AVIAM CELLARS

Aviam derives from the Latin word for Grandmother - as in “with grandmother” or “honoring grandmother.”  Aviam defines our mission threefold.

Love and esteem for those that built our foundation drive us to craft wines fit for a matriarch’s table - a table upon which rests a centerpiece of affection and respect for all gathered.

We endeavor to honor the nurturing, maternal spirit of nature. We farm alongside nature and never in spite of it. We recognize that all life wills to survive, and when guided by caring and understanding hands, life will thrive.

Aviam is also a recognition of the women pioneers of the Washington wine industry.  Sometimes, the tales of WA’s wine beginnings cast shadows over the women that have been here all along. The mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts… the grandmothers of our industry. Those that were here from the beginning: working in the fields, planting vines, crunching numbers, making wine, preparing food, raising children, selling wine, running vineyards… Their legacy is our ongoing blessing. 

Our Roots

Originally purchased by present owner Ashley Myers’ grandmother in 2000, a former horse ranch was turned Red Mountain vineyard in 2001 with Syrah being planted by beloved family members.  From Grandma Patt, the vineyard eventually went to Jacquie Stephens (Ashley’s mother and Grandmother to our children.) Becoming proprietors in 2020, Ashley (in partnership with husband Aaron Myers) continued the unique tradition.

Our vineyard was founded by and has been continually owned and managed by women. 

Our Journey

Ashley and Aaron’s journey to the vineyard was never a sure or straight path.

Growing up in Aberdeen, WA, Ashley’s childhood was highlighted by trips to The Eastside, where her mother would drive her and her sister up the (then) bumpy dirt trail called Sunset Road to Uncle Larry Pearson’s Tapteil Vineyard. Surrounded by family, Ashley recalls the joy of work parties and holidays at Tapteil.  After graduating from Eastern Washington University, an extended stay with her mom and step-dad in their new home in Benton City evolved to residence and starting a career in the Tri-Cities while always helping with the vineyard.

Aaron’s path was a bit more crooked.  Raised on a grain farm in North Central Montana, Aaron studied Music and Philosophy at Washington State University. Eventually, music led him to Seattle where he joined a band and became a full-time touring musician.  While on tour from Seattle to New York to promote a radio single, the group made a fateful stop at a small club in the Tri-Cities.

Serendipitously, Ashley decided to join friends to see some music that night.  Initially, Aaron convinced Ashley to take his number under the guise of possibly booking a gig at her aunt and uncle’s winery. Eventually, fate’s will was done.

Today, Ashley and Aaron live and raise their two girls amongst the vines.  Everyday, the joys and challenges of growing wine lead to discoveries of nature’s unrelenting blessings. And when given the opportunity, they strive to sit together and enjoy the fruits of their labor…  to measure their time rising with the sun to tend to their tasks and balance it with an easy sunset and glass of wine.

AVIAM CELLARS | Discover. Balance.

The Vineyard

Our vineyard produces five varietals on three different soils. From hot summer days to cool, breezy nights, the vineyard works to create a special vintage we look forward to sharing with you.