Basel Cellars Estate Winery

“Wines from Walla Walla... have put this little valley on the map of the world’s great wines.” -- New York Times Magazine

Basel Cellars Estate Winery is in the heart of the Washington’s Walla Walla Valley. Wine Enthusiast Magazine named Washington State as the “2001 Wine Region of the Year” and said, “A community of winemakers is exploiting Washington’s advantages in climate and terroir to build an industry worthy of the world’s respect... it’s the red wines—first the Merlots, then Cabernets and lately the Syrahs—that generate the most excitement.”

It is simply one of the most exciting winemaking regions in the country. Within a decade this area has grown from a mere handful of wineries to over 40 and counting. Walla Walla wines continually receive recognition in publications ranging from The Wine Advocate and Gourmet to The Wall Street Journal.

The conditions in Walla Walla are ideal for producing grapes of superb quality. The complex soil provides perfect drainage, the limited rainfall allows growers to control irrigation, and the combination of long sunny days with cool nights allows the grapes to develop their flavor and complexity slowly while still retaining their natural acidity.

“For some reason, people who are really passionate about quality have gravitated toward Walla Walla.” Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator

The winemaking facility at Basel is housed in a 9600 sq. ft. subterranean structure that is modeled after the famous Chateau Mouton Rothschild in the Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux. The facility came into full production for the 2003 harvest, and housed the 2002 vintage in barrel as well as the case product of 2001.

“Trey Busch at Basel Cellars is coaxing some delightful balance out of his wines”—Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Trey Busch first found his way to Washington in 1988 through a two-year tour in the Navy. He knew then that he had a love affair with the Pacific Northwest. After attending the University of Georgia, Trey moved back to Seattle, where he began an eight-year career at Nordstrom. While visiting friends in Walla Walla, Trey and his wife, Jennifer were convinced that this was the place they wanted to raise their daughter, Kailey. Eric Dunham provided them the opportunity by hiring Trey as the Assistant Winemaker for Dunham Cellars. Trey has taken classes at UC Davis, as well as extension courses from WSU at Walla Walla Community College. In August of 2002, Trey was hired as the winemaker for Basel Cellars. And in December of 2002 Wine Enthusiast Magazine recognized Trey as one of the nation’s "Winemakers to Watch" for the future. Combine a passion matched by few, his technical experience, and the unique terriors of Washington and you have the perfect blend to produce world class wines.

“...look at the people our editors feel will be the award winners of tomorrow...Trey Busch, Basel Cellars...” Wine Enthusiast Magazine, December 2002