonnay as well as Sauvignon
Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. Its popular “Soft” series continues to expand with offerings of Soft Red, Soft White,
Soft Rose and Soft Huckleberry.
• Crush capacity: 3,000 tons
• Total production capability: 150,000 cases
• Fermentation tanks: 60 (1,000 –27,000 gallon)
• Presses: 3 Vaslin-Bucher 100hL presses and 1 Vaslin-Bucher 70 hL press
• Bottling line: Multi-functional high-speed 80 bottles/minute
Unique production tools:
• Sloped bottom red fermenters for safe and efficient emptying of red wine fermentations
• Centrifuge equipment to remove solids quickly from wines and stop fermentations for wines with residual sugar
‘Best Practices’ used to achieve consistent quality:
Cellar and bottling maintenance and QC program features standard operating procedures that ensure highest quality
and consistency of products.
Technology:
• Most analyses are run in-house. Our lab includes a spectrophotometer, conductivity meter, density meter,
nephelometer and phase contrast microscope. We confirm bottling sterility with daily cultures.
• Orion Wine Software allows our winemaking team to issue and track work orders efficiently and to ensure that
additions, wine movements and blending are error free.
Long-term plans to continue improving quality:
• Work with our growers to maximize the quality of fruit coming to the winery
• Working partner in the Idaho Grape Growers and Wine Producers Commission. Winemaker Maurine Johnson is
a commissioner.
Strengths of the production team:
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• Our bottling lead has been with Ste. Chapelle for 30 years. Our operations manager has over 20 years of
production experience and the maintenance team has eight years of experience and our cellar crew averages 5 years with the
winery
• Winemaking team members have completed the UC Davis Extension Winemaking for Distance Learners Certificate.
Winemaker Maurine Johnson has been with Ste. Chapelle for 25 years working from lab supervisor and enologist
to 13 years as assistant winemaker, taking the lead in 2011. Katie Gebhardt, enologist, has 5 years’ experience in the lab.
www.preceptwine.com