Location

Father and son, Bill and Greg Powers established Badger Mountain Vineyard in 1982. In 1983 they were joined by a partner, Tim DeCook, and started producing premier wines at their 80-acre estate winery.  The estate is situated on a south-facing slope of Badger Mountain in the Columbia Valley, Washington State's finest viticultural area. The climate is well suited for world-class vinifera grapes, with weeks of 85-95 degree Fahrenheit daytime temperatures during the summer, and winters cold enough to eliminate vineyard pests.  The average annual rainfall of less than eight inches, combined with deep, well-drained volcanic soil, allows for precisely controlled application of water through irrigation.

History

The transition to organic viticulture began in 1988.  Since that time we have not used chemical herbicides, insecticides, fungicides or synthetic fertilizers in our vineyard.  We have relied on only organically approved and naturally occurring substances for all vineyard applications.  In 1990, Badger Mountain Vineyard became the first vineyard to be Certified Organic by the Washington State Department of Agriculture.  The production of premium fruit is virtually assured by advantageous use of our assets: favorable location, climate, volcanic soil, and organic techniques.

During 1992, production of the Powers label wines began.  Bottling under the Powers Winery label allows us to produce high quality wines made from vineyard sources other than our organic vineyard. We have sought out the best growers to take the fullest advantage of the various microclimates found throughout the Columbia Valley. Each year, Bill works closely with these grape growers to ensure we will receive the highest quality fruit with the best potential to make wine worthy of the consistent excellence we have come to expect from Powers Winery.  Powers wines have been recognized by such notables as the Wine Spectator, which has referred to the winery as a "rising star", and recently Wine Enthusiast named Powers Winery as one of the "50 Great U.S. Cabernet Producers."

Today

Badger Mountain balances tradition and technology to produce a wide array of classic varietal wines, as well as limited bottlings of organic wines with no added sulfites (preservatives).  We continue to be committed to producing premium wine, which has become nationally and internationally recognized for its consistent high quality. Now there is some evidence that Badger Mountain produces some of the healthiest wines in the world, according to an article in Wine & Health Magazine, Spring 2004. Powers Winery varietals reflect the vast potential for world-class wines from Washington's best known appellations. 

As a young man, Bill came to Washington State from Oklahoma. After approximately 20 years as an orchardist, Bill took a brief excursion into the cattle business from 1978-1981. In 1981, Bill found the perfect piece of ground and planted Badger Mountain Vineyard in 1982. As the vineyard matured, the grapes were sold to Chateau St. Michelle from 1985 to 1987, with some of the 1987 harvest made into wine and sold in bulk. In 1988, wine was produced and bottled under the Badger Mountain label. Also during 1988, Bill’s farming philosophy changed as he decided to pursue organic viticulture. With the transition to organic techniques underway, the winery was built in 1989. In 1990, Badger Mountain Vineyard became the first Certified Organic Vineyard in Washington State and Bill made international sales contacts. Sales of organic wine were made to a Japanese company and the relationship between Bill and the Japanese buyer has remained prosperous for both over the years.

Bill is always interested in improving the quality of the vineyard and 1996 saw the move towards re-trellising using the Scott-Henry system. The work was finally completed in 1998. Bill was named 1996 Washington Wine Grape Grower of the Year, an award which was bestowed by his colleagues for his progressive techniques and excellent recovery of the vineyard after the devastating freeze in the winter of 1996. Bill continues to take an active role overseeing all aspects of the vineyard and the winery, and in his spare moments enjoys the company of his wife and grandchildren.

Tim and Carolyn live in Seattle, Washington. Both have retired from the medical field, Tim as an anesthesiologist.  They enjoy visiting Washington's wine country to take in some sunshine and the many wonderful events at the winery. 

Greg has been involved with Badger Mountain Vineyard since its inception in 1982. As Vineyard Manager from 1982 to 1990, Greg took an active role in the development of the vineyard and the production of the highest quality of fruit.  In 1990, Greg’s role moved him into the winery to oversee the expansion from 100,000 gallon capacity to 350,000 gallons. Under Greg’s leadership, the winemaking has been recognized by such notables as the Wine Spectator, which has referred to the winery as a “rising star”, and recently Wine Enthusiast named Powers Winery one of the “50 Great U.S. Cabernet Producers”.  

Greg continues his education with courses from the University of California at Davis, with an eye towards constantly improving quality both in the vineyard and the winery.

Image Tour of Badger Mountain Vineyard