Country USA Size of planted vineyards 37.3 acres (0.151 km) Part of Columbia Valley AVA Number of wineries 2 | Climate region Continental Year established 2012 Number of vineyards 7 | |
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Type American Viticultural Area Years of wine industry Early through mid 1970's for hobby winemaking, 2002-present professionally Total area 13,254 acres (53.64 km) | ||
The Naches Heights AVA is an American Viticultural Area contained within the Columbia Valley AVA. The AVA was recognized officially on 13 January 2012. Additionally, it is the first AVA in Washington State to be fully sustainable, with all 7 vineyards practicing in either biodynamic or LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) certification. It is the smallest AVA in Washington with 37.2 acres (15.1 ha) planted.
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Geography and climate
Naches Heights is a plateau, ranging from 1,200 feet (370 m) to 2,100 feet (640 m). The soil is primarily volcanic loess. It is west of the city of Yakima. Grapes in this area must be irrigated.
Vineyards
The appellation’s 37 bearing acres (and more ready to be planted) consist of seven vineyards: Wilridge Vineyard, Naches Heights Vineyard, Strand Vineyard, Aecetia Vineyard, Harlequin Vineyard, Keller Vineyard, and Kalkruth Vineyard. Wilridge Vineyard is owned by Wildridge Winery of Seattle with 12 acres currently in production. Naches Heights Vineyards was the first vineyard in this area. Wilridge Winery established the first tasting room in the area in cooperation with Naches Heights and Harlequin. Because Naches Heights built its own tasting room, the Wilridge Tasting room now serves only its own wines along with light snacks. Harlequin Wines has a small number of acres planted also.
Grape varieties grown in Naches Heights AVA
The grape varieties currently grown in this AVA include: