Vine Heart Winery

PROSSER -- Vine Heart Winery in Prosser advertises itself as making fruit-first wines in the countryside of Washington's wine country.

The modest winery, which is about four miles outside of Prosser, offers a great view of the surrounding farms, with Mount Adams in the distance.

It's a change from the trend of clustering new wineries in new buildings along Interstate 82.

Winemaker George Schneider began making wine in 1989.

His wife, Patricia O'Brien, has been growing grapes in the Yakima Valley since 1991.

Their cozy family winery produces 800 cases of Riesling, a Chardonnay blend, Sangiovese, Lemberger, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Zinfandel. Very little oak, if any, is used.

What sets this winery apart is the wines aren't vintage dated. All are a blend of two or more growing years, which helps provide consistency year after year.

It also allows a winery to market wines for bargain prices. All of the Vine Heart wines are in the $9 to $16 range.

Anna Belle, dry white, Yakima Valley, $9 -- This rich, fruity and crisp blend of Chardonnay, Riesling and Semillon is named after the owners' grandmothers. It's a perfect match with barbecued oysters.

Riesling, Yakima Valley, $9 -- Bone dry with tasty citrus, tangy apricot and tart apple flavors. It pairs well with garlic citrus barbecued prawns.

Philomena Rose, Lemberger, Yakima Valley, $12 -- Named after the winemaker's mother, this sweet, crisp picnic wine is loaded with cherry flavors. Try it with a ham and swiss sandwich.

Sebastian red, Yakima Valley, $11 -- A blend of Lemberger, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Sebastian is the winemaker's middle name. It's an easy drinking bing cherry-flavored dry red. Try it with a barbecued tri-tip.

Lemberger, Yakima Valley, $11 -- Sandalwood and black pepper aromas lead to berry flavors. Serve with a Spanish rice dish.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley, $15 --Good and tasty with smooth boysenberry flavors. Try it with a grilled hamburger without the ketchup.

Emma Marie Zinfandel Port-style, Yakima Valley, $16 -- Named after the owner's granddaughter, this has 18.2 percent alcohol, spice and big sweet blackberry syrup flavors. Great over Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream.