At EFESTĒ, all our wines are “natively fermented.” But what does that really mean? We follow a minimal intervention approach to winemaking, allowing the natural qualities of our grapes to shine from harvest through fermentation, aging, and bottling. This traditional method, often referred to as “old world winemaking,” avoids modern additives and commercial yeast, letting the wine express its true character.

What is Native Fermentation?

Fermentation is essential for wine production—yeast consumes sugar to create alcohol and carbon dioxide. There are two main ways to use yeast: cultured yeast, which is specifically selected to create consistent, predictable results (including flavor, aroma, and color), and wild yeast (native yeast), which naturally exists on the grapes and in the vineyard environment.

While cultured yeast is reliable and widely used in commercial wineries to ensure consistent results despite varying conditions, we embrace the more unpredictable process of wild yeast fermentation. Native fermentation requires closer monitoring during fermentation, making it riskier, as factors like sugars, acids, and pH levels can fluctuate. But the reward is a wine that fully reflects the unique terroir of its vineyard.

Why Choose Native Fermentation?

We opt for native fermentation because it allows the distinctive character of our vineyards to shine through. From our three Estate vineyards in the Red Mountain and Columbia Valley AVAs, our wines showcase the individual conditions and nuances of each growing season. This approach results in more complex, authentic wines with subtle year-over-year variations.

By keeping intervention minimal, we reduce the need for unnecessary additives and extensive adjustments during fermentation, which leads to a more genuine expression of the grapes and a higher level of craftsmanship.

Our Philosophy

At EFESTĒ, we believe in telling the full story of our grapes—from the meticulous care in the vineyard to the careful aging process. We aim to stay true to the unique characteristics of our grapes, capturing their essence in every bottle.

Feral Sauvignon Blanc

Our Feral Sauvignon Blanc, sourced from Evergreen Vineyard in the Ancient Lakes AVA, is a prime example of our approach. Fermented with native yeast, it undergoes fermentation in three different vessels: concrete, stainless steel, and oak. This blend of methods enhances the wine’s structure, giving it a complexity and mouthfeel that sets it apart.

Tasting Notes

Feral opens with subtle citrus notes, featuring pineapple and a touch of seasonal melon. The mouthfeel is well-structured with excellent length, delivering a zesty, almost briny quality that pairs perfectly with seafood. The combination of barrel and stainless-steel fermentation enhances the wine’s balanced acidity and adds depth to its structure. Expect vibrant citrus and minerality on the lengthy finish.

The Vineyard

Evergreen Vineyard spans 1,200 acres at an elevation of 1,400 feet, benefiting from the cooling influence of the nearby Columbia River. The diverse soil profile, including fine sand, silt, and calcium-rich caliche, imparts a distinct minerality to the wine. This terroir, particularly suited for white wine production, contributes to the exceptional character of our Sauvignon Blanc.

Reviews and Accolades

Our Feral Sauvignon Blanc has garnered praise from critics:

• International Wine Report: “The EFESTE Sauvignon Blanc 2023 ‘Feral’ is vibrant and refreshing, with citrus, grapefruit, and tropical fruit on the nose. The lively acidity is balanced by a touch of baking spice, thanks to aging in new French oak.”–91 Points
• Owen Bargreen: “This Sauvignon Blanc from Evergreen Vineyard shows kiwi, pear, and cardamom on the nose, with a refined palate and bright acidity. Drink 2024-2030.” –92 Points
• Paul Gregutt –95 Points

Taste the Difference Today

Visit us at our tasting rooms in Woodinville or Seattle’s SoDo district to experience the magic of native fermentation. January is Library Month, and each weekend we’re tasting beautifully aged vintages from our cellared selection. Reserve your spot to explore how minimal intervention winemaking enhances every bottle!

Take a look at our library selection and rediscover past vintages of your favorite wines.

Explore our cellared Magnum collection for great savings on these special vintages! Save 15% on all magnums, and wine club members save 30%. Join the club to ensure you’re always getting the best pricing on all specials, and discounts on all wines.