About us

Ellensburg Canyon is a Winery with an onsite Estate vineyard located in the Eastern part of the Columbia Valley AVA. The Yakima River Canyon boasts some the most unique terroir in the state of Washington, with significant slope for cold drainage and sun exposure, loamy soil with volcanic ash that adds minerality and complexity, and frequent winds that help to promote flavonoid development in the grape skins.

The specific terroir of this site makes it possible to produce unique wines of the highest quality. The vineyard was planted in 1998 and is the first commercial vineyard in Kittitas County. 5 acres are under vine, with 3 acres in Cabernet Franc, 1.5 in Riesling, and the remaining 0.5 in Malbec. All grapes here are on their own roots (vs grafted) and managed with growing practices that keep the site's proximity to the blue-ribbon waters of the Yakima River in mind. In addition, Ellensburg Canyon has an 85 solar panel array to power our winery, tasting room, and home.

Come taste what makes Ellensburg Canyon so  very special, and watch the grapes grow from our patio while enjoying stunning views of the Yakima River Canyon.
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Laura & Jason Reigel

​For those of you who we haven’t met yet, “we” are Laura & Jason Reigel, and we took on ownership of Ellensburg Canyon Winery back in May of 2021. I suspect that many of you have thought about what it’d be like to make the jump into running a vineyard and a winery… it’s been a dream for us for years. Immediately after setting foot on the property and trying the wines, we knew that Ellensburg Canyon was "the one." We had to jump at the opportunity! It was absolutely the right choice. It’s been both more work and more joy than we ever could have imagined.

We can’t wait to meet you. Cheers!


Ellensburg canyon winery testimonials

"I won't share my 'White Satin Nights'!"  -  Carol Matthews, Eatonville, WA
"Amazing, great wines and great time!  We'll take one of each!"  -  Dave & Joan Thorson, Stanwood, WA
"I'm from Texas and this is the best wine ever x 2. Wonderful beyond words.  I'm ordering a case for shipment home." -  Katy Sinclair, Lewisville, TX  -  p.s. I'm normally a Vodka Drinker.
"Twas divine!"  -  Liza & David Morado, Tacoma, WA
"Wow, best Rieslings I've ever had!"  -  Annie Connor, Orofino, ID
"Awesome wine & hard cider.  Loved the stories!"  -  James & Dale Linhoff,  Renton, WA
"Enjoyed the visit, conversation and all the wines."  -  Greg & Julie Thompson,  Winfield,  KS

Founder, ​Gary Cox

Ellensburg Canyon Winery (ECW) draws on Gary R. Cox’s experience as a Plant & Soil Scientist, obtaining his Bachelor of Science from Southern Illinois University in Plant & Soil Science and his Master of Science in Agronomy & Soils from Washington State University. ​