The site of Riverbend Vineyard was selected in 1998 for several reasons. Large wineries around the state were calling Mike and asking him to plant wine grapes. At the time the Wade family owned orchards in an area that would become the Wahluke Slope AVA, a region that was quickly becoming known for growing world-class grapes. On a southern facing slope in the middle of an organic orchard, Red Delicious apples were pulled out and Riverbend Estate Vineyard was planted.