Woodinville Wine Country (WWC) is proud to represent all of Washington’s AVAs.

Located in the Puget Sound American Viticultural Area (AVA), which was created in 1995, Woodinville Wine Country is now partnering with Washington’s individual AVAs to spotlight and inform visitors of our wine-forward region – the closest one to the greater Seattle area, as well as to such Eastside cities as Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, Mercer Island, and Redmond. Stop in our new Visitor Center and learn more. (photo courtesy of Carol Hook Photography)

The first of Washington’s 14 (and seemingly growing) AVAs to be featured will be the Red Mountain AVA, working in partnership with the Red Mountain AVA Alliance.

Although the smallest appellation in Washington State with 1,647 vineyard acres within an area of 4,040 acres (1,630 ha), the Red Mountain AVA is definitely one of the prominent jewels in the crown that makes up Washington’s AVAs. Created in 2001, it is located on the eastern edge of Yakima Valley. The name “Red Mountain” is a bit of a quaint misnomer, however; Red Mountain itself is more of a steep slope than an actual mountain – a steep slope with a southwest face. And located in close proximity to the Yakima River.

Red Mountain wine fruit is very popular; its grapes are highly sought-after by Woodinville wineries specifically (and Washington wineries generally). What is the reason for this great appeal by winemakers? The terroir – a desert-like appellation which boasts hot summers, sandy-loamy-gravelly soils, and cool nights, with temperature moderation and ongoing airflow thanks to the neighboring Yakima River. These soil, climate, and geographic factors are all prime conditions for growing such grape varieties as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Sangiovese, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Sauvignon Blanc. Wines that are, overall, lush, intense, and fruit-forward – and often with a very distinctive Red Mountain minerality.

Woodinville wineries and winery tasting rooms source grapes and thus pour and sell wines made with fruit from Red Mountain – some 60% of WWC members alone.

Red Mountain AVA photos courtesy of Richard Duval Images