Scheduled for Completion Summer 2020
WALLA WALLA, Wash. (June 26, 2019) – Walla Walla’s Abeja winery is building a new state-of-the-art production facility with an underground barrel cave that will consolidate winemaking operations at its 38-acre estate on Mill Creek Road. The new winery is designed to complement the property’s pastoral setting and is scheduled for completion the summer of 2020.
Image courtesy of Jensen Fey Architecture & Planning P.S., Redmond, Wash.
Abeja is best known for its collectible Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. “The project is consistent with Abeja’s commitment to quality grape growing, artisan winemaking and world-class hospitality, tenets that have defined the winery since its founding in 2000,” said head winemaker Daniel Wampfler.
Currently, Abeja’s winemaking operations are based in the Big Barn, a century-old farm building that anchors the property. A portion of wine is barrel aged in the Big Barn and the remaining barrels are stored at various locations onsite. The new winery will allow for central barrel storage to improve winemaking efficiency and the facility’s underground design will boost energy efficiency.
Wampfler, who shares winemaking responsibilities with his wife Amy Alvarez-Wampfler, began working with Abeja’s facility manager Jacob Coburn on the new design shortly after the couple arrived at Abeja in early 2016. “The Big Barn was built in the early 1900s and was converted to a winery in 2004,” he said. “We’ve had great success using the Big Barn as a production facility over the years but making wine in a 100 year-old building has its challenges. The new winery will allow us streamline production in keeping with Abeja’s ongoing commitment to quality.”
In addition to underground barrel storage, the building will feature two new barrel rooms, each with its own HVAC system, as well as fermentation tanks that can be heated and cooled individually for maximum flexibility during harvest and throughout the year. The new winery will also include office space, a wet chemistry lab, sensory lab and an open area to move the crush pad indoors at the winemaker’s discretion.
Ketelsen Construction of Walla Walla has been awarded the contract for project. This is the fifth facilities improvement project Ketelsen has completed at Abeja since 2004.
About Abeja
Located in the rolling foothills of the Blue Mountains just minutes from downtown Walla Walla, Abeja’s carefully restored century-old farmstead provides a pristine setting for the pursuit of world-class winemaking, hospitality and distinctive guest accommodations. Meticulous attention to detail defines Abeja’s award-winning Columbia Valley and estate wines. The Inn at Abeja features a unique mix of private guest cottages, rooms and suites, offering visitors a peaceful retreat in the heart of wine country. Abeja also hosts weddings and events ranging in size from small, intimate gatherings to groups up to 250. More information is available at abeja.net.
