According to a recent permit filing, Willow Run Vineyard will be opening a tasting room in Richland at 2000 Logston Blvd #134, confirmed by co-owner and operator Gareth Nisbett.
“Depending on our liquor licensing and interior work, we are currently aiming for October for our opening date, but it might need to be pushed back,” Nisbett told What Now Seattle, “We are still deciding the specifics of our decor, opening day promotions, and other things, but we will be serving and selling our wines of course.”
On the banks of a tranquil river, Willow Run Vineyard is a testament to a lifelong love affair with the land and the pursuit of crafting exceptional wines. The story begins in rural England, where the young soul of Gareth developed an appreciation for the textures, colors, and scents of the great outdoors. Two and a half decades later, in 2015, that same soul, now accompanied by his wife Michelle Nisbett as co-owner and operator, found their piece of paradise just across the river from the esteemed Red Mountain AVA.
This piece of land, rich with promise and possibility, became the canvas upon which their passion for wine would be painted. The decision to plant a vineyard was a natural progression – an ode to their admiration for Bordeaux varieties. Over the course of seven years, this labor of love transformed into Willow Run Vineyard, with a true artist of the vines, Rick Sewell, as its winemaker.
Willow Run offers a variety of wine options, such as their First Edition Mourvèdre, First Edition Malbec, First Edition Carménère, The Winemaker’s Select – Barbera, Larboard, and Tinta Cao Dessert Wine.
In every sip of the Estate Grown – First Edition Mourvèdre, echoes of its Spanish heritage resonate. Notes of blackberries, red plum, and a medley of baking spices create a symphony on the palate. This wine’s true potential is realized when paired with smoked Andouille or Italian Sausage seasoned with Fennel. For a culinary adventure, explore its compatibility with Meat Lover’s Pizza – a combination that elevates both wine and food.
In the Estate Grown – First Edition Malbec, black cherry and plum harmonize gracefully, with subtle hints of mocha and coconut adding depth to the final act. Its graceful profile makes it a perfect companion for lean red meats, dishes accented by mushroom and cumin, and the bold character of funky Blue Cheese.
In the world of wine, Carménère reigns as king in Chile, but on the Willow Run Estate, it holds the title of “Prince of Purple.” Traditional raspberry and plum notes are elevated by a captivating hint of green pepper on the nose, while vanilla and paprika linger on the finish. An exquisite wine, it finds its match in dishes rich with cumin.
The Winemaker’s Select – Barbera is a tapestry woven from the rich threads of classic Barbera, sourced from the vintages of 2016 and 2017 in Walla Walla. Aged to perfection, this wine captures the essence of an old-world style. Its blackberry and black pepper notes stand as a harmonious accompaniment to the zest of spicy Italian meats and the vibrancy of pizza.
Larboard is described as a sweet and finely crafted fortified wine that wraps evenings in warmth. Perfect for post-dinner indulgence, it’s a treat that draws people closer, sharing stories and laughter over glasses brimming with delight.
The Estate Grown Tinta Cao Dessert Wine named “Genie in a Bottle” entices with luscious black fruit notes. An ideal companion to aged cheese, chocolate delights, and other after-dinner treats, it adds a touch of magic to every occasion, according to the company website.
