The Sergio Martinez family owns a small vineyard located on the Horse Heaven Hills American Viticulture Area (AVA) in
a distinct area called Phinny Hill. Phinny Hill is known in the wine industry
to have exceptionally unique geological and geographical characteristics that have contributed to some of the best wines in
Washington. The vineyard
was planted on an Eastern facing slope with Cabernet Sauvignon vines back in 1981.
These vines are the direct descendents of the vines from the first Phinny Hill
Vineyard planted by Don and Linda Mercer, with advice and direction of Walter Clore; the Washington State University researcher whose work was instrumental in starting the Washington Wine Industry. His original vineyard, now owned by Paul and Judy Champoux has become well known for producing world-renowned
wines. It has been a dream of the Martinez family to produce their own wine from these extremely
special grapes. This year marks the release of their first
two vintages from the 2005 harvest.
Martinez & Martinez Winery is dedicated to the production of high quality
wine from high quality grapes, focusing on Cabernet Sauvignon from the Horse Heaven Hills.
Currently the winery uses two vineyards from the AVA. The Martinez Vineyard
Estate described above and Alder Ridge Vineyard located on an extremely steep Southern facing slope, overlooking the
Columbia River. The River has a magnificent effect on this vineyard by moderating
the extreme summer and winter temperatures. This vineyard produces great fruit and is of superior quality due to its
unique growing area. Sergio has tended to both vineyards since their inception.