THE STORY - FIRST A VINEYARD

       When Jarrod and Ali Boyle christened their 367 acres of land in the Horse Heaven Hills of Washington, their choice of a vineyard name came easily. With providence clearly playing a strong role in the acquisition of their viticultural estate, naming it Destiny Ridge Vineyard was a natural.  Naming their brand was equally easy for Jarrod, choosing his wife's name, Alexandria Nicole.

       Jarrod was born in Prosser and learned the secrets of successful vineyard management while working as assistant viticulturalist for Hogue Cellars under the tutelage of  Dr. Wade Wolfe who also worked for Hogue at the same time.  It was then that wine-grape growing and winemaking became Jarrod's passion. 

       While working for Hogue, Jarrod inspected grapes and made grower recommendations for helping grape varieties achieve their desired characteristics. One day, Jarrod's routine inspection of a vineyard on nearby Horse Heaven Hills brought about a paradigm shift in Jarrod's career... and his life. On that day, he took particular note of a piece of raw land sloping gently to the south overlooking the Columbia River. From that moment forward, visions of vineyard blocks danced in his head. 

       Soon after, in a casual conversation with an old friend, Jarrod related his discovery of the beautiful piece of land and his vision of planting a vineyard on it. Jarrod's friend, Rob Mercer (a member of a well-known local farming family), became almost as excited as Jarrod when he realized the land of Jarrod's dream was owned by his father... Bud Mercer.  Before long, the Mercer family joined with the Boyle family and the dream of a hillside vineyard - Destiny Ridge Vineyard - became reality. The first vines were planted in the fall of 1998. 

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       On high bluffs overlooking the beautiful Columbia River, Washington State's Horse Heaven Hills appellation provides a home for Alexandria Nicole Cellars' 367-acre estate where Destiny Ridge Vineyard thrives.  It is here - high on the dominant ridge line - that 23 grape varieties are planted to 267 acres that currently comprise the vineyard. The first vines for Destiny Ridge Vineyard were planted in the fall of 1998, seven years before Horse Heaven Hills was federally authorized as an official American Viticulture Area (AVA) in the state of Washington.

       Within the vineyard lie four different soil types, each producing unique flavors and characteristics in the grape varieties grown on them.  Distinct terroirs deliver their own messages to the grapes that ripen on each. It was here that a passionate man learned patience; Jarrod Boyle waited with optimistic excitement for the final fruits to come of age. Using his past experiences with many renowned winemakers, Jarrod was able to experiment with his own winegrowing and winemaking processes to enhance and reflect the terroir of Destiny Ridge Vineyard in his finished Alexandria Nicole Cellars wines. At the same time, he implemented practices consistent with his philosophies related to sustainable vineyard management, meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations.

Sustainable farming practices
Bird-friendly, quiet wind-spire turbines generate electricity

        The soils and climatic conditions of the Horse Heaven Hills appellation have demonstrated their favorability for growing many wine-grape varieties sustainably.  Some of the varieties grown at Destiny Ridge Vineyard include:

The Geology:  The hills of Destiny Ridge Vineyard are geologic folds in the earth's crust which are responsible for the consistent winds that blow across the land; the windy climate is part of what makes the Horse Heaven Hills appellation distinct from the large Columbia Valley appellation that encompasses it.  Wind lowers the risk of vineyard disease and pests, while at the same time stressing the vines by drying them out. Add quick-draining soils of silty loam to the mix of vineyard characteristics and the need for irrigation becomes even more pronounced. Drip irrigation is the canopy-management tool of choice to control the vigor of the vines at Destiny Ridge.

       In addition to its distinctive topography, Destiny Ridge Vineyard benefits from its proximity to the Columbia River.  Although it sits approximately 800 feet above the river, the vineyard is relieved of temperature extremes suffered elsewhere in the Columbia Valley AVA, thanks to the modifying effects of the river (with its stirring of air currents) and the sloping of the land toward the river (draining cold air away from the vines). 

        All these factors help produce intense-flavored grapes with a structural balance of sugars and acids. Attentive viticultural and enological management - including balancing crop levels and gentle processing of grapes - complete the formula behind consistently excellent harvests and wines from Destiny Ridge Vineyard and Alexandria Nicole Cellars.

         Fruit not used for the wines of Alexandria Nicole Cellars is sold to other wineries under contract with Destiny Ridge Vineyard. 

More information about Destiny Ridge Vineyard

Tiny Houses & Glamping in the Vineyard

Private Event Facilities at The Estate and Alexandria Nicole Tasting Rooms

The Estate at Destiny Ridge was designed to be a premier event venue for weddings and other events. It offers an exquisite vineyard setting in Washington's Horse Heaven Hills wine country and stunning views overlooking the Columbia River below.  The beautiful 8,400 square foot Estate offers a luxurious and private venue for entertaining and includes three private suites for weddings, corporate retreats or a romantic getaway.  It is sure to provide a perfect location for memorable occasions such as corporate events, family celebrations or "destination" weddings. More information about rental of The Estate at Destiny Ridge can be found here. You can also call for answers to your questions about The Estate at Destiny Ridge - 509-832-3877, or email events@ancwines.com.

The Alexandria Nicole production facility and tasting room, also located at Destiny Ridge Vineyard, are also used for large events which are hosted in the barrel room or outside on the lawns nestled in the vineyard. 

Two other Alexandria Nicole Cellars tasting rooms - one in Prosser and one in Woodinville also feature a variety of options for private event facilities rentals. Call the 509-832-3877 or email events@ancwines.com, or click here for more information. You can also use the online Event Inquiry Form (at page bottom) on this ANC web page.

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Tiny Houses Glamping in the Vineyard
158422 W Sonova Road
Paterson, WA
509-832-3877
info@anctinyhouses.com
www.anctinyhouses.com

Four tiny houses from which to choose.  Have some serious fun in one of Alexandria Nicole Cellars' Tiny Houses located in the heart of Destiny Ridge Estate Vineyard. Glamping (Glamorous Camping) has never been better. Wake up in Vine Country at Destiny Ridge Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA; enjoy the beautiful view from your deck and delicious ANC wine on tap.

 

Tiny Houses include:

• Gourmet kitchen

• Studio refrigerator

• Private Bath

• Wine on tap

• Comfortable sitting area

• Air conditioning

• Vineyard views

• Patio deck with chairs

B O O K   N O W