AN ESCAPE TO WINE COUNTRY
The Vision Behind Abeja
Abeja (pronounced “ah-BAY-ha”) is Spanish for a bee. As an indicator species, the honey bee not only reminds us of the importance of caring for our environment but also honors the value we place on working together as a community. Join Abeja founders, Ken and Ginger Harrison, and winemakers, Dan Wampfler and Amy Alvarez-Wampfler, to further explore the vision behind Abeja.
FOR THE LOVE OF WINE
Wine brought Abeja winemakers Daniel Wampfler and Amy Alvarez-Wampfler together. Quite literally, in fact, long before the accomplished husband and wife winemaking team found their way to each other.
Dan began his career as a classically trained winemaker, holding research enology and winemaking positions with Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. Amy found her path to winemaking by way of a tasting room. That experience led her to pursue a degree in winemaking while she worked as a Columbia Crest enologist. It was at Columbia Crest where the couple's professional and personal lives crossed.
After leaving Columbia Crest, Dan to take the reins as Dunham Cellars' head winemaker and Amy to serve as Sinclair Cellars' general manager and winemaker, their dream of working together again seemed improbable. That changed when Abeja approached the couple in late 2015.
Since joining Abeja in January 2016, Dan and Amy have combined their formidable winemaking talents with their love for one another. Their goal is to create handcrafted wines that are the result of meticulous viticultural practices; customized, small lot fermentation and aging; and selective blending.
Accolades
2025
SIP Magazine, February 2025
» 2024 Washington Wine Harvest: What to Expect from This Year's Vintage
Seattle Met, January 2025
» Best Sunny Vacations from Seattle
2024
KOMO-News/SeattleRefined, December 2024
» Feast of the Seven Fishes: Washington-inspired recipe from Chef Mike Easton
SeattleMag.com, December 2024
» Merry Fishmas: Feast of the Seven Fishes
Wine Enthusiast, December 2024
The Enthusiast 100: Top-Rated Wines That Stand Out
» #60 Abeja 2022 Skysill Chardonnay
Eater Seattle, November 2024
» An Absolute Wine Novice’s Weekend Guide to the Walla Walla Valley
1889 Magazine, October 2024
» Cozy Fall Getaways for Two
Condé Nast Traveler, October 2024
» Top 10 Hotels in the Pacific Northwest: Readers’ Choice Awards 2024
Decanter, October 2024
Columbia Valley 2021: 30 of the top wines tasted
» 2021 Abeja Heather Hill Cabernet Sauvignon
Edible Inland NW, September 2024
» Handcrafted Italian Excellence
Reader’s Digest, August 2024
» The 25 Best Wineries in the United States
Seattle Times, August 2024
» Four Fall Road Trips for Foodies and Wine Lovers
Napa Valley Life, August 2024
» The Wild, Wild West of Wine
425 Magazine, Northwest Travel & South Sound magazines, July 2024
» Dining Among the Vineyards
Puget Sound Business Journal, June 2024
» James Beard nominee shifts gears
Eater, June 2024
» Mike Easton is closing his James Beard-nominated restaurant
Seattle Met, June 2024
» Mike Easton Pauses Bar Bacetto for New Role at Abeja
Seattle Times, June 2024
» WA James Beard finalist closes one restaurant, opens another - and more
SIP Magazine, June 2024
» James Beard Nominated Chef Mike Easton Joins The Kitchen at Abeja in Walla Walla
Just Luxe, April 2024
» These Women Are Producing Some of Washington's Best Wines
Wine Enthusiast, April 2024
» Buying Guide
Northwest Travel & Life, March 2024
» Weekend in Walla Walla Wine Country
Luxury Travel Magazine, March 2024
» Walla Walla’s The Inn at Abeja Wows
Wine Advocate , March 2024
» Buying Guide
WineEnthusiast, January 2024
» The Best Walla Walla Wineries (and More) to Visit Right Now
Seattle Times, January 2024
» 9 Cozy Pacific Northwest Staycations to Help You Enjoy Winter
Food & Home, January 2024
Winter 2024
» Grape Escapes
— Jeb Dunnuck, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate
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