Airfield Estates Winery is relatively new to my world and happens to be where Blaine’s own GLM Winery (where I am assistant winemaker) is sourcing its grapes for the season, so it seemed like a great next feature.
Airfield Estates opened in 2005, but the vineyard land was purchased in 1920 by H. Lloyd Miller, the great-grandfather of the team that runs the show today. Four generations have built it to produce 20 varieties over 830 acres. They were one of Washington’s first commercial growers, and for decades only grew grapes for others.
Miller was a go-getter who helped implement irrigation in Yakima Valley with assistance from Franklin D. Roosevelt. It took years, but he was responsible for getting about 72,000 acres of land the water it needed to cultivate successful farming, and thus grow the common grape vine, vitis vinifera.
During World War II the government leased some of its land to build an aviation training facility, inspiring the winery’s name. Miller purchased the buildings after the war for $1 at an auction where he was the sole attendee. Only two buildings are standing today and are used as a workshop and for storage.
Tasting notes: Initial scents of white peaches waft from first pour and reveal ripe pineapple rind, smashed young bananas and candied ginger. Palate bursts kiwi and starfruit, underripe navel orange and limoncello finishing with a pleasant mineral component mingled with limeade, mild mango and tart green apple.
Pairing suggestion: Homemade turkey soup, butter chicken, steamed root vegetables or pumpkin pie.
Song pair: “L-O-V-E” by Nat King Cole
Tasting notes: Pink grapefruit and papaya tickle the sniffer followed by freshly mown lawn and Meyer lemon scents. The palate is classic new-world style sauvignon blanc with honeydew melon rind, hibiscus, crab apple and tangerine finishing with clean linen, white flowers, cardamom and rice crispy treats.
Pairing suggestion: Pesto ahi, tri-colored couscous, fava beans, seared scallops, green tea ice cream or seaweed salad.
Song pair: “Evil Woman” by Electric Light Orchestra
Tasting notes: This nose offers basil, Amish butter, fruit roll-up, fennel and caramel candy followed by a palate of dates, bolstered with blackberries and dark cherry compote, molasses cookies and a cracked black pepper finish.
Pairing suggestion: Carne asada, pound cake, arugula salad or pheasant with plum sauce.
Song pair: “It Was a Good Day” by Ice Cube
Tasting notes: Scents of pine needles, freshly ground nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, campfire remnants and cured meat precede a palate of black licorice, dried strawberries, dark cherry and figs. Lovely lingering finish of red hots and mild black tea.
Pairing suggestion: Roasted elk, sweet peas, teriyaki jerky, tiramisu or carrot ginger soup.
Song pair: “Black Betty” by Ram Jam
Many of their wines are named after aircraft as an homage to the property’s history and a grateful nod to the men and women who sacrificed in World War II including: Mustang, Hellcat, Spitfire, Lightning and Dauntless. The white and red blends listed above (Flygirl White and Bombshell Red respectively) are in honor of the female pilots who served in our country’s time of need. Likewise, they have wines named after the founders honoring the family lineage and celebrating tradition.
Airfield Estates currently has over 30 options available on their website available for purchase, and I have it on good authority that these wines are widely available in Whatcom County. They have a flexible and multi-tiered wine club option available online at airfieldwines.com.
Amberleigh Brownson is a local wine writer, consultant, sommelier and assistant winemaker at GLM Winery. She is also a 10-year wine judge and four-time Wine Spectator award winner recipient.
