Winery 
There is a saying in the wine industry (actually, there are many) that goes something like this: "One cannot make great wine from bad grapes, although one can make bad wine from great grapes." The moral of the story being: One needs great grapes to make great wine.
We get our grapes from several different sources. Doing so allows us to produce wines of different character and terroir, thus giving us a much more structured and layered wine upon completion.
Ash Hollow Vineyard is located just within the western edge of the Walla Walla Valley appellation just south of Highway 12 at Nine Mile Hill. Having the same 46º N latitude as Bordeaux, it has become as an exceptional source for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah grapes. Because of its northern latitude, Ash Hollow Vineyard enjoys up to two hours more summer sunlight than other wine regions. The longer days allow the grapes to fully ripen, and the cool nights provide a higher natural acidity. Ash Hollow Vineyard is situated such that gentle sweeping slopes provide excellent sun exposure aspects. The vineyard's weather, location, topography, and unique soils offer key benefits that are important factors for quality fruit production. 2006 will be the first year that Harbinger will use fruit from this vineyard. We are anticipating both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes from Ash Hollow.
Founded in 1968 by Alec Bayless, Sagemoor has been growing quality vinefera grapes for almost 40 years. Location is a big factor for this vineyard as its located on a southwestern slope just outside of Pasco, butting up to the Columbia River. Sagemoor provides Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot from their Bacchus vineyard, as well as Syrah from the Sagemoor Vineyard. Other wineries that share our blocks are: Walla Walla Vintners, Lost Mountain Winery, L'Ecole, and Three Rivers. We here at Harbinger feel very lucky to work with such passionate and qualified folks.
The Wahluke Slope AVA sits on an immense gravel and silt bench left behind after the great Missoula floods of the Ice Age. Growers in the area produce mostly red grape varieties, although many are planting small experimental blocks of other grapes. From this region we get some our our Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Fruit from this appellation consistently produces ripe fruit with a richer flavor and a softer finish. Wineries also using Whaluke grapes include Three Rivers, K Vintners, L'Ecole, Reininger, Powers, Forgeron Cellers, and Long Shadows.
This vineyard is located in the Frenchman Hills on the Royal Slope of the Columbia Valley. We haven't actually used grapes from this vineyard yet, but if my persistent peskiness prevails, we will be picking up some Chardonnay (at the very least), and hopefully a red or two as well. Stillwater's fruit has gotten some rave reviews lately, and we would be honored to make wine from their efforts.
Two Coyote Vineyard was established in 2004 in the Rattlesnake Hills Appellation on the upper end of the Yakima Valley. Their focus is on producing Rhone, Alsatian, and Spanish varietals of the highest quality. While young, significant research and preparation have already gone into this small vineyard. With Rhone-style wines being our focus, Harbinger Winery is contracted to receive Viognier, Mourvedre, and Grenache from Two Coyote.
