Our History

In 1995 John and Helen Walker were in Seattle, Washington on extended business. Having lived the majority of their lives in Florida, John and Helen had not had a lot of exposure to Washington State Wines. Lucky for us, John enjoyed and savored a glass of red wine that inspired him enough to conceptualize and create Kestrel Vintner’s.

Lover’s of food and wine, John and Helen were delighted with the Pacific Northwest’s abundant culinary scene and expressive wines. Washington’s Wine Industry, barely on the map in the world of wine, showed great promise to John. As a visionary, he could see a bright future for our region and decided that he must realize that potential by making wines that could reach everyone’s dinner table.

Shortly thereafter, John purchased our one hundred and sixty acre estate vineyard in the charming town of Prosser and the heart of Yakima Valley. John sought the help of experts and he and Helen carefully hand-selected Kestrel View Estate for her quality vinifera grapes. He and Helen named their vineyard Kestrel View Estates for the native sparrow hawk that endeared itself to them.