The Stones Hold the Secret
An adventure in the new world
Christophe Baron grew up among the vineyards and cellars of his family's centuries-old Champagne house, Baron Albert. He could have remained in France and grown old making fine champagne. But he's got an adventurous streak--and that's how he became the first Frenchman to establish a winery in Washington State.
Christophe makes a lucky find
While visiting the Walla Walla Valley in 1996, Christophe spotted a plot of land that had been plowed up to reveal acres of softball-sized stones. He became ridiculously excited. This stony soil, this terroir, reminded him of vineyards he had visited in France and Spain. The difficult ground would stress the grapevines, making them produce more mature, concentrated fruit. Christophe Baron had found a new home.
Cayuse is off to a rocky start
He named his vineyard after the Cayuse, a Native American tribe whose name was taken from the French cailloux--which means, of course, rocks. Hours of back-breaking work later, Cayuse Vineyards farms five estate vineyards encompassing 50 acres: Armada, Cailloux, Coccinelle [Ladybug], En Cerise [Cherry], and En Chamberlin.
The vineyards take root
The majority is planted with Syrah, and the rest dedicated to Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Merlot, Tempranillo and Viognier. All of the vineyards are planted in rocky earth within the Walla Walla Valley appellation. Cayuse is also the first winery in Walla Walla to farm using biodynamic methods.
Grape expectations
These highly stressed vineyards average a yield of only two tons or less per acre (30 hectolitres per hectare), resulting in wines true to each vineyard's unique terroir. Our 100% estate wines include four vineyard designated Syrahs, along with Bionic Frog Syrah, Impulsivo Tempranillo, God only Knows Grenache, Widowmaker Cabernet-Sauvignon, two Bordeaux blends named Camaspelo & Flying Pig, Viognier and Rosé.
Call or e-mail
Cayuse offers wine futures each fall to our our mailing list customers At present, our mailing list is full. However, as space becomes available, we add you to the list on a first come, first in basis. Thank you for your interest in Cayuse Vineyards. We look forward to hearing from you!