Cañon de Sol is a 45 acre winery in the heart of Wine Country just west of Kennewick, Washington Cañon de Sol is owned by Victor Cruz, he’s the only Hispanic winery owner in the entire state.

WATCH THE STORY OF Cañon de Sol ON OUR YOUTUBE SITE

In the heart of wine country, in the little town of Benton, Washington sits the 100 year old Badger Canyon, home to Cañon de Sol, the Northwest’s only Hispanic owned winery. Owner Victor Cruz, a Yakima Valley native, bought the property in 1999, leaving a successful career in engineering. Cruz says a good friend, and a leap of faith got him into the wine industry.

“ I think my wife thought I was crazy. Life was good and we couldn’t complain about anything, and she was questioning what I was going to do but we’ve been very fortunate up to this point,” said Cruz.

Good Luck and hard work have distinguished Cruz from the rest of the pack. Cañon de Sol is one of more that 600 wineries in the state of Washington. Cruz says being the only Latino owner of a vineyard has helped the label.

Victor with his wife and children

“I never realized it until I got into the wine industry about my Hispanic background, but being interviewed a reporter asked me if I knew I was the only Hispanic winery which I didn’t know at the time. It seems like since then it brought a lot of publicity to the winery and you know for me… I’m proud and it’s helped marketing,” said Cruz

Marketing aside, Cruz says the taste of the wine speaks for itself “ We’ve just had so much luck for this little winery,” says Cruz proudly.

“In 2002 and 2004 Cañon de Sol’s Red Syrah Wine won best in show at the Northwest Wine Summit. “It’s probably the biggest competition. Because all the big wine makers from Oregon, Washington and Idaho come to compete,” said Cruz.

Not only does Cañon de Sol cater to wine lovers but to people trying to get away. The vineyard boasts an 1800 square foot, fully furnished lodge, where people can relax and enjoy the beautiful canyon.

The winery also rents out its facilities for functions and wine tastings throughout the year.

Cañon de Sol recently opened a 2300 square foot wine tasting room in Woodinville, Washington

“ For me it’s a big decision, it’s also an adventure, it’ll be a big leap because for the first time somebody will represent my wine instead of me because we will have to hire people,” said Cruz.

Despite all the success Cañon de Sol wine has had in the past 10 years, Victor says he wants to remain relatively small, at least for now. “There’s that fine line if you do explode. I like to have my hands in everything at this point and I think Woodinville will test our case load,” said Cruz

“I feel proud, like I said, I wouldn’t trade anything I’ve done for the world and what I’ve experienced,” says Cruz

An experience that wine lovers are taking notice of.

You can find all of Cañon de Sol wine on our website Hispanic Food Network.com just go to our webstore section to buy it.

Victor and the winery will be the focus of “En La Cocina” check your locals listings for air dates or click on the In The Kitchen Tab on our website.