The evolution of our winery is an important part of our story and we invite you into a journey of our history. In late 1880, our great grandfather settled 30 miles northwest of Walla Walla, known as Eureka, Washington today. The vast area of virgin land was developed into dry land wheat and sustained a family of four children. The oldest child, our grandmother, grew up farming and rode a horse and buggy to Walla Walla High School in the early 1900’s. Our grandmother married a Lodmell in Walla Walla during the roaring 1920’s. She never gave up her interest in the farm, always taking notes of wheat prices, the weather and year to year bushels per acre. This “best practice” and knowledge of farming has been passed down two generations.
Today, my father, Miles, has diversified the land in the Eureka area within Walla Walla County. A portion of the land is home to Lodmell Vineyards. Our original 15 acres of grapes was planted in 1995 and continues to produce some of Walla Walla’s finest Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. We recently added another 15 acres of grapes to include Semillon, Syrah and Cab Franc. Lodmell Vineyards is a 30 acre Estate Vineyard on the lower Snake River; this was our inspiration in designing our wine label with a snake.
Selling grapes to some of the most prestigious wine makers in the Walla Walla Valley gives Kristie a unique perspective on what it takes to make good wine. Over the past 18 years, we have had the opportunity to surround ourselves with some of the best wine minds. We have always been growers and over time have evolved into wine making. Lodmell Cellars’ Estate Merlot is one of our “best kept secrets” with its rich Bourdeaux style flavors.
We invite you to visit our tasting room to immerse yourself in wines that are the pride of a fourth generation Walla Walla family.
From our family to yours!
Lodmell Cellars