The word Abeja (Spanish for ‘bee’) is a beautifully simple term to describe one of nature’s hardest workers of the land. Abeja Winery owner Ken Harrison and wife Ginger chose this name for its simple beauty and as a reminder of times past when farming implied a respect for the environment and a close connection to the earth. Ken's passion for Cabernet Sauvignon and the exceptional climate for growing this varietal brought the Harrisons to Walla Walla.In January 2016, Dan Wampfler and Amy Alvarez Wampfler came on board the Abeja team as head winemakers, realizing their dream of once again working together to create quality wines hands on from the land.
Abeja is located on a century-old farmstead in the breathtaking foothills of the Blue Mountains, four miles east of Walla Walla, Washington. The wines are crafted from a combination of Estate Vineyards and long-established working relationships with passionate growers from select Columbia Valley vineyard sites. The Estate Vineyards, Heather Hill and Mill Creek Vineyard, are both situated in ideal locations in the Walla Walla Appellation. Heather Hill (planted 2001) at the South End, adjacent to Seven Hills, has such varied topography it is practically three unique vineyard sites and provides an array of characteristics in chemistry ripening and flavor profile, best suited for Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon. Mill Creek is situated on East Side of Walla Walla Valley at the bottom of the Blue Mountains within one of the air drainages. Cooler, fluctuating temperatures and elevation of 1300 feet lends suitable to varietals other than Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Viognier were planted here in 2000, Merlot and Chardonnay in 2006. Both vineyards utilize sustainable farming methods as certified by LIVE, Salmon Safe and Vinea.
