Our Story
After spending years enjoying the recreational aspects of the Gorge, and with a long-term desire to own property in such a special location, Brian came across the unique opportunity to purchase an old but neglected pear orchard in Underwood, Wa. A renown vineyard location, Underwood was first planted in 1972. Knowing the quality of fruit coming from the region, Brian decided to convert the Pear Orchard to vineyard, planting the grape varietals of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Syrah and in 2021 adding Pinot Meunier and Aligoté.
The love of the Gorge, of the intimate enjoyment of sharing time with family and friends in such an incredible place, of sharing the beauty of the natural world and of course the passion to share an incredible wine experience. These are some of the experiences we value and like to offer all who visit.
We encourage visitors to stay for the day. Bring family and friends, hike the trails, even hug a tree… a really big tree, and enjoy family time at Wannamaker Estate Vineyard.
The Vineyard
The Vineyard is worked daily by several Vignerons (a person who cultivates grapes for winemaking) and who have been part of the business since the beginning. They have decades in the farming industry. We also have a top vineyard consultant from the more mature Willamette Valley region. Leigh Bartholomew has a history of managing or consulting many of the top vineyards in Oregon and has been working with us since 2017.
The land here is unique and differs from the more well-known Willamette Valley and it’s significantly easier to get to! At a little more than an hour from Portland International Airport, the Hood River/White Salmon/Underwood area has many unique traits. Located within the Columbia Gorge AVA, the land is volcanic, the earth rich with minerals, the air hot by day and cool by night. It is an area between the wet western part of the states of Oregon and Washington, and the very dry eastern parts of both states. Located on southward facing gentle slopes, our vineyard is ideally located to catch the long days of summer sun, and at an elevation of 1,500 feet we enjoy the cool nights required for producing our wines.
Leigh Bartholomew
Leigh’s vineyard management style is a blend of scientific knowledge, experience, and experimentation. Leigh is tireless in her pursuit to enhance quality, experimenting with pruning techniques, vine spacing, trellising, cover crop and clonal selection. We are fortunate to have Leigh on our team at Wannamaker Estate Vineyard and thankful for the wealth of knowledge and experience she brings.
Leigh attended the University of Oregon, then University of California/Davis where she earned her master’s degree in Viticulture. She has worked in wine regions around the world, meeting a host of people from a variety of cultures along the way. She gained experience at such respected properties as Domaine Denis Mortet in Gevrey Chambertin; Seresin Estate, Marlborough New Zealand; Robert Mondavi Winery, California; Cain Vineyard and Winery, California; Caliterra/Vina Errazuriz in Chile and Andrew Will Winery in Washington.
Leigh joined Results Partners Vineyard Management company in 2014 as the Director of Viticulture, after working fourteen vintages for a local estate vineyard and winery.