Description

Conner Lee Vineyard Overview

Conner Lee is a prestigious vineyard located in Washington state, celebrated for its high-quality wines and significant contributions to the region's viticulture. Under the stewardship of new owners since 2019, the vineyard continues to produce wines that reflect its unique terroir and meticulous farming practices.

History and Background

Conner Lee Vineyard was founded in 1980, initially planted by Dick and Louise Owings under the guidance of Dr. Walter Clore, a highly respected viticulturist from Washington State University. The vineyard was named shortly after its inception, honoring the partnership of Rhoady Lee, Bill Conner, and Jack Sullivan. Ownership transitioned to Josh Lawrence and Tom Merkle in 2019, who continue to uphold the vineyard's legacy of excellence.

Vineyard Details and Wine Production

Conner Lee is renowned for its exceptional soil composition and favorable climatic conditions, which include:

• Soil Type: Fine sandy loam to very fine sandy loam
• Elevation: Ranges from 1085 to 1164 feet
• Row Spacing: Maintained to optimize vine health and fruit quality

The vineyard's soil originates from sandy glacial marine sediments, a legacy of the Pleistocene era's Missoula floods. This distinct soil profile, combined with the cool, long ripening season, contributes to the production of textured, balanced, and complex wines.

Special focus is given to the following varietals:

• Cabernet Franc
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Chardonnay
• Chenin Blanc
• Malbec
• Merlot
• Muscadelle
• Pinot Noir
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Semillon
• Syrah
• Viognier

Notable Wines or Specialties

Conner Lee is particularly celebrated for its Chardonnay, often recognized as one of the top sites for this varietal in the Pacific Northwest. Additionally, the vineyard’s Bordeaux varietal wines have been among Washington’s highest-scoring offerings. Over the years, more than 60 wineries have successfully produced acclaimed wines using grapes from Conner Lee, highlighting its reputation and the broad appreciation of its grape quality.

Visitor Information and Experiences

While the summary does not provide detailed visitor information, those interested in exploring or purchasing from Conner Lee Vineyard may contact the owners directly. Given the vineyard's impact and connections within the wine industry, potential visitors and buyers can expect engaging and informative experiences tailored to their interests in viticulture and enology.

Contact Information and Location

For further details about visiting, purchasing, or learning more about Conner Lee Vineyard, interested parties should directly reach out to the vineyard's management. Unfortunately, specific contact details are not included in this summary.

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For wine enthusiasts and industry professionals, Conner Lee continues to be a beacon of vineyard excellence in Washington, combining historical depth, advanced viticultural practices, and a commitment to sustainability.