Wy’East Vineyards

Located in the Hood River Valley at 1,600 feet, Wy’East is one of the highest elevation vineyards in the state. The original 10 acres were planted in the mid-’80s and consisted of Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. Our family purchased it in the mid-’90s and have since then planted another 10 acres of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. Wy’East is the Native American word for Mt. Hood. Because of the close proximity to the mountain, the vineyard resides on volcanic soil. Wy’East vineyard is a south-facing vineyard in the heart of the Hood River Valley east of the Cascades. Hotter summer temperatures east of the Cascades are mitigated by higher elevation. The cool, moist marine layer which regularly fills the Willamette Valley with low clouds does not cross the Cascade Mountains, meaning we have warmer days and cooler nights. These wide temperature swings contribute to the pleasantly high acidity levels which are balanced with bright fruitiness.