Wine
The winery is a very small, customized operation producing some very nice wines. Emphasis is placed on not only growing the grapes to perfection, but also picking at the optimal sugar and ripeness. All grapes are hand picked and then brought to the farm where they are crushed and allowed to ferment. They are then aged until ready to bottle. Current varieties include Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Viognier, Malbec, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Tempranillo. The appropriately named llama graces each of the labels.
Llamas on wine labels?
In the early 1990’s, Debi and Rich Garvin began raising llamas in the upper Hood River Valley, developing one of the premier halter/fleece herds in North America. Unfortunately, the elevation was too high to plant wine grapes, so to compensate Rich for giving up his winery dream, Debi named all the llamas after wine varieties. In 2008, Rich gained access to a small, multi-variety vineyard, and began his dream. The vineyard is located on a South-facing slope on the ridge East of Hood River, Oregon. Rich’s micro-winery is located on the farm in Parkdale, Oregon. Wines are made in small lots, using hand-powered equipment and minimal processing. Since the llamas had been named for wine varietals, the namesake llama is now featured on the appropriate label. We hope you enjoy this wine as much as we did making it and raising our magnificent animals.
White Wines
Albarino
Crisp and clean as a spring morning, this Albarino is perfect for sipping at a picnic by the mountain stream or pair it with your favorite appetizer or light meal.
Chardonnay
With a hint of crisp apple and a touch of vanilla from light oak aging, this Chardonnay finishes with a pleasing minerality that will complement light meals or cheese and fruit.
Pinot Blanc
Layers of complex fruit backed by a pleasing mineral crispness make this Pinot Blanc the perfect complement to a wide range of dishes or an easy evening refresher.
Pinot Gris
This Pinot Gris is bright and fruity enough to be enjoyed any time, and has the acidity to pair well with light meals or cheese and crackers.
Riesling
With enough tartness to balance the just off-dry finish, this Reisling is perfect for sipping on the porch or for cheese and fruit or light meals.
Sauvignon Blanc
Viognier
Red Wines
Lagrein
Luscious and lovely, and largely unknown, this Lagrein is a dark beauty with hints of blueberry and black cherry. Pair with your heartiest meals, or for a special treat, your best chocolate.
Malbec
This deep purple beauty is full of dark jammy fruit flavors with enough spice and toasty oak from small cask aging to keep it interesting. Enjoy with hearty meals or as a winter warmer.
Pinot Noir
Supple and generous, the Pinot Noir offers a broad range of ripe fruit flavors augmented by restrained oak aging. Enjoy with your favorite meal or any occasion.
Ruby’s Blush
A blend of several premium red varietals, this wine gets its gorgeous color from a short skin contact time before gently pressing, followed by a cool ferment to preserve the delightfully fruity aromas. Enjoy on the deck on a summer’s eve, or with light meals.
Syrah
Soft and supple, this Syrah carries ripe fruit flavor clear to the finish, with a hint of peppery spice. Small barrel oak aging allows it to stand up to the heartiest of meals.
Tempranillo
Robust and complex, this Tempranillo features a strong backbone tempered by layers of dark fruit flavors and toasty oak. Enjoy with your favorite hearty meal