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Maury Balcom is a pioneer grape grower in Washington State, who started making commercial wines more than 10 years ago under the Quarry Lake Label. The Balcom and Moe label was added in late 1994 to reflect the name of the family farming corporation of which Balcom is a part.
A graduate of Fresno State University in California with a degree in viticulture enology, Balcom gained his early wine making experience by working for Wente Brothers winery in California.
Many of his wines have won medals in competition including a 1986 Chardonnay that won many gold medals including a double gold in the prestigious San Francisco wine competition.
He strives to fashion wines which stress their natural fruit to carry enough oak to develop flavors but not to overpower the wine. The results are crisp, clean wines.
Balcom is a community leader who is active in statewide efforts to improve agriculture. He believes that wines are first made in the vineyards.
Balcom and Moe is a family farming corporation based in Pasco that traces its roots back to the Yakima Valley in the 1920s and currently has third generation family members involved in the operation of the diversified farm.
Crops besides wine grapes include potatoes, apples, cherries and corn.
Balcom and Moe vineyards have supplied premium wine grapes for 25 different wineries over the years. Currently Balcom and Moe selects special lots of grapes to produce four premium varietal wines under the Balcom and Moe label. They include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
