A Tri-Cities winery is sold after 19 years. Buyers have a new plan for it

Hamilton Cellars no longer produces wine following its April sale to a Seattle property management firm.

The 10.2-acre Red Mountain winery, including vineyards, a home, a tasting room and production area, sold to RMTN LLC.

The company is associated with Seattle-based Leschi Property Management, which manages residential and commercial properties and has a division focused on luxury vacation rentals.

Benton County property records indicate the two parcels associated with the winery sold for $2.85 million.

Steve Lambert of Exit Realty Tri-Cities Life represented the buyers. Lambert confirmed the new owners will operate the 5,200-square-foot home for “unique and exclusive stays” on Red Mountain.

He said Leschi Property Management is interviewing wineries interested in leasing the Hamilton Cellars’ 2,480-square-foot tasting room and 2,230-square-foot production area.

The property also includes over 8 acres of vineyard, planted with cabernet and other wine grape varieties. About 5 acres are irrigated.

Stacie and Russ Hamilton formed the concept for Hamilton Cellars in 2006 as a retirement undertaking. The couple opened a tasting room in Richland’s Queensgate Village in 2011.

In 2014, they moved to the Red Mountain property, 55410 N. Sunset, in Benton City.

At the time, it was reportedly the first Washington winery fully powered by the sun.

Stacie Hamilton died in 2021, and Russ Hamilton died in 2023.

Metis said the Hamilton heirs directed proceeds from the remaining wine inventory to their foundation, which provides scholarships and grants to the Washington State University Tri-Cities for viticulture, business and healthcare programs

The Hamilton family was represented by Metis, a mergers and acquisitions advisor focused on the wine industry.

Metis confirmed Leschi Lakeside will not operate the property as a wine brand.

This story was originally published May 20, 2025 at 5:00 AM.