Anelare Winery is set into the Kiona hillside with an expansive view of the valley including Red Mountain as well as Rattlesnake and Badger Canyons. A family owned and operated winery, Doctor Jim and Cindy Campbell and their daughter and son-in-law Kahryn and Forrest Alexander began their journey in 2007. The family’s warm, welcoming and friendly nature offers respite for the visitors that stop by. It’s indicative of their passion and joy for wine culture.
Anelare, Italian for “desire”, focuses mainly on spring and fall releases of their boutique varietals. They distribute very few varietals (less than 1000 cases per year) and the bulk of their small batch vintages are reserved for exclusive wine club members.
Resident labradoodle Charlie hangs out at their recently launched Benton City tasting room. One particular reason to visit Anelare is for the tales of culinary wine by “Uncle” Earl Smart. A truly unique part of the extraordinary experience found at Anelare, and tribute of their more economical and available label ‘Zio’ (Italian for uncle), which features his signature beret on the label.
Notable winemaker Charlie Hoppes, of Fidelistas Wines, shares his award-winning 20+ years of experience to create delicious and exclusive Columbia Valley wines for Anelare at his facility in Richland, Washington. Anelare sources fruit from several local well-known vineyards.
Like most wineries, they offer a tasting fee of $10.00, refundable with purchase of a bottle of one of their few available varieties that run about $25 per bottle. They offer both red and white blends as well as several Syrahs, a Carménère, and a Merlot. Overseen by GM Kim Gravenslund, for the purchase of 12 or 24 bottles of wine per year a member has a discount on other purchases, waived tasting fees and discounted private use of the facilities one time a year.
They offer venue rental of their bright and airy, relaxed yet elegant tasting room in Benton City for special events. Set in the shadow of Chandler Butte, hang gliders can often be seen landing in the distance and bike-enthusiasts frequent the area.
An eye for understated simple rustic elegance, Anelare offers a laid-back and unique experience for wine lovers. With their main focus on quality, the winery is establishing roots for future growth and has employed esteemed professionals in the Columbia Valley region to assist them. Their main goal is to provide high-quality wines to be enjoyed by families around the table.