What began four decades ago as one of the state’s early organic farming operations growing cherries, blueberries, peaches, nectarines, apples and pears has expanded with organic grapes for the LaPierre family’s estate-grown red wines.
“What makes us unique in the wine industry is our experience and passion for organic farming,” says Lauren LaPierre. “We have spent years converting our vineyard to achieve certified organic status and have watched this translate into stronger wines of boldness and complexity.”
All the grapes are harvested by hand “to ensure that we are selecting only the best, ripest grapes for our wines,” Lauren adds. “This extra level of care makes us different from any other winery in our area.”
The high quality of fruit grown by the LaPierre family is evident in each of the red releases tasted by Washington Tasting Room Magazine, displaying poise, balance and structure throughout the lineup.
At the new family-owned tasting room in Zillah, Lauren says they are merging the idea of a modern tasting room with a farm-to-table experience through their seasonal food offerings. “Our charcuterie boards always feature fresh, seasonal ingredients from our organic farm. We serve a seasonal flatbread that puts a spotlight on what’s in season. For example, the BBQ Peach Prosciutto flatbread we served this summer was a huge hit, featuring fresh organic peaches from our farm,” says Lauren.
The new tasting lounge is a great spot to sip wine while admiring views of Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier. During winter months, guests can experience wine tasting in one of the Snow Globe Domes for “the ultimate winter wine tasting” thrill. There is also live music and festive events; visit their website to learn more.
Visit the modern tasting room at 4440 Highland Drive in Zillah, WA. Check the website for hours at lapierrefarmsandwinery.com.
Below are three releases we recently reviewed:
LaPierre Winery 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon
93 pts.
Polished, balanced and smoothly structured, with a leading edge of well-burnished tannins elegantly framed by expressive blackberry, cassis, red currant and hints of tobacco. Made from certified organic estate grapes. $40
LaPierre Winery 2021 Merlot
92 pts.
There’s a trifecta of concentration, restraint and balance to the nucleus of vivid red cherry and nuanced dark chocolate flavors, layered with smooth tannins and notable hints of dusky barrel spice. Suave and extended on the finish. $38
LaPierre Winery 2021 Legacy
92 pts.
Aromas of dark red and black fruit mingle effortlessly with cocoa and graphite in this tantalizing blend of Cabernet and Merlot. The lithe structure displays superb freshness to the bright flavors of plum and black cherry accented with spice and a fine mesh gripping tannins. $40