DuBrul Vineyard

In 1992 Hugh and Kathy Shiels planted DuBrul Vineyard. The steep south-facing hillside yields grapes with unique flavors and structure. In 2001, we founded Côte Bonneville to produce classically styled wines that best express our spectacular site. Kerry, our winemaker, creates beautiful wines from all our varietals, showcasing each terroir.

Standing atop the steep hillside, you pause to enjoy the view. The rockiness underfoot goes unnoticed. Perhaps it’s the prominence, the elevation, or the aspect, but there is a sense that this vineyard is a special place.

We recognize the microclimates of our 45 acre site and cater to these individually. In distance measured by hundreds of feet or less, we observe different growing conditions and tailor our farming practices to provide for the individual needs of the vine. Low vigor soils combined with our deficit irrigation regimen produce small berries, small clusters, and low yields from our vines.

Our own-rooted vines have a purity of expression of the vine and the soil. The unique flavors and structure of DuBrul grapes have inspired a plethora of vineyard designated wines over the years. Expressing this sense of place is the mission of Côte Bonneville.

DuBrul Vineyard is consistently recognized as one of the top vineyards in Washington State. The vineyard has been honored with the award of Vineyard of the Year in 2007 and again in 2009. DuBrul Vineyard designated wines, from Côte Bonneville and others, have consistently been well received by critics and sought after by consumers world wide.

Recognizing the uniqueness of DuBrul Vineyard, we founded Côte Bonneville in 2001 to showcase this special place, utilizing about 25% of the fruit grown in a given year. We vinify grapes from each varietal and block in DuBrul. Producing around 2500 cases per year, we are pleased to be able to show the range of wines and terroirs within the vineyard, while maintaining the exceptional attention to detail to each and every lot.

Vineyard Profile: DuBrul Vineyard, Yakima Valley

Growers: Shiels Family

Established: 1992

Size: 45 acres

Location: Center of the Yakima Valley AVA on a south facing slope

Soil Composition: Basalt promontory overlain by heterogeneous rocks from the ancient Columbia River and loess.

Heat Summation Units: 2800-3600

Growing Season: Long frost free growing season.

Elevation: 950 feet to 1350 feet.

Slope: South, northwest, and southwest slopes, with varietals selected for the aspect.