Horse Heaven Hills
The Horse Heaven Hills is a spectacular growing region in Southeastern Washington State. Here are some facts at a glance.
Horse Heaven Hills
The Horse Heaven Hills is a spectacular growing region in Southeastern Washington State. Here are some facts at a glance.
- Official AVA status commenced on August 1, 2005
- Located in Southern Washington State
- Naturally bound on the north by the Yakima Valley and on the south by the Columbia River.
- Distinctive topography formed during the Missoula Floods in the last ice age, benefiting the area by moderating an extreme climate and providing steep, south-facing slopes and high plateaus for optimal vineyard sites.
- Soils are quick-draining. Mixture of silty-loam, volcanic & sandy soils.
- Elevations range from 120 - 1800 feet above sea level.
- 22 vineyards
- 570,000 total acres
- 6500 planted acres
- Oldest vines planted in 1972
- Varietals grown include Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignane, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Cinsault, Counoise, Dolcetto, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Noir, Lemberger, Malbec, Merlot, Muscat Canelli, Muscat Ottonel, Nebbiolo, Orange Muscat, Petit Syrah, Petit Verdot, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Roussanne, Sangiovese, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Tempranillo, Viognier & Zinfandel.
- 30% more wind than other nearby wine regions
- Average of 3000 heat units annually
- 5 - 9" annual rainfall, primarily in winter months.