Walla Walla’s Echolands Estate

My Latest in Wine Business Monthly Magazine

July 2024 issue:

Technical Spotlight: Echolands Estate Winery & Vineyard

by L.M. Archer

WINE EXPERT DOUG FROST and conservationist Brad Bergman introduced their new, state-of-the-art Echolands Estate Winery and Vineyard in Walla Walla, Wash. in April 2024.

One of only three people worldwide certified as both Master of Wine and Master Sommelier, Frost first encountered Walla Walla wines as a wholesaler in the 1980s. Over time, the Kansas City resident’s affinity for Walla Walla wines increased, as did the Walla Walla wine community. So, when the opportunity to purchase a 50-acre parcel in the exclusive SeVein Water Project came up in 2017, Frost and business partner Bergman pounced.

Located on the Oregon side of southeastern Walla Walla Valley, iconic members of SeVein include L’Ecole No 41, Leonetti Cellar and Betz Family Winery. SeVein developer Norm McKibben, an engineer by training, founded Pepper Bridge Winery in 1998; many consider him a “founding father” of Walla Walla wine. He was the person to offer Frost the chance to purchase.

“Doug is well known; it never hurts to have somebody with his capability on board,” said McKibben. “But even more than that, he has a lot of knowledge in the industry. I’m elated to have him come into the community because he’s got a well-earned reputation. And it just adds more muscle, you might say, to a community here that’s growing swiftly.”

Christened “Taggart Vineyard” to honor his mother’s family, the SeVein purchased firmly planted Frost’s stake in the Walla Walla wine industry.

“It really is true that it’s this community thing that absolutely attracted me to Walla Walla,” observed Frost. “Sure, it’s the wines, all that stuff. But really, I felt like there was a community that was gonna have my back.”

Visionary Pull

An unpretentious, charismatic leader who resembles a jazz musician more than an internationally renowned wine expert, Frost attracts good luck. READ MORE HERE.

I’m delighted to share my latest feature in Wine Business Monthly spotlighting Echolands Estate Winery and Vineyard.

Read more of my work here.