Champoux Vineyard

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Champoux Vineyard is a grape growing estate located in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA of Washington state. Grapes grown in the vineyard have been used to produce some of the most critically acclaimed Washington wines with the name Champoux regularly being featured on vineyard designated wines. Paul Gregutt, wine writer for the Seattle Times and Wine Enthusiast, list Champoux as one of the "top ten" vineyards in the entire state.^[1] Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from Champoux vineyards were featured in the consecutive 100 point Robert Parker rated wines from Quilceda Creek Vintners for the 2002 and 2003 vintages.^[2]

Located 35 miles (56 km) south of Sunnyside, Washington, the area was originally part of the expansive 6,600 acres (2,700 ha) Mercer Ranch owned by the family of Don Mercer.^[3] The first grapes were planted in 1972. Today the Cabernet Sauvignon vines from this original "Block One" site are among the oldest vines in Washington.^[4] In 1990, Paul and Judy Champoux began leasing the vineyard land from the original owners. Paul, who previously did viticulture work for Chateau Ste Michelle, had been working at the vineyard since the mid-1980s. In 1996, the Champouxes formed a partnership with the owners of the Washington wineries Andrew Will, Powers Winery, Quilceda Creek and Woodward Canyon to purchase the vineyard outright. From an initial 7 acres (2.8 ha), the vineyard has grown to over 170 acres (69 ha) and features plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Chardonnay, Lemberger, Merlot, Muscat, Cabernet franc, Syrah and Petit Verdot.^[1]