Bunnell Family Cellar

Ron Bunnell, one of the winemakers at Chateau Ste Michelle for many years, has opened his own winery, Bunnell Family Cellar. The winery is located at his family's farm. Based in Prosser, Benton County, the winery is dedicated to producing syrah and other Rhone varietals. The vineyard and appellation wines Bunnell calls vins de l'endroit (wines of a place); the blended wines are vins de l'esprit (wines of the creative spirit).

Ron joined Chateau Ste. Michelle as head red winemaker in the fall of 1999 after a 16 year career in California that included vineyard work throughout the state as well as winemaking at Kendall-Jackson, Beringer and Chateau Souverain.

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More About Bunnell Family Cellar

Ron Bunnell, one of the winemakers at Chateau Ste Michelle for many years, has opened his own winery, Bunnell Family Cellar. The winery is located at his family's farm. Based in Prosser, Benton County, the winery is dedicated to producing syrah and other Rhone varietals. The vineyard and appellation wines Bunnell calls vins de l'endroit (wines of a place); the blended wines are vins de l'esprit (wines of the creative spirit).

Prior to joining Chateau Ste. Michelle, Erik worked at Simi Winery in Sonoma County. He holds a degree in Enology and Viticulture from University of California, Davis, a Master's in Food Science from Cornell University, and a MBA from University of Washington.

From the SF Chronicle:

THREE STARS NV Bunnell Family Cellar Vif Columbia Valley Red Wine
"Vif" is French for lively, vivid or brisk, which is how former California winemaker Ron Bunnell sees this blend of Rhone varieties. We see it as big, bold and nearly over the top -- just the way many wine drinkers love their reds. Its strong toast, mushroom and cocoa aromas lead to ripe, juicy boysenberry and black cherry flavors and a soft mouthfeel. What the wine lacks in structure, it makes up for with drink-now, fruity pleasure. "

at right, Ron Bunnell