Kestrel Vintners prides itself in moving nimbly to meet the demands of the marketplace, and in doing so has positioned itself as a major player in the Washington wine industry.
In 2005, Kestrel launched its iconic Lady in Red program to meet the changing consumer demand for red blends. Over the last few years, as new regional wine markets have popped up around the state, Kestrel has opened tasting rooms in Leavenworth and Woodinville in addition to the original winery location in Prosser. These new tasting rooms provide visitors in almost any part of the state the opportunity to taste Kestrel wines.
The tasting rooms have become popular stops for everyone, from first-time visitors to devoted wine club members. All appreciate the artisan cheeses, creative food pairings, bistro plates, special events, and friendly staff headed by Director of Retail Operations Carolina Warwick.
The Prosser Tasting Room, located in the Prosser Food and Wine Park, offers visitors an opportunity to sample all four tiers of Kestrel wines plus artisan cheeses, bistro plates, and Friday and Saturday night dinners at the Tuscany at Kestrel Restaurant. In the Bavarian-themed village of Leavenworth in Central Washington, the Leavenworth Tasting Room offers a casual, friendly atmosphere to tourists and locals alike year-round. Wednesday nights are “Ladies Nights,” and on Friday and Saturday the Wine Bar opens at 6 p.m. The Woodinville Cellar and Tasting Room in the warehouse area of Woodinville showcases Kestrel wines served by a knowledgeable and personable staff Private dinners, receptions, and tastings are a Woodinville specialty.
Kestrel’s excellent wines start in its estate vineyard comprised of 125 acres located high in the Roza, with some plantings dating back to 1972. From there, winemaker Flint Nelson and his staff create wines to suit palates for dark, rich reds and fruit-driven, food-friendly whites.
“I make wines for birthdays, anniversaries, and Mondays,” Flint says. And the hospitality staff works to make every visit to Kestrel a celebration of the good life.