David Padgett of Maison de Padgett and Horizon's Edge Wineries
When David Padgett’s wife objected to his spending 10 years in chiropractic college, he bought a vineyard and winery instead in the heart of the Rattlesnake Hills close to Zillah. That was in 1999, and the winery-vineyard was Horizon’s Edge started in 1984 by Tom Campbell. The 16-acre vineyard was planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Muscat Canelli, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and, eventually, Merlot. The winery and vineyard came with 6 months of training from Tom in winemaking and grape growing. Nearly 15 years later David decided to build a second winery facility that could accommodate events as well as wine tasting. He found the perfect corner lot for what became Maison de Padgett, which is one of the most stunningly beautiful winery sites in WA state. With nearly an acre of European gardens and views of Mount Rainier and Mount Adams, the spacious facility can accommodate up to 400+ guests.
David specializes in dessert wines, including late harvest, ice, and port wines. He is probably best known for his port style wines, which come in flavors such as peach, coffee, vanilla, chocolate, blackberry, and raspberry. They are delectable desserts in a bottle. The wine names and labels are as memorable as the flavors. A typical bottle lineup displays funky monkeys, singing toads, unzipped dresses, smoking guns, bite me pleas, and more. All in an effort to make wine tasting a delicious and fun experience. David is also known for unique wines, such as the “Unzipped” white Pinot Noir and a popular “Timeless” late harvest, which is very white and clear, but made with a blend of Sangiovese and Gewürztraminer grapes. Maison de Padgett and Horizon’s Edge wineries are about 5 minutes apart by car, and perfect destinations for spring and summer sipping.
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