Last year at about this time we reported on the newest AVA in Washington State, Ancient Lakes. Much was due to the imagination and perseverance of Dr. Vince Bryan, the neurologist-turned-grape grower who personally excavated The Gorge amphitheater as well as planting the vineyards for Cave B. But he didn't do it alone. Butch and Jerry Millbrandt, brothers and enlightened farmers, did much of the heavy lifting: 2,300 acres at a dozen sites in the desert sands of eastern Washington. That's their Babcock Vineyard in the photo above.
Now the Millbrandts have decided to make the move from growers to wine makers. The Capital Press reports that they're investing $6 million in a crushing facility to be built at the new Port of Quincy. Their label will be called Ancient Lakes Winery. You might think Washington is all wined out, that Walla Walla and Woodinville are saturated with "wineries" that are basically glorified gift shops with a limited inventory. You'd be wrong.
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