Two energetic, twenty-something Seattlites launched Hightower Cellars with an idealistic fantasy of creating an exceptional, high-quality wine that would enhance enjoyment of everyday life. Renting a non-descript warehouse space in Woodinville--former home to a few prominent wineries in Washington State--the young couple dove into their dream while keeping their day jobs. Months of hands-on cellar rat work and diligent research in their free time paid off with ovations of their inaugural release of 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon. Case production steadily increased from 220 to 1200 cases over the next six years, along with a purchase of pristine vinifera-worthy real estate on Red Mountain, complete with water rights-a rare & unusual find in a Washington agricultural region. Kelly & Tim Hightower, one of Washington State's first married co-winemakers, compose delicious, supple, age-worthy Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons from a wide array of vineyards in three distinct appellations.

A Complementary Blend

In 1996, Tim was introduced to co-worker Kelly Coughlin, and many hours were spent talking wine during their shared commute from Seattle to Woodinville. Their infatuation for each other and wine was mutual, and this led to their brilliant yet bank-blowing idea to start their own winery a year later. Since its inception, Tim and Kelly have shared all of the responsibilities of Hightower Cellars, which include those as a winemaker, accountant, marketer, forklift-operator and janitor.

When they're not busy running the winery, they take breaks playing with their Yellow Labrador, Murray, and throw dinner parties for friends and industry members. Kelly researches the recipes, which Tim then masterfully creates in the kitchen. One might say that Tim and Kelly make a complementary blend.

The Shift to Red Mountain

In the fall of 2002, the Hightowers moved their home & winery operations from Woodinville to Benton City - home of the Red Mountain appellation - after purchasing 15 acres of prime, undeveloped vineyard land. With the knowledge that the finest wines are made from grapes where winemakers have complete authority over its management, Tim and Kelly immediately began plans for retrofitting an existing barn as a working winery and transforming most of the acreage into rows of classic Bordeaux varietals. The Hightowers purchased their land from pioneers Maurice and Zeta Moore. Though the Moores were not interested in growing grapes and were looking to downsize, they were wary of city-folk revamping their naturally beautiful habitat. Tim and Kelly eventually convinced the Moores that they were the right couple to care for this gorgeous site.

Since their inaugural 1997 vintage, the Hightowers have been sourcing fruit from Red Mountain, and are acutely aware of the excellent quality of the grapes from this AVA, a knowledge shared by consumers and wine critics alike across the globe. Red Mountain became an appellation in 2001 and is also one of North America's smallest appellations. It achieves more than 3000 heat units during the growing season, making it one of the warmest sites in Washington State.

"Their enthusiasm for their quest to find a new home is contagious. They are the types of people you just want to succeed."
- Stan Clarke, Contributor to the Yakima Herald and Coordinator for Walla Walla Enology &Viticulture Institute

In April 2004, the Hightowers began planting 10 acres primarily with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with smaller portions of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, leaving the remaining 3 acres for their home and retrofitted winery.

"We are particularly excited about this site because of its southwest-facing, even slope. It has promise to be one of the best sites in the appellation."
- Tim Hightower

Hightower Cellars will continue to source grapes from the Horse Heaven Hills and Walla Walla Valley appellations even as their own vineyard begins providing estate fruit. Their belief is that diversity in terroir is essential to maintaining the complexity of their wines. It also gives the winery greater flexibility in production choices during adverse weather conditions that could influence low-lying vineyard sites in Washington State. Future plans also include production of a Red Mountain Bordeaux blend from their estate vineyard.