The Basket Press

In the early 1900s, the Martínez Bujanda family used this basket press at their winery in Oyón, Spain.  

It is about 7 feet tall with a large, shiny, forged capstan on the top. It sits upon four wooden blocks and two, thick crescents of wooden. In the center of these crescents is a metal spindle. The body of the press is composed of dark wooden slats spaced about an inch apart and held in place by four iron hoops with iron clasps. The base of the press is a heavy iron pan with a spout out which the pressed grape juice would pour. 

Mechanical presses like this were much more efficient than wooden presses and revolutionized the wine world. A lever transmits force to a ratchet mechanism that maintains pressure on the fruit and causes the heavy, iron capstan to descend the threads of the spindle. The press was manufactured by the Marrodán y Rezola foundry in Logroño, Spain. The company made ovens, farm machinery, olive presses, and even Ferris wheel parts. It still exists today. This press is a symbol of the family’s winemaking legacy, which they are proud to share with the Walla Walla Valley.  

When facing the press, if you step to the left of it and walk ahead five paces, you will find the elevator. Facing the press, if you step to the right of it and walk ahead five paces, you will find the stairs to the tasting room. Behind and to your left is a barrel display.