About Vineyard Grapes Wine Visit Articles

Philosophy

Windhorse Vineyard is focused on producing premier fruit for delicious wines based on social responsibility and on low impact and sustainable farming methods. Windhorse Vineyard is one of only two L.I.V.E. and Salmon Safe certified vineyards in the Columbia Gorge wine producing area.

About

The windhorse is a mythical Tibetan creature, a winged horse that is at the center of all Tibetan prayer flags, that combines the strength of the horse and speed of the wind to bring positive energy and life force to the world.

Windhorse Vineyard is rooted in volcanic soils on steep canyon lands nestled within a sacred oak woodland. It is buffeted by fierce but energizing winds and watched over by brooding Cascade volcanoes. The name Windhorse Vineyard is meant to capture the wildness, life force, and positive spirit of this harmonious place.

In recent years, Windhorse Vineyard has been renewed and transformed with the replanting of existing grape blocks and expansion of new varietals. The vineyard now boasts 34 planted acres nestled in more than 170 acres of protected oak-pine grass savannah. Varieties being grown on the estate include Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Franc, Pinot noir, Primitivo, Sangiovese, and Nero d’Avola.

ALAN BUSACCA

ALAN BUSACCA | CO-OWNER

STEVE BRUERE

STEVE BRUERE | CO-OWNER

RESULTS PARTNERS

RESULTS PARTNERS | VINEYARD MANAGER

Terroir, a term originated in France, involves the complex interplay of climate, soil, geology, and culture that influences the

character and quality of wine. Windhorse Vineyard is planted in new terroir of the Columbia Gorge AVA, with a dedication to

growing fruit to produce wines that uniquely express a sense of this place.

Ethos

Windhorse is the English translation of the Tibetan word “Lungta,” which is ‘the positive energy or life force that brings good fortune.’

The name embodies a commitment to growing grapes for wonderful wines using socially and environmentally responsible farming methods to benefit the soil, land, plant and animal species, vineyard workers, and the region.

The traditional Tibetan prayer flag features the windhorse at its center with a snow lion, a tiger, a garuda, and a dragon in the four corners. Collaboratively, the flag symbolizes the ‘five dignities’ of earth, air, fire, water, and space, out of which all phenomena are formed.

Vineyard

Windhorse Vineyard at up to 1,300 feet is planted in soils eked out of ancient volcanic mudflows on steep canyon lands. Integral to the commitment to co-existing in the natural world, Windhorse Vineyard has 34 acres of grapes on 160 acres of wild land dominated by oak-pine-grass woodland and native grasses and wildflowers; land that will be protected from development.

Soil

Soil

The soils in the planted areas of the vineyard are Alifsols that developed under mixed oak-pine-grass woodland from weathered volcanic sandstone in a semi-arid climate. The soils are mapped as Cherryhill series soils...

Climate

Climate

Grape vines reach full expressive potential on the steep canyon lands of Windhorse Vineyard, nourished by ample winter rains, and bathed by hot summer sun. The strong sun exposure from cloud-free summer days...

Region

Region

Windhorse Vineyard is located within the Columbia Gorge American Viticultural Area (AVA) and is 5 miles southwest of The Dalles, Oregon and 85 miles east of Portland. Both Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams can be seen...

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Grapes

Varieties grown at Windhorse Vineyard include Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Primitivo, Sangiovese, and Nero d’Avola. The Vineyard extends up to 1,325 feet in elevation, placing the vines above killing winter freezes that can occur at elevations below about 600 feet in this valley when Arctic cold air sometimes pools in winter in the lower elevations. The fruit flourishes from the extreme conditions couple with the protection provided by the vineyard location.

2023 - 2024
Vineyard Blocks Map

*Note blocks 4, 5, and 10b are producing Pinot noir until after 2023 harvest; will be replanted spring 2024

View Pricing & Availability

For more information or to inquire about buying fruit, please contact Alan at 509-592-0756 or at alan@windhorsevineyard.com

at 509.592.0756 or at alan@windhorsevineyard.com

Wines

Windhorse Vineyard at up to 1,300 feet is planted in soils eked out of ancient volcanic mudflows on steep canyon lands. Integral to the commitment to co-existing in the natural world, Windhorse Vineyard has 34 acres of grapes on 160 acres of wild land dominated by oak-pine-grass woodland and native grasses and wildflowers; land that will be protected from development.

2019 Reserve Pinot Noir

2019 Reserve Pinot Noir

Ripe berry fruit, dusty earth and chocolate. Medium plus body. Earth, oak, and fruit well integrated.

Aging Program: 16 months in 25% new French oak barrels

Alcohol: 14.1%

Bottling Date: March 18, 2021

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2020 Syrah

2020 Syrah

Earthy, beets and blueberries, nice oak spiciness. Medium full body then smooth entry with blueberry and beetroot/earthy flavors plus a nice kick of oak.

Aging program: 14 months in a new American oak barrel plus two experienced barrels

Alcohol: 13.7%

Bottling Date: June 16, 2022

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2021 Chardonnay

2021 Chardonnay

Deep pineapple and pear fruit with noticeable oak spice. Medium full body. Solid entry with pineapple, pear and olive flavors then oak spice on the long finish.

Aging program: 7 months in 25% new French oak barrels

Alcohol: 14.3%

Bottling Date: June 16, 2022

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2021 Zinfandel

2021 Zinfandel

Raspberry and blackberry preserves on the nose, with toasty vanilla and caramel notes. Hints of crushed stone, lavender and black pepper. Full and round on the palate, with rich, chewy tannins and bright acidity on the mid palate, and a long, savory finish.

Aging program: 21 months in 25% new American oak barrels

Alcohol: 14.2%

Bottling Date: July 28, 2023

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Visit

Now welcoming visitors to host picnics, sample wines, and enjoy farm to fork meals while experiencing the tranquility and beauty of the vineyard!

To visit the vineyard or plan an outing, please contact Alan at 509-592-0756 or at alan@windhorsevineyard.com.