When the Frichettes first bought the Red Mountain land for their vineyard and winery and lived in a mobile home on the property, Shae Frichette kept several raised beds of flowers and vegetables.

Thirteen years later, Frichette Winery now has 12 such beds, filled with everything from basil and lemon balm to eggplant and tomatoes. The outdoor guest area overlooking the vineyard features planters bursting with herbs and flowers.

“Every nook and cranny that I can get water to, I’m planting something,” Frichette told the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business during a recent tour.

And now she’s taking on her grandest gardening project to date: managing the winery’s vineyard of more than two acres of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes.

Her expanded role has brought a steep learning curve, she said, and mentors and friends in the winery community have been crucial. She’s relished the challenge – and there’s more ahead: the winery is creating overnight lodging experiences to draw new patrons and bring fans back for more.

“It’s part of my vision where our guests can really unplug and recharge, just walk around with a glass of wine,” Shae Frichette said.

Vineyard management

Shae and her husband Greg Frichette, who is head winemaker, began making wine from grapes from other vineyards in 2011 before opening their winery at 39412 N. Sunset Road west of West Richland in 2013. They currently produce about 2,500 cases of wine per year.

Their own vineyard wasn’t planted until 2018, with Shaw Vineyards handling the planting and management, as the Frichettes were occupied with all the other aspects of operating the winery.

But Shae Frichette said it was always the plan for her to eventually become the vineyard’s manager, and this year was her first, from bud break to harvest.

While the winery continues to employ a part-time employee to help in the vineyard, it’s Shae Frichette who has been among the trellises throughout the season, ensuring that the vines are happy. During a vineyard tour, she pointed out vines that were clearly getting too much water as they had overbuilt their canopies, drawing energy away from the grapes ripening below.

“It’s a vineyard you should be in every day,” she said. “If you’re not in it each day scouting, you can easily miss something.”

Beyond adjusting watering as needed, the past growing season has given Shae Frichette a deeper knowledge of the vineyard – drainage conditions, differing soil quality and what factors draw in pests. She’s excited to harvest the fruits of her labor later this fall, likely in the beginning of October.

RVs and a farmhouse rental

Ahead of grape harvest, the Frichettes have another big project to launch. Beginning in mid-September, the winery will begin renting five RV hookup spots centered around a common area with a pergola, seating and a bocce ball court.

The new venture, called The Terrace, is an outgrowth of the winery’s Camper Cookouts, where they invite guests with RVs to stay on the grounds for a more immersive winery experience.

A sixth water and power connection was recently installed for a food truck to set up shop.

Around the same time as the RV hookup spots come online, the Frichettes plan to begin renting their new Farmhouse at Frichette. They recently bought a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home adjacent to the winery to use as a vacation rental for groups.

Both new offerings reflect how Shae Frichette sees the winery setting itself apart: hospitality. Wine may draw patrons in initially, but it’s the human touch – the staff, the events, the memories – that transforms them into returning customers.

“Imagine if you can wow them so much that if they’re there every other month, now they’re there twice a month and they bring their friends and invite their family from out of state,” she said.

The Terrace has been a lot of work and the farmhouse, even while it will be available this fall, will need upgrades during the offseason. But all of it is giving Shae Frichette the same feeling she had when she and her husband decided to become winemakers 15 years ago.

“Let’s do something that gives us goosebumps,” she said.

Frichette Winery is open daily from noon to 5 p.m. Go to: frichettewinery.com.