Winemaker Update
With the 2025 harvest now complete, our team took a moment to connect with Winemaker Kim Abrahams to reflect on her first vintage with Archery Summit and the experiences that shaped it. As we look ahead to the wines resting in barrel, we’re also celebrating the release of two remarkable 2023 Pinot Noirs, Red Hills Vineyard and Archer’s Paradox, both offering a glimpse into the character and complexity that make this place so special.
Fall Reflections from the Dundee Hills
Harvest has a way of bringing us back to the heart of why we make wine. The vineyards hum with energy, the cellar fills with the scents of fermentations, and the days blur into a rhythm of hard work, laughter, and shared purpose. For me, this fall has been especially meaningful—it is my very first vintage here at Archery Summit. Stepping into this season with our team, I’ve found comfort in both new traditions and timeless rituals that anchor us in the art of winemaking.
The Rituals That Shape Us
I’ve always been drawn to traditions, and starting my first harvest at Archery Summit felt like the right moment to share a piece of myself with the crew. On the evening of our very first night of picking, I cooked a big pot of gumbo to share with everyone after our first day of picking—our vineyard and winery teams together under one roof, sharing a meal. Food has always been my love language, and it felt like the most natural way to begin our first vintage together. Of course, the crew has their own traditions too. One of our favorites is blind tasting wines at lunch. Each day, a different team member brings a bottle from somewhere in the world, slips it into a brown bag, and pours. Together we play a game of “options”: New World or Old? What country? What varietal? It’s a fun reminder that while harvest is all-consuming, the wines we craft here are part of a much larger conversation—one that connects us to growers and makers across the globe.
The Heart of Harvest
When people ask me what my favorite part of harvest is, my answer is always the same: the people. Harvest is intense—long days, endless details, unexpected challenges—but it forges something special among those who share it. This year, I found myself out in the vineyards for every pick, shoulder to shoulder with our vineyard team. Those moments deepened my appreciation for their dedication and skill. They are the heart and soul of what we do. I also love the fresh perspectives that interns bring each year, often coming from completely different careers. Their curiosity reminds me that winemaking is as much about paying attention to the small details as it is about the big picture.
A Vintage of Balance
This vintage has me especially excited. From the very beginning, the wines have shown an incredible sense of harmony—bright acidity, balanced alcohol, and layered flavors that feel truly expressive of our estate. On paper, it was a challenging season, but this was the year to lean into intuition, to trust the palate, and to honor the story that each vineyard wanted to tell. I believe these wines will stand as a reflection of both resilience and grace.
The Soundtrack of the Season
Every harvest has its soundtrack. For me, it begins at 6 a.m. in the cellar, with a solo tasting before the day takes off. Lainey Wilson often fills the space during those moments. Her voice, rooted in Louisiana like me, feels like a grounding reminder that winemaking, like music, is about creating something that moves people. As we settle into fall and the wines begin their slow transformation in the cellar, I’m filled with gratitude—for the land, for this team, and for the chance to share this journey with you. Each bottle is a reflection of not just a place, but the people who pour themselves into it, they are such a piece of the terroir. I cannot wait for you to taste the story of this vintage.
-Kim Abrahams, Winemaker
