Powers Winery

Powers Winery was established by Bill Powers, a former apple farmer from Oklahoma who moved to eastern Washington in the 1950s. He planted the 73-acre Badger Mountain Vineyard in 1982 and later released the first wines under the specific Powers label in 1992. Bill Powers became a prominent figure in the regional industry, earning induction into the Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame before his death in 2014. The business remains under the leadership of the Powers family, where Bill's son Greg Powers serves as the director of winemaking and Jose Mendoza acts as the primary winemaker. The family legacy continues through a focus on sustainable growth and fiscal responsibility, maintaining the direct business approach established by the founder.

The estate is centered around the Badger Mountain Vineyard in Kennewick, which achieved distinction in 1990 as the first USDA certified organic vineyard in Washington State. This property features volcanic soils and a dry climate with consistent winds that reduce pest pressure. Beyond its own estate fruit, the winery maintains long-term partnerships with established growers across the Columbia Valley, sourcing from sites such as Champoux, Kiona, and Sheridan vineyards. Winemaking operations emphasize environmental responsibility, utilizing solar power and recycled biodiesel for farm equipment. The production style seeks a balance between fruit intensity and earthier complexities, aiming for concentrated wines with the structure necessary for aging. The cellar uses a mix of techniques to highlight the specific microclimates of each sourcing location.

The producer is most widely recognized for its reserve program, which focuses on single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends from prestigious Columbia Valley appellations. These bottles regularly earn acclaim for their quality and value, leading Wine Spectator to label the producer a rising star and Wine Enthusiast to include it among the top Cabernet producers in the United States. Other significant varietals in the portfolio include Merlot, Syrah, Malbec, and Chardonnay. While the Badger Mountain label is used for the estate's organic releases, the Powers label represents the broader selection of wines sourced from throughout the Columbia Valley. The winery has built a reputation as a pioneer of organic viticulture and became one of the top ten largest producers in Washington.