Castillo de Feliciano Vineyard & Winery
About
It is our hope to provide you with outstanding wine and a memorable experience for you, your family and friends. Our winery design was inspired by the Southern region of Spain called Andalucia where the majestic blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean meets up with the stark white buildings and Terra Cotta tile roofs of Los Pueblos Blancos.
Location Description
Located in the heart of Woodinville, Washington.
Features
- SUENO HECHO EN REALIDAD
- (A dream made into reality)
Additional Information
- Meeting / Conference Facilities:
- Caves:
- Wedding Facilities:
- Picnic Facilities:
- Dog Friendly:
- Winery Tours:
- Wine Tasting:
- Art or Architecture:
- Organic / Biodynamic:
- Awards:
- Wine Club:
- Lodging / Bed & Breakfast:
History
AS TOLD BY DEBORAH CASTILLO
Castillo de Feliciana Vineyard & Winery is named after my great Aunt, Feliciana. However, when I was a little girl growing up I only knew her as Aunt Tana or Tia Tana. She was the sister to my grandfather on my mom’s side. She lived alone most of her life. She was married to a Spaniard but did not have children. My mom used to take us to visit her when we were little. She didn’t speak very much English. When we’d visit, she somehow knew that my brother and I were bored and would tell us to go and get gum from her purse (a little black purse she kept in her bedroom). I remember the scent of that purse. It smelled like roses (floral) from her face powder, fruity – from the Juicy fruit gum, a little musty because it was old, a little bit of tobacco (although my mom says she never smoked), and of course it smelled of leather.
All these scents would come back to me when I started drinking wine. I’d smell a wine, mostly red wine, and I’d tell my husband and that it had an “old lady purse” smell, meaning that it smelled like my aunt’s purse. At that moment I’d be full of memories of her. I can remember her small house and her living room and my younger sister’s staying really close to my mom while my brother and I would go off and look through her purse for gum. I’d remember the times she’d sew new Easter dresses for us. She made my three younger sisters dresses in the same style, except different colors. Mine would be slightly different because I was the oldest. I remember one time finding a few droplets of blood on the hem of my dress where she had pricked her finger while sewing it. I’m sure she was rushing to get them finished in time for the Holiday. I’d remember her and these times over and over again when I’d drink red wine.
So, when Sam and I decided to pursue this wine venture, we were considering names and being of Spanish decent we wanted a Spanish name. We thought of many but none of them fit. One day, I mentioned to Sam that my Aunt Tana’s name was Feliciana and we both knew then that’s what we wanted to name our winery. A name that pays tribute to my kind and loving aunt. She never had her own children but maybe now her name can be carried on through our winery – Castillo de Feliciana which also, when translated means “Castle of Happiness.”
The Team
The couple, who married in 1972, feel the vintners’ community has been welcoming and full of resources for winery newcomers like themselves. “It’s an adventure we face,” Sam Castillo admits with a grin, “sometimes a little scary.”
Sam’s business acumen will come in handy, they both agree, as well as Deborah’s infectious energy and imagination. They look on Castillo de Feliciana Vineyard as a multigenerational venture, a heritage of fellowship for their descendants to share. Their daughter, Kara is putting her Sales, Marketing and Psychology degrees to good use handling that aspect of the winery business as well as working at the dental office. She is also attending classes at the Northwest Wine Academy (South Seattle Community College) to obtain a Wine Marketing Certificate. Their son, Christopher is using his Biology degree, fermentation science and brewing experience to take over the winemaking duties at the winery. He recently graduated from Walla Walla Community College where he obtained his Enology and Viticulture Certificates. Making this a true family business. While many couples think of slowing down, Deborah acknowledges that her husband is not one ever take life too easily. Appreciating that he is a challenge-seeker, she feels that Castillo de Feliciana Vineyard & Winery is the right place and right direction for them. “I always want to go on to the next level,” Sam confesses; retirement is hardly retiring for him.
As plans continue to evolve, the Castillos have envisioned a place for family, friends, and business clientele to enjoy for weddings, and for their eventual home on the rolling hills. The dream of sharing a glass of their own wine with the fellowship of friends, regarding the Blue Mountains, the Walla Walla River, and the immense starry nights is what draws them over the mountain of work yet to be done.
Estate Vineyards / AVA
The Castillo de Feliciana Estate houses the winery, tasting room, barrel maturation facility, and estate vineyard. Vitis Vinifera (wine grapes) are planted on 6.5 acres of the best land on the estate property. The wine grapes are positioned in such a fashion to maximize fruit quality through sun exposure and adequate air drainage for frost prevention in the autumn and spring months.
The vineyard is situated at 900 feet, and is one of the lowest elevation sites in the Walla Walla Valley. Cooler autumn days and nights help to create a longer ripening period with excellent flavor and balance in the resulting wines.
The estate vineyard is diligently managed for maximum quality. The vineyard was established and planted in 2008. The varietals include a one-acre block of Clone 1 Tempranillo (Rioja clone), a one-acre block of Clone 2 Tempranillo (Portuguese clone), a one and a half acre block of Clone 6 Cabernet Sauvignon, a one and a half acre block of Malbec, a one-acre block of Merlot, and half of an acre block of Albariño.
The vines are rooted in a soil series that is known as "Walla Walla Silt Loam." These are wind deposited (loess) soils, with a fine, powder-like consistency. The structure and nutrient capacity of our soil, paired with precision irrigation, promote balanced vines and superb fruit quality. We truly believe that great wine is grown in the vineyard.