Willow Crest Wine Estates, Prosser

After more than a decade of growing grapes for other winemakers, third-generation grower David J. Minick realized his dream by opening Willow Crest Wine Estates in 1995. At his own vineyard, David oversees 300 acres of grapes, and he retains a small fraction of his annual harvest to craft around 3,000 cases of premium wine. But David's production process isn't a typical one.

Willow Crest is one of those rare wineries that doesn't use barrels. Instead, it employs a lengthy artisan process and adjusts fermentation tactics to suit that particular year's growing conditions. The result: consistent production of delicious aromatic white wines such as pinot gris, riesling, and rosé. David and his staff invite customers to try out their creations at two separate tasting rooms, including a Tuscan-themed one in the Prosser Wine Village and a gallery and gift shop in Little Bavaria.