Market update report

On an 84-acre parcel in the hills on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, Shahnnen and Alex are building more than just a vineyard—they're creating a legacy. Achieving this dream, however, didn’t happen overnight. It took resilience, determination, and the support of AgWest Farm Credit, whose personalized Country Home Loan made the impossible possible.

For Shahnnen and Alex, farming wasn't a family tradition or a natural career progression. It represented a bold leap of faith. Both had established careers in the tech industry—Alex in ad technology and Shahnnen as a systems engineer—but they yearned to develop a long-term venture that aligned with their environmental values.

"We wanted to create something tangible that would make a positive impact," explains Shahnnen. "Something we could nurture and grow."

After a meticulous multi-year search, they found the land that would eventually become Estelbrook Farms and Vineyard.

Imagining potential where others saw problems

The property Shahnnen and Alex selected wasn't what most buyers would consider a dream purchase. Neglected for over a decade, it was overgrown with vegetation and littered with garbage surrounding the remnants of a house built in the late 1800s.

"It was an absolute disaster," Shahnnen recalls. "People just couldn't see past the mess. But we could."

What made this challenging property particularly attractive was its location within the Columbia Gorge American Viticultural Area (AVA)—a federally recognized grape-growing region—while remaining outside the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, which carries stringent building restrictions. The couple conducted their due diligence, bringing in a soil scientist to analyze samples and consulting with nearby grape growers before committing to the purchase.

The financing challenge

The property's condition created unique obstacles for traditional financing. Most home loans require a habitable residence, and conventional lenders quickly dismissed their application.

"Other lenders didn't even get two sentences into our story before saying, 'No way,'" Alex shares.

Through online research, Alex discovered AgWest and connected with loan officer Amy Anderson. Rather than an immediate rejection, the couple found someone willing to understand their vision. Amy worked with them to document that the existing structure was uninhabitable, allowing them to secure a specialized Country Home Loan for the land purchase in 2016.

"The financing process took nearly 18 months," Shahnnen explains. "Amy approached our situation creatively, helping us navigate options that other lenders simply wouldn't consider."

Building from the ground up

Purchasing the property was just the beginning. Shahnnen and Alex spent countless weekends driving back and forth from Portland, where they lived at the time, to clear debris and prepare the land. When it came time to build their residence, they again turned to AgWest for a construction loan.

However, contractor issues soon created complications, with costs escalating and timelines extending far beyond initial estimates.

"It was one of the most stressful periods of our lives," Shahnnen admits. "When we weren't sure what was normal in the construction process, Amy provided both reassurance and advocacy."

When these challenges threatened the overall viability of the project, AgWest demonstrated flexibility that enabled them to reallocate resources and prioritize elements essential to completing their home. This arrangement—uncommon in traditional lending—enabled them to reallocate resources and prioritize elements essential to completing their home.

"AgWest's willingness to adapt to our situation made all the difference," Alex notes. "They trusted us with greater control when we needed it most, which is why we've continued our relationship for all our agricultural financing needs."

Cultivating a sustainable future

With their home completed, Shahnnen and Alex focused fully on developing their vineyard. They now farm ten grape varieties across ten acres, producing their first commercial harvest in 2023—approximately three years ahead of schedule thanks to a vineyard installation loan from AgWest. Drawing from their professional backgrounds, the couple has been able to scale their labor using technologies such as drone spraying and bird lasers.

But what truly distinguishes Estelbrook is their commitment to sustainable agriculture. The vineyard has earned Regenerative Organic Certification, a rigorous standard that addresses soil health, ecosystem management, and worker fairness—elements Shahnnen and Alex found missing in other certification programs.

"We're not just growing grapes; we're nurturing the entire ecosystem," Shahnnen explains. Their expertise has led them to offer consulting services to other farmers pursuing similar certifications.

More than just financing

Shahnnen and Alex continue to expand their vision for Estelbrook. Even as the couple explores new ventures like wine dinner pop-ups, they know they can count on AgWest to help fund their future projects, including their long-term goal of building an on-site tasting room. Both acknowledge that their journey has included significant learning curves. "There’s something new for us to figure out almost every single day," Shahnnen says with a laugh. From pruning techniques to tractor maintenance to navigating crop insurance, every challenge has become an opportunity for growth.

For Shahnnen and Alex, AgWest has been more than a financial institution—it's been a true collaboration for their agricultural enterprise. Beyond providing capital, AgWest offered guidance, flexibility, and support through each phase of their evolving business.

"AgWest understands that we weren't just financing a property—we were investing in our vision," Alex reflects. "That approach has made all the difference."

Through persistence and a strong relationship with AgWest, Shahnnen and Alex have transformed a neglected property into a thriving, sustainable vineyard that embodies their values and aspirations—and they're just getting started.

To learn more about Estelbrook Farms and Vineyard, visit www.estelbrook.com or follow them on Instagram @estelbrook_farms_and_vineyard.

Return to Industry Insights home page