Kansas City residents Brad Bergman and Doug Frost, MS, MW, founded Echolands Winery in 2018. Their goal was to build a winery showcasing the distinct style of wines coming from the Walla Walla Valley AVA and produce them in such a way that honors the environment. Towards this end each Echolands vintage is crafted with sustainable methods at every stage of production.
“We seek to amplify that echo from the land and the grapevines in every bottle we make.”
Walla Walla Valley AVA
The Walla Walla Valley AVA was established in 1984 and has since grown into one of the wine world’s most respected regions. Located in Southeastern Washington and crossing the border into Eastern Oregon, the valley’s unique soil composition and climate produces bold red wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.
The vines in the Walla Walla Valley enjoy a warm growing season that culminates with cool fall nights. Rainfall is typically low because of the rain shadow cast by the Cascade Mountains to the west. The soil is high in sand and loess (fine-grained, windblown silt and clay particles), which drain well and allows vines to direct their growing energy towards fruit rather than leafy vegetation. These factors all come together to create the perfect environment for growing expressive, flavorful red wines.
Establishing Taggart Vineyard
The Taggart Vineyard at Echolands was planted in 2019 after two years of extensive prep work . Before that the land had only been used for pastures and wheat farming, so to prepare it for vines the Echolands team meticulously tilled the soil, established nurturing plantings, and introduced biochar into the soil to improve its structure and provide a hospitable habitat for essential microorganisms.
Taking these early steps before the first vines go into the ground reflect the winery’s commitment to regenerative organic viticulture. The vineyard fosters a living biodome beneath the soil that supports robust vines, encourages biodiversity, and reduces the need for chemical intervention.
Regenerative Organic Viticulture
At Echolands Winery regenerative organic viticulture goes far beyond just organic farming. It is a comprehensive approach built on a philosophy around working with nature rather than against it, allowing the land to heal, thrive, and sustain itself for many generations to come.
Thoughtful biodiversity practices support the land which, in turn, yields grapes that fully express the distinct Terrier of the Walla Walla Valley. Echolands’ integrated approach not only supports soil health, but supports pollinators, wildlife, and the natural water cycles of the vineyard and the environment around it.
Echolands Winery’s approach includes:
- Upholding biodiversity in vineyards
- Plantings from local nurseries to create healthy landscapes for wildlife
- Use of manure from local farmers
- No pesticide or herbicide use
- Employing falconers to naturally clear out moles, voles, and other vermin
Echolands Wine
The hard work done at Echolands before even the first grape is hand-picked is evident in every bottle of their wine, improving by the many awards and top rankings they have received. Everyone, from the casual sippers to the industries top critics, can taste the authenticity and craftsmanship contained in every bottle.
Echolands Albus 2023
Wine Advocate – 92 points
Echolands Resound 2022
Wine Advocate – 93 points
Echolands Seven Hills Vineyard 2019
Wine Spectator – 93 points
Echolands Syrah
2019
Wine Spectator – 94 points
2021
Wine Advocate – 91 points
Wine Spectator – 93 points
Echolands Cabernet Franc Blue Mountain Vineyards 2022
Wine Advocate – 92 points
Wine Spectator – 93 points
Echolands Cabernet Franc Walla Walla Valley 2022
Wine Advocate – 92 points
