A New Resort For Wine Lovers

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Story Published: Sep 8, 2008 at 4:42 PM PST

By Steve Wellman

It's a rocky drive up a narrow gravel road above the valley. At the top…a site chosen to be a new major destination…the Vineyards Resort. Developers want this project to put Yakima wine country in the major leagues.

"We're going to create the new platform for the Washington wine country right here in the Yakima area," says Rich Barnes.

Barnes and other partners have big plans for over 500 acres of bare land on Nightingale Road. One day, the vineyards and orchards will sit next to a resort complex with all the extras. "The whole project is anchored by a couple of things. One is an 18 hole golf course."

The course will wrap around a hotel, restaurants, pools, shops, and other recreational areas. The developers will hold a formal groundbreaking Tuesday. Other merchants in the area see The Vineyards resort as a huge boost for their own businesses.

"I think it will be really good for the community and not just for the wineries," said Kristin Russi of Piety Vineyards. "I think for the stores and restaurants in the area too."

The site commands the area…with views to Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier. The project has been 12 years in the making, so developers are eager to get started.

"The massive earth moving equipment is standing ready to go and it could be in action in a couple of days," said Steve Wellman. "But it's going to be a long time before all this open land becomes the finished resort."

That's because it'll take two years to get all the building done.
And when it's finished, it is hoped that The Vineyard Resort will draw visitors not just from our area, but also Seattle, Portland, and the whole country.

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