The absence of pretension reflects Tom Waliser’s long-time farming roots. He was born and raised on the family farm in the Walla Walla Valley. “Beresan” refers to German communities outside of Odessa, Ukraine, where his ancestors once farmed. His story is a combination of pragmatism and a go-with-the-flow attitude.
“I’ve never had a plan in my life, but a door always opened when I needed it,” says Waliser. “Some of it was good fortune, some of it just good sense.”
One of those doors he walked through provided the opportunity to partner with Norm McKibben (who some affectionately refer to as “the father of the Walla Walla wine industry”) in 1990. Waliser planted apples for McKibben, and then grapes, farming what would become an iconic vineyard, Pepper Bridge.
Waliser manages countless acres of grapes today, including his own three vineyards, and is a respected grower in the region. In 1997, Waliser planted a vineyard (which became Waliser Vineyard) in an area today known as The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater AVA, making him one of the pioneers of this now-famous cobblestone region.
Beresan Winery 2010 Walla Walla Valley Stone River, $29
Editor’s Choice – Excellent
This Cab-forward blend is sourced from their estate vineyards in The Rocks of Milton-Freewater District. It’s an exciting blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (50%), Syrah (20%), Merlot (20%), and Cabernet Franc (10%).
Nose: Aromas of boysenberry, cherry and damson plum with bakers chocolate, herbs and spice.
Taste: Zesty and vibrant with dried cherries, berries, pomegranate, cocoa, cinnamon, stoney earth and slate, herbs and spice. Gripping tannins round out the lively finish.
Beresan Winery 2010 Yellow Jacket Vineyard Buzz, $19
Editor’s Choice
From their Yellow Jacket Vineyard comes this value-driven red blend of Syrah (40%), Cabernet Sauvignon (30%), Merlot (20%) and Cabernet Franc (10%).
Nose: Brimming with red and black fruit, olive and savory aromas of cured meat, herbs and pencil lead.
Taste: From one of their estate vineyards in the cobblestone soils, this value-driven red blend sports juicy blackberry, dark cherry and pomegranate fruit flavors with wet stone, garden herbs, cedar and notes of game.
Website: www.beresanwines.com