Lone Birch

In the shadow of the Rattlesnake Mountains stands the 70-year-old Lone Birch Tree, providing shade to vineyard workers, a landmark to travelers, and inspiration to generations of descendants of Howard Miller, entrepreneur, successful realtor, and visionary. Miller, a nature lover and steward of the land in the Yakima Valley, planted the tree to inspire future generations to care for the environment, shrink the carbon footprint, make sustainability a goal of the farm, and provide a source of pride and living for generations of his family. In addition, his dedicated efforts led to the region’s wine growers’ ability to access high mountain water through the creation of the Roza Irrigation Canal.

Throughout the family’s connection to wine production and diversification of crops led Don Miller, Howard’s son, to implement the use of row crops as the family experimented with growing Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Cabernet Sauvignon vines. Following in Don’s footsteps, Mike founded the Airfield Estate Winery, now the home of Lone Birch Wines. Grown on over 1,100 acres with a wide palette of fruit, Lone Birch Wines, located in Sunnyside, Washington, prides itself on limited production, high quality, and good value for its patrons.

Benefitting from the silt loam found in the Yakima Valley, the soil has the drainage capabilities, nutrient contents, and a pH range to produce well-balanced wines with true varietal characteristics. With the high desert climate of hot summer days and cool nights, the fruit fully ripens while remaining naturally more acidic.

Visitors to the Airfield Estates Winery, Lone Birch Wines’ home, describe the Miller family as one in which the pride, enthusiasm, and passion is clear in all aspects of wine production. Preservation of the land is paramount in the winery’s mission as seen in the early intervention of Howard Miller, the Father of the Roza Canal, as well as the family’s commitment to water conservation now and in future generations.