Vineyards & Winemaking

Our Estate Vineyards

William’s Estate Vineyard

Walla Walla Valley, Spring Valley District

  • Planted in 2009, the estate-grown grapes of our family vineyard display terroir-driven flavors distinct from elsewhere in Walla Walla. With little sand in its composition, the soil’s sticky, wet texture holds moisture exceptionally well. When paired with the diurnal shift between hot days and cool nights, the result is a concentrated and pronounced flavor.

  • Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Malbec

Willow Tree Estate Vineyard

Yakima Valley

  • A primary source for Browne Family and a remarkably versatile vineyard, this Prosser-area estate offers excellent air drainage, basalt-laced sandy loam soils, and grapes that impart minerality and deep fruit characteristics. Cooler temperatures during the growing season allow grapes to ripen later in the fall, leading to naturally bright acidity.

  • Riesling, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Gewürztraminer

Wittenberg Estate Vineyard

Yakima Valley

  • Located just a mile outside of the Red Mountain AVA, Wittenberg Estate is a 15-year-old vineyard and orchard with plenty of heat units well-suited for red wine production. It is the earliest ripening site for Browne Family Vineyards. Reflective light and warm wines from a nearby ridge contribute to the “big red” fame of the area’s wines.

  • Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Dolcetto, Barbera, and Petit Verdot

Meet the Makers.

John Freeman

Head Winemaker, Washington

The talent behind Browne Family Vineyards, winemaker John Freeman is known for producing award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Chardonnay. Starting his wine career in his native Napa, California, John is no stranger to a bold Cabernet. ​At Browne, he enjoys working with unique vineyards and aging wines extensively in French oak for texture. John’s winemaking philosophy is simple: make the best wine possible.

Sarah Cabot

Winemaker, Oregon

Sarah Cabot is a force to be reckoned with: an ideal combination of ultra-premium Pinot Noir expertise, viticultural knowledge, and all-around passion for winemaking in Oregon. She has applied years of boutique winemaking to her approach at Battle Creek Cellars, reinvigorating the brand and telling the story of Oregon’s nuanced terroir. She is one of few Oregon winemakers—and one of the few women nationwide—to crush more than 1,000 tons of Pinot Noir each harvest and earn critical acclaim each vintage.