 |
In 1983, Edwin and JoAnn Stear discovered the Rinehold Cannery Homestead (1905) in Granger, Washington, and began developing Eaton Hill Winery. Part of the Yakima Valley AVA and immediately adjacent to the new Rattlesnake Hills AVA, the Eaton Hill orchards and vineyards now provide exceptional fruit organically grown. |
The Eaton Hill homestead is an historical focal point for the growth of the Yakima Valley. George Eaton played a prominent role in the development of the great natural resources of eastern Washington with the reclamation of previously arid lands. Floyd Rinehold, a German immigrant, constructed many of the limestone block houses in the valley and built a family fruit and vegetable canning operation into a business mainstay that served US Forces during the First World War and later helped feed the nation during the Great Depression.
Following in these historical footsteps, Dr. Edwin Stear, a former chief scientist for the US Air Force, and his wife Jo Ann, further developed Eaton Hill into a successful Bed and Breakfast (no longer in operation) and one of the first wineries in the Yakima Valley.Ed and JoAnn use their own estate grapes to produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Gamay and Sauvignon Blanc. In addition, they use grapes from Chuck Fiola’s well-known Konnowac Vineyards (Rattlesnake Hills AVA) to produce some of the valley’s biggest and boldest Cabernet Sauvignons.
Ed and JoAnn invite you to visit their little slice of the Yakima Valley. Come sample small-lot, hand-crafted and truly unique wines in an unparalleled historical setting. Eaton Hill Winery also produces Orange Muscat, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, and our specialty wines Sun Glow, made with Riesling & nectarines. We welcome you to the good life of the Yakima Valley. |
|
 |
| Eaton Hill Winery, established in 1987, is housed in Floyd and Emma Rinehold’s historic cannery building. Mrs. Rinehold’s father, George P. Eaton, owned a section of land here from the late 1800s—hence the name Eaton Hill. Ed and JoAnn Stear purchased the 10-acre property in 1983 and asked Jo Ann’s son, Gary Rogers and his wife Arlene, to move north from California to help establish a winery and Bed and Breakfast. |
|
The Rogers’ saw the potential and for eighteen years worked to establish Eaton Hill’s good reputation. When Gary and Arlene returned to California, Ed assumed the winemaking duties in addition to keeping his day job as an engineering consultant. JoAnn and foreman Manuel Soliz back up Ed in the winery.
Today, the Stears own the small pear and cherry orchards west of the winery. Where apples once stood there are now organically grown wine grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Gamay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer. Eaton Hill also purchases grapes from the renowned Konnowac Vineyards, located in the Rattlesnake Hills AVA, and McGuire Vineyards, Emery & Sons Vineyards and Rogers Vineyard located in the Yakima Valley AVA. |
The Tasting Room is open April through October daily, 12 to 5 PM. November through March by appointment. Open 10 to 5pm on all Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail events Bicyclists and picnickers are welcome. Plenty of RV parking. |
|
 |
