Family From Vine to Bottle
We are a family-owned and operated vineyard and winery. Our founders, husband and wife Jay and Kim Bales, with daughter Berlyn, are involved in every aspect of the business.
The Rest is History
In 2010, Jay retired from the construction industry with a dream to make wine. Little did he know, the work that dream would entail… and luckily, retirement didn’t suit him.
After visiting Echo, their vision of what could be became clearer. They purchased the vineyard property but had their sights set on more. The entrance to Echo boasted a sizable piece of land with outstanding historical structures. Kim and Jay saw something many did not, beauty and potential. They knew immediately it was where their operation would take place. With time, the property was renovated to what it is today. It’s become not just a place to enjoy wine, but a place for their tight-knit community to belong.
Community at Our Core
Family and community are everything to us. Echo is our home and our mission is to see it thrive.
In 2023 we were named Echo High School’s Volunteers of the Year.
Echo Ridge Cellars is the epitome of a community-oriented business, illustrating a deep-seated care for the people it serves. Their unwavering generosity, commitment, and dedication to giving back go beyond any quantifiable measure of what they receive. The impact they have on our community, the school, and, above all, the individuals they touch, is immeasurable and holds immense value for all.
Through their consistent acts of goodwill, Echo Ridge Cellars sets a standard for community engagement and support. Their contributions extend beyond financial assistance, encompassing a genuine desire to see the community flourish. Whether it’s providing a venue for teacher gatherings and school events or being a crucial sponsor for various school-related activities, they showcase a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of the community.
Lindsey M.
Echo School District Coordinator
BERLYN ANDERSON
Winery Operations
Berlyn is our Winery Operations Director, Cellar Master, and Assistant Winemaker. Having studied viticulture and winemaking at Central Washington University, she started working full-time at the vineyard as soon as operations began. In 2014, she interned with winemaker, Billo Narvane MW in Walla Walla, Washington. And in 2016, she began overseeing our winery operations and production.
She is hands-on throughout the entire process; from working in the vineyard to crafting new varietals, to pouring glasses in the tasting room, her knowledge about our wine is infectious.
A Family OPERATION
When you visit Echo Ridge Cellars, you’ll likely be greeted by a member of the Bales family. Kim and their eldest daughter, Berlyn, run the tasting room. Berlyn also works side by side with winemaker, Billo Narvane in the winery located just next door. After a long day at the vineyard, Jay can often be found savoring a glass of his labors at one of the high-top tables in the tasting room.
Kim Bales
Tasting Room Operations
Kim is our Sales and Tasting Room Operations Director, overseeing all aspects related to our tasting room. Her love of her family and enthusiasm for wine is evident in all that she does and accomplishes. She is the go-to person when it comes to booking weddings and other events.
When not at work, you can find her relaxing on her deck, watching her grandkids, or drinking our wine.
Jay Bales
Vineyard Operations
After purchasing the estate in 2010, Jay gravitated toward work at the vineyard. Having spent his career moving dirt in construction, his knack for soil and love for machinery quickly translated. He began learning the ins and outs of farming practices and harvest operations. Jay now oversees and manages work at the vineyard as our Vineyard Operations Director.
When he’s not working, he can be found at one of our high-top tables, planning family trips, hanging with his grandkids, or dabbling in a new hobby.
Billo Naravane
Winemaker
Prior to finding his true calling as a Winemaker, Billo received his BS in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science from MIT and his MS in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University. After spending 15 years in the high-tech industry, Billo turned his interest to wine, and in 2005 he applied to UC Davis master’s program for viticulture and enology. Billo is a certified Master of Wine for the prestigious certification (WSET). Billo loves to teach and is an adjunct professor at Washington State University. He also provides consulting wine-making and viticulture services for a number of wineries in the Pacific Northwest.
EXPLORE OUR WINE
A lot goes into our wines. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do.