From the vine to the bottle. Colorful labels give distinction  and add an elegant touch to their presentation. Photo by Chris Thorn

By CHRIS THORN

Matt and Patrick Rawn have a wealth of experience when it comes to knowing the soils in the Yakima Valley, due to four generations of farmers in their lineage. The duo has used their knowledge to expand and establish Two Mountain Winery in Zillah.

According to their website, in 1951 Matt and Patrick’s grandfather, Phil Schmidt, established Schmidt Orchards with 40 acres of peaches, apricots, prunes, and apples. Matt and Patrick planted Copeland Vineyard in 2000 with their uncle, Ron Schmidt, and crushed their first vintage in 2002.

Ron passed away a few years later and Matt and Patrick took over the family winery in 2006. They began their ownership by narrowing their focus because the acreage owned by the family included not only the vineyard, but also many acres of other fruit.

“We decided to only focus on grapes and wine,” Matt said. “Our goal was to grow the brand and product.”

They began by changing the wine label and It didn’t take long before the efforts Matt and Patrick put in paid off and the winery grew.

However, when the economic turmoil began in 2008, the brothers definitely noticed. Matt said it has taken its toll but has a very optimistic attitude.

“I feel very fortunate,” he said. “If we get through this then we should be okay.”

He added since taking over the business with his brother it has been “interesting, fun, exciting, and scary.” During the course of owning the winery, the brothers have done some remodeling as well, giving the wine tasting area a facelift as well as other updates.

Matt and Patrick said one big change in recent years is the people visiting the wineries. Matt said it used to be more people from the other side of the mountains but as time has gone on more and more people from the valley have been visiting.

“The local population is evolving and changing,” he said. “It has all kinds of promise.”

Two Mountain Winery produces between 3,200 and 3,500 cases of wine per year including a Riesling, Chalk Art Rose’, Yakima Valley Chardonnay, Hidden Horse VII, Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon, and a limited edition Brothers No. 2.

“We truly believe that each bottle of wine we produce starts in the vineyard and as such, we invest every resource necessary to produce premium fruit for premium wines,” their website states.

Two Mountain Winery has three full-time employees and two part-time employees. Matt said they also have employees who are hired for harvest season as well. Their tasting room is open President’s Day through November from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and by appointment. They are located at 2151 Cheyne Road in Zillah, Wash. For more information call (509) 829-3900 or visit www.twomountainwinery.com