Kestrel Vintners was founded in 1995 by the late John J. Walker when he bought 160 acres on Rattlesnake Slope, overlooking Yakima Valley. Parts of the vineyards had been planted in 1972 with Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and Kestrel’s debut release was a 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon. Walker and his wife Helen named their new winemaking venture for the Kestrel sparrow hawk native to the region. Many of their labels include an illustration of the bird, which is the smallest member of the falcon family and a hunter of small rodents and other animals that sometimes eat grapes in vineyards. The Walkers have encouraged Kestrels to nest on the estate. The estate continues to be owned by Helen Walker and run by the couple’s daughter, Cynthia Walker Crowley. Flint Nelson is winemaker. The estate makes a large number of wines including Sangiovese, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Mourvedre and blends. The blend called Raptor Red is Kestrel’s signature wine. It is a blend of Bordeaux grapes that varies from vintage to vintage.