Red Willow Vineyard

Generations

Red Willow is part of a 5th generation family farm established by Clyde Stephenson in the early 1920’s. Mike Sauer married into the Stephenson family and began the vineyard in the early 70’s.

Red Willow is part of a multigenerational family farm that begun almost 100 years ago. This precious one is the youngest of the Sauer family.
Mike and Karen Sauer (standing) with Karen's grandparents Clyde and Ida Stephenson, March 1969 Pioneers Dr. Walter Clore, George Carter, and Mike Sauer pictured at the Red Willow chapel in 1995. Their historic partnership between research and cultivation laid the essential groundwork for Washington’s transformation into a premier global wine region. Mike, Mike's son-in-law, Rick, and the late Peter Dow explore the vineyard in 2012. Peter’s vision was always rooted in the soil here at Red Willow, and his presence is felt every time we step into the vines. We couldn’t do what we do without our hardworking crew! +46
We are so grateful for all our hard workers. Deciphering the Terroir: Geologists Larry Meinert and Alan Busacca examine the ancient volcanic soils of Red Willow Vineyard during a 2004 field study. Their research into the Yakima Valley’s unique geology helped define why Red Willow remains one of Washington's most distinctive estate sites. Red Willow is part of a multigenerational family farm that begun almost 100 years ago. This precious one is the youngest of the Sauer family. Clyde Stephenson family farm, Yakima Valley, 1930s We began the 2019 harvest with a blessing over our employees, the vines and the wines. The Sauer family, 2019. A legacy of discovery. Dr. Walter Clore ('The Father of Washington Wine') and WSU enologist George Carter in the late 1990s. Their collaborative research, which involved testing and vinifying over 100 varieties, laid the groundwork for the grapes we grow today at Red Willow. Mike Sauer (third from left) with his sons Jonathan and Daniel and son-in-law Rick Willsey. We couldn’t do what we do without our hardworking crew! Mike's granddaughter working with the crew, 2020. The Princess FarmerA Royal Limerick by Rachel, age 8The Little Princess was charmingHer favorite pastime was farmingShe had so much royal stuff to do nowBut she was still outside farming 2022. Celebrating Father's Day with these wonderful dads. A Moment in Time at the Chapel. Mike Sauer (left) and Dr. Walter Clore (right) with Ron Irvine and George Carter in 1997. This site, surrounded by the state’s first Syrah vines, remains a testament to the collaborative spirit that built our industry. Congratulations to Mike on earning the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Auction of Washington Wines Toast awards. He has been a part of the Washington Wine industry for over 50 years, bringing many new grape varietals to the state. Mike Sauer at Red Willow Vineyard, 2024. We are so thankful for our crew! Welcoming the Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers (WAWGG) for a vineyard tour and industry exchange in 2009. August, 2021. We had a great evening celebrating Fortuity Winery's new collection "Destined by Fortuity". Fabulous location, food, wine and entertainment. Before the vines, the first generation of the Stephenson family worked these hills, laboriously threshing wheat to separate the grain from the harvest by hand. Mike Sauer (left) and David Lake, Red Willow Vineyard, Yakima Valley, ca. 1990s "The Pioneers of Washington Wine." A gathering of early visionaries at Red Willow Vineyard in the late 1970s. A few of the Sauer grandkids running around the vineyard in their schools "virtual" jog-a-thon during the 2020 pandemic. Run faster than a superhero! David Lake (left) and Mike Sauer (bottom right) with crew after Syrah planting, Red Willow Vineyard, 1986 Karen and Mike Sauer with Gus the dog, 2008 A toast to a legendary partnership. Mike Sauer and Peter Dow in 2014, celebrating the fruits of a journey that began with a bottle of Barolo buried in the soil of Red Willow. From planting the state’s first Nebbiolo at Red Willow to decades of friendship, Peter’s vision and passion for Italian varietals helped shape the spirit of our vineyard. He will be deeply missed. Hoeing by hand at Red Willow Vineyard. Mike and Jonathan Sauer, Red Willow Vineyard, Yakima Valley, June 12, 2012 July, 2021. One of the best Yakima Valley wine lists we've seen, amazing food and great atmosphere; we had a great evening at Canyon River Grill. Chef Kevin and his team did not disappoint. We welcomed some 8th graders to come tour the vineyard in 2019. Beautiful early morning picking. We are so grateful to all our workers! Congratulations to Mike on receiving the Lifetime Achievement award at the Washington winegrowers convention, 2020. Very well deserved. The next generation already hard at work. Pioneering the heights: Harold Stephenson in the early 1950s operating a self-propelled combine. This image captures the second-generation steward during an era of transition, when his modernization of the farm's infrastructure laid the literal groundwork for the world-class viticulture to follow. August, 2021. We had a great evening celebrating Fortuity Winery's new collection "Destined by Fortuity". Fabulous location, food, wine and entertainment. David Lake examining Syrah vines at Red Willow Vineyard (2002) We started the 2017 harvest with a blessing over our employees and the vineyard. We are hard at work getting these grapes to the wineries to begin their next step in the process of making fabulous wines. Our crew is amazing and we couldn’t do this without them! We hosted a group from Dukes seafood along with Frank from Eight Bells Winery. May, 2019. We really enjoy this bountiful valley that we live in. Blueberry picking at Blueberry Hill Berries in 2020. What an amazing day in May, 2017! 42 Masters of Wine from across the world joined us in the vineyard for a tour and tasting. Thank you so much to the Wine Commission and winemakers Bob Betz, David O'Reilly, Tim Blue, Louis and Steve for all of your help. What an honor and privilege to showcase the western end of the valley. The generational connection to this land, long before the first vines were planted, remains the heartbeat of our heritage today.
Sauer family

Today, along with Mike, sons Daniel and Jonathan, and son in law Rick are all involved with the continuity of the family farm.

More generations are sure to follow.

Fifth generation
Mike Sauer

In farming there is no substitute for the soil, water, and hard work. Inherently, the nature of farming brings a spiritual dimension to our efforts. There is a connection of past, present, and future generations.

For us wine brings the soil, the site, the season, and the efforts of many people together into a single vintage. Later that vintage becomes a cherished memory of that year.

— Mike Sauer
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