“This wine-growing appellation is distinctive in the world”: The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater

Photos and Quotes Courtesy of Steve Robertson

Steve Robertson of Delmas I SJR Vineyard arrived in Walla Walla Valley for the first time almost 20 years ago. Soon thereafter, he  recognized the distinctive qualities (and the  potential for global impact) on the Oregon side of the Valley in a small farming community surrounding Milton-Freewater; now referred to as the Rocks District. As Steve tells the story, “This alluvial fan of cobbles and gravels (originating from the Blue Mountains and spilling out onto the Valley floor via the wild Walla Walla River), is unique in the world of winegrowing: for its geological youth (of volcanic origins), its 200-300 feet of depth (allowing for a strong/deep root structure beyond the reach of the farmer, thereby allowing mother nature to nurture the vines); delivering plentiful nutrients to the wine-grapes, while the cobbles capture and reflect heat into the fruit zones assuring flavor development as well as ripeness. To the extent we can rely on mother nature, we are ahead of the game...she has been doing this for a very long time...and, is way smarter that we will ever be!"

SJR Vineyard was established in 2007. Steve then turned his efforts toward the creation of an AVA in 2011 along with the support of Dr. Kevin Pogue; and American Viticultural Area (AVA). After four (4) years of meetings, petition refinements in support of TTB guidelines the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater was approved in February of 2015. Nested within the Walla Walla Valley AVA, the Rocks District is only 5.9 square miles; 3,767 acres....and, the only appellation in the world whose borders are defined by a singular soils series (the Freewater Series). Steve further differentiates,  “Chateuneuf-du-Pape in the Rhone Valley of France is the poster child for cobbly soils. But, those cobbles and gravels are 1 meter deep and do not cover the entire appellation; our distinctive soils are 100 meters deep!”

“If you’ve tasted wine from the Rocks District, either one bottle or one glass, you know it’s that distinctive. These wines are highly aromatic and complex; more savory than fruit-driven. There’s also a saline quality to the wine, extending the length of pleasure on your palate. This is fine wine! Culturally, fine wine has always been at the table; extending conversation, teasing our intellects, providing pleasure...all the  while serving to further human connectivity.” 

With only 500-ish acres planted as of today, the Rocks District is only poised for growth, global recognition, and celebration! Cheers to the path laid before us!