Two generations, two states and two estates—the Fries family first broke ground on their passion for wine in Oregon’s Dundee Hills AVA in 1984. The property transformed over the next few years—with a planting of a 13-acre vineyard to make “house wine” to producing 1,000 cases with the first vintage as Duck Pond Cellars in 1993. But the Fries’ wine palate wasn’t complete until 2001 when they launched Desert Wind and its bigger, boisterous wines off of a 540-acre parcel in Washington’s Wahluke Slope.
As a beacon of wine for travelers coming in and out of Yakima Valley, the glowingly lit adobe brick winery and inn sits above Highway 82 and against the Yakima River.
Inspired by the posh Southwestern-style hotels of Sante Fe, the Inn at Desert Wind is comprised of four guest suites tucked above the winery’s spacious grounds. A surprising treat of repose and luxury in the heart of the Yakima Valley, each room features rustic hardwood floors, custom tile work, a powder room, restroom and king-sized bed along with a plethora of amenities from a gas kiva fireplace and a cozy sitting area with loveseat to custom bath products and full-stocked mini-bar to be enjoyed on the balcony over the Yakima River.
Breakfast is served to the suite’s front door, at a guest-designated time, including French pressed coffee, fresh fruit, just-baked bread pudding, cereal, juices and more. A local, on-call masseuse is also available for pre-booked massages from hot stone to Swedish, deep tissue and couples.
Order a cheese plate and a bottle of 2007 Late Harvest Gewürztraminer—a medium-bodied, stone fruit-forward sticky meant for matching with fromage—from the tasting room for in-room recreation. It is socially acceptable to enjoy whilst wrapped in the down comforter on the luxuriantly linened master bed.
