Upchurch Vineyard: Red Mountain’s Refined Soul

"Never forget about delicious." - Chris Upchurch, Proprietor & Head Winemaker

There’s something magnetic about Red Mountain. For those who’ve walked its dusty slopes, you know the pull — the way the desert wind carries the scent of sage and sun-baked stone, how the horizon glows gold before fading into the inky blue of the Columbia Valley evening. It’s a place of contrast and intensity, where the extremes of heat and wind yield some of the most elegant, age-worthy wines in the world.

At the heart of this small but mighty AVA stands Upchurch Vineyard — the personal estate of one of Washington’s most respected winemakers, Chris Upchurch. For anyone who has followed the evolution of Washington wine, Chris’s name carries weight. As the founding winemaker and partner of DeLille Cellars, he helped shape the very idea of Bordeaux-style blends in Washington, proving decades ago that the state could produce wines of grace, structure, and longevity on par with the Old World greats.

But Upchurch Vineyard — his namesake project, founded with his wife Thea — is something more intimate, more personal. It’s the culmination of a lifetime spent mastering the craft.

A Deep-Rooted Vision on Red Mountain

Upchurch Vineyard was established in 2007, tucked along the western edge of Red Mountain. Here, the soils are a complex mix of glacial deposits and volcanic ash, rich in calcium carbonate and riddled with gravel — a combination that provides both drainage and minerality. The vines dig deep, struggling just enough to yield fruit that is both powerful and precise.

Chris’s vision for this site was clear from the start: to create a “first growth” estate for Washington — a place where sustainable farming, meticulous attention to detail, and minimalist winemaking converge to produce wines that express their origin with absolute clarity.

The vineyard is farmed using Certified Sustainable and Salmon Safe practices, emphasizing soil health, biodiversity, and the long-term vitality of the land. The result is fruit of remarkable concentration and balance — hallmark traits of Red Mountain but elevated through Chris’s precision and patience.

The Wines: Power and Poise

Each bottle from Upchurch Vineyard feels like a masterclass in restraint and intention.

• Southwest Facing Sauvignon Blanc offers crystalline freshness and textural elegance — a Washington white that nods to Bordeaux Blanc while maintaining a distinct sense of place.

• Counterpart Merlot and Candy Mountain Merlot show how Chris elevates this often-overlooked varietal to something profound — plush yet structured, deeply aromatic, with Red Mountain’s signature graphite minerality.

• The LTL Cabernet Sauvignon (“LTL” for Larger Than Life) reminds us that even a master winemaker stays curious — a beautifully approachable Cabernet crafted with the same care as his flagship wines.

• And then there’s the Heart of the Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, the crown jewel of the estate. From one of Red Mountain’s most iconic vineyard sites, it’s a wine of density, purity, and quiet confidence — the kind of Cabernet that defines a region.

The Man Behind the Wines

Chris Upchurch isn’t just a winemaker — he’s a storyteller in liquid form. Over more than three decades, he’s crafted some of Washington’s most celebrated wines, mentoring countless winemakers along the way and helping to define the state’s identity on the global stage.

His philosophy is rooted in precision and patience: that great wine is born not from manipulation, but from understanding. Understanding your vineyard, your soil, your fruit — and knowing when to step back and let it speak.

As Chris puts it, “Wine should tell the story of where it comes from — not who made it.”

Why This Dinner Matters

For us at Base Camp Wine & Co., Red Mountain has always held a special place. It’s rugged and raw yet capable of producing wines of extraordinary finesse — much like the Pacific Northwest itself. To welcome Chris Upchurch to Coeur d’Alene for our Winemaker’s Dinner on Saturday, November 8, feels like a celebration of everything we love about Washington wine: authenticity, craft, and connection.

Over five courses, we’ll explore the breadth of Upchurch Vineyard’s artistry — from the bright lift of Sauvignon Blanc to the deep resonance of Cabernet Sauvignon. Each pairing has been thoughtfully designed to highlight the character of the wine and the complexity of the region. But what makes this evening truly special isn’t just what’s in the glass — it’s the chance to sit down with the man who helped put Washington on the map, hear his stories, and share in the simple joy that only great wine and good company can bring.

Because as Paul Buscoe said, “The most prestigious bottles begin to exist the moment we empty them among friends.”

Join Us

Saturday, November 8 | 5:30PM
Base Camp Wine & Co.
Five Courses | Five Wines | One Unforgettable Night

Seats are limited for this intimate event.
Reserve your place, and raise a glass to Red Mountain — and to the vision of a winemaker who helped shape its story.