Aanpama Wine Club

About Aanpama Wine Club

When I was six years old, I would lay on my back in the grass dreaming of land, with rim rock behind, a river in front, and rolling land between. I drew this picture over and over as a child. In 1997, I began looking for the property that I envisioned. I searched Prineville, Madras, Bend, and throughout Central Oregon thinking that was where it would be. One day I was flying up the Gorge with a friend. I was telling him about my search, how I had not found my dream property yet. He suggested that I go further up the river past Lyle and Maryhill; he told me what I was describing existed there on the Columbia River. The next weekend I drove up and went to a real estate company in Goldendale. They said they did not have anything like I described. However, they did have 420 acres of land on the river with no water, no power, and no road. I headed up there. When I pulled up onto the property, I saw instantly it was the land as I had drawn it as a child. I had found my dream. The unique terroir of Sundale Vineyard includes the region’s winds, the Columbia River in front, and the rim rock above. Annually there are over 300 days of sun and a mere 9 inches of rainfall. This environment creates a cuddling effect from the warm rock and stable river temperatures, resulting in a microclimate in which Sangiovese grapes thrive. Sangiovese is unique in that it requires a longer growing season and higher heat units than most grape varietals. The comfort and stress in this area on the river clearly suit the Sangiovese varietal. My delightful “Super Tuscan” style wine presents classic plum and raspberry notes with a spicy hint of clove, leather, and tobacco with a soft smoky finish. Long story short, I believe the vineyard and Old Lady Canyon found me. So raise your glasses, and cheers to the history of the region, to the old lady, to the horses, to the vines, to a good glass of wine and the joy that it brings to us! —Peggy Hoag, Owner

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