Tasting Room and Winery

Pepper Bridge Winery represents the pioneering spirit of the Walla Walla Valley. Owned and operated by three families–the McKibbens, the Murphys, and the Pellets–the winery is a leader in quality winemaking, hospitality, innovative technology and vineyard development. For over twenty years their hard work and dedication to the Walla Walla Valley has helped define it as one of the great wine regions of the world.

Our Philosophy

Attention to detail and functionality were the driving forces behind the design and construction of Pepper Bridge Winery. The three-level winery is built into a hill, set against the stunning backdrop of Pepper Bridge Vineyard.

By utilizing innovative design and techniques, Pepper Bridge Winery has enhanced its quality and dedication to crafting sustainable, premium wines. We built the first state-of-the-art, gravity-flow facility in Washington state, complete with subterranean caves. In a gravity-flow winery such as this, the grape pulp and juice are moved from the sorting table to the tanks to the barrels via gravity, rather than by pumps. This gentle treatment of the grapes prevents the shearing of seeds and the introduction of bitter tannins. As a result, all of our wines have elegant textures and exquisite flavor profiles. Winemaker Jean-François Pellet was also the consulting developer of a new optical sorter – yet another step in improving overall wine quality.

Sustainability and longevity are at the core of each step of winemaking, from vineyard to glass. In addition to our vineyard practices, the winery boasts a system of 378 solar panels, producing 70% of the winery’s energy needs.

Acclaim

Washington Wine Awards, 2015:

Jean-François Pellet: Winemaker of the Year

Wine & Spirits:

Top Family Winery

Top 100 Winery worldwide (2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2021, 2023)