US-based Double Canyon Vineyard (Double Canyon) has opened its new winemaking facility in West Richland, Washington.

The new facility has been built in close proximity to the brand's namesake Double Canyon Vineyard in the heart of the Horse Heaven Hills appellation.

Double Canyon general manager and vineyard manager Will Beightol said: "We are committed to making best-in-class Washington Cabernet. The opening of this new production facility will allow us to control all aspects of winemaking."

The design and construction of the facility were carried out by a team of internal experts with more than 175 years of combined winemaking and production experience.

By using new technologies at the facility, winemaker Kate Michaud and her team will be able to better capture the distinctive character and quality of each vineyard during the winemaking process.

Double Canyon winemaker Kate Michaud said: "We've struck a careful balance – we have the capacity of a larger winery but the amenities of a boutique winery.

"We've struck a careful balance – we have the capacity of a larger winery but the amenities of a boutique winery."

"I'm eager to start work on this inaugural 2017 vintage, crafted within our own walls, and to get creative and explore how this new facility will propel us forward in our goal of producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon."

Initially, the new facility will be producing approximately 50,000 cases of wine and has the provision to increase the capacity at a later stage.

Double Canyon has transitioned all winemaking activities to the new winery for this year’s harvest.

The Cabernet Sauvignon wine maker also intends to include a tasting room in the near future.

Image: Exterior of Double Canyon’s new West Richland winemaking facility. Photo: courtesy of Double Canyon/PR Newswire Association.