Basel Cellars
Estate Winery

The Estate House which is now Basel Cellars Estate Winery
was completed in 1997 as a private home for the original owners
who named it Double River Ranch. The home’s 13,800 square foot
design is reminiscent of the casual grandeur found in American
Lodges such as Timberline or Ahwahnee Lodge in Yosemite.
Our History

Basel Cellars Estate Winery had its beginnings in 2002.
When the opportunity presented itself, local grape grower Greg Basel
purchased the Estate House and the surrounding 85 acre Double River Ranch.
He saw in this site two vital components to creating an estate winery.
The first: nature. The rich soil and the hilltop position between Yellowhawk
Creek and the Walla Walla River made for the perfect vineyard site.
Our Wine

The second: a manmade, 9600 sq. ft., temperature-controlled,
subterranean structure (now referred to by the team as the “batcave”)
which had previously housed a car collection. The underground space
was as perfect for winemaking as the caves of France! Plus, the idea of
using the beautiful Estate home as a tasting room added to the appeal.
And so, Basel Cellars Estate Winery was born when the Basel family
began producing high caliber wines and transformed the stately lodge at the
top of the hill into a wine country destination and event venue for
many others to enjoy.
New Beginnings

In 2004 the Basels invited Steve and Jo Marie Hansen, acquaintances
from their earlier careers, to visit and see their young operation with
an eye to becoming partners. It was a good match. Steve, a long-time
construction manager of major bridge and highway projects in the
western US, grew up in a farming family in Yakima and brought an
entrepreneurial spirit with him along with a love for the sunny side of
the state. They returned home to Vancouver, WA, thought it over and
decided to become 50/50 owners. In 2011, Steve and Jo Marie began
transitioning to full ownership of the Ranch and the Estate. They truly
enjoy meeting guests and sharing with others the Basel Cellars wines
and experiences that have captivated them since their first weekend.

Walla Walla’s Premier Destination Winery

AT BASEL CELLARS, OUR MISSION IS TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCES FOR OUR GUESTS.

When you open a bottle of Basel Cellars wine–be it red, white, or rosé, you will be inspired to learn more. You will immediately recognize it as a Washington wine. After the first sip you will distinguish Eastern Washington. Then, you will know Basel Cellars: wines with rich fruit flavors, and the distinct characteristics of Columbia Valley and Walla Walla dirt; full-bodied red wines with smooth tannins and supple texture. These beautiful wines, coupled with a superior tasting experience, and the chance to live like royalty at our magnificent estate truly make Basel Cellars Walla Walla’s Premier Destination Winery.

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Whether you’re tasting for the first time or have an affinity for a very special Bordeaux, you’ll find something to write home about at Basel Cellars.

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Come check out all of Basel Cellars events throughout the year! Enjoy lots of wine, food, and friends!

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Hoping to make your special day even better? Come celebrate with us at the Basel Cellars Estate and we’ll ensure your wedding day goes exactly as you planned!