Originally called Windy Point Fruit Ranch, the Windy Point Vineyards in Yakima were purchased in 1972 by Stanislaw Stepniewski and his wife, Patricia. Stan, a retired mechanical engineer from Southern California and a Polish immigrant, had the vision of growing grapes and developing the fruit ranch as a winery from the very beginning. Yet it wasn’t until after his death in 1998 that his dream began to take shape under the direction of his son, Mike Stepniewski, and daughter-in-law, Liz.

Supported by his 30 years of experience in farming and managing the fruit ranch, Mike, with the help of Liz, planted the first acreage of Windy Point Vineyards grapes in 1999. While the first estate grapes were not crushed until 2002, the first vintage of Windy Point Vineyards was produced in 2001 using purchased grapes. Today, all grapes are estate-grown.

A family-run operation, everything is handcrafted from the pruning and training of the vine to the picking of the grapes and making of the wine. There are no huge stainless steal tanks or vast rooms, which makes their winemaking an intimate craft.

It’s an intimacy reflected in their beautiful wine room that was built in 2003. Reminiscent of a 1950s Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian project, its beautiful architecture, rich wood and glass windows bring the outdoors right inside. And the views, extending from Mount Adams to the Tri-Cities, are simply jaw-dropping.

The tasting bar is built around the commercial kitchen, which make guests feel they’ve been invited into Mike and Liz’s home to hang around the kitchen and sip wine. The adjacent dinning area seats up to 24 people and is used for winemaker dinners and cooking classes taught by local chefs. Just steps away, the gift shop carries unique wine related items including wine racks, wine-themed dishes and serving pieces, plus books, food, spices and oils.

Outside, you’ll find a large, outdoor aquarium inhabited by North American turtles that Mike raises. Nearby, a beautiful rose garden displays a variety of lovingly cared for roses that bloom May through November. Overlooking the valley, it’s a postcard-picture view.

Experimenting first with fruit from their orchards, winemaker Liz next moved on to wine grapes for their first production. She credits the generosity of local winemakers for their endless time, advice, and even hands-on help in the early years. Today, she holds an uncompromising adherence to producing high quality wine at an affordable price in a setting that brings people together – not only to enjoy wine but to expand in other ways by interacting with others.

Windy Point produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo, Barbara, Riesling, and Gewurztraminer wines. They are best known for their !Exclamation Point!, which is a 60 percent Cabernet Franc and 40 percent Merlot blend. However, Liz and Mike are most proud of their Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Franc blends, which are helping to raise the perception that Cabernet Franc is the equal of Cabernet Sauvignon, and that Washington state is the premier grower of this increasingly popular grape.

Mardi and I believe it’s an idea come to fruition that began in Stanislaw Stepniewski’s heart many years ago.