Zillah, Wash. – Today, a consortium of like-minded individuals, representing over 1,000 acres of premium vineyards, have come together to announce the launch of The Hills, an organization dedicated to promoting the Rattlesnake Hills AVA in Washington state as one of the premier grape growing and wine producing regions in the world.
“We’re excited to take this step and bring our outstanding vineyards and distinctive wines to the forefront of the conversation about Washington wine,” said Marissa Dineen, owner of Dineen Vineyards and board member of The Hills. “Thanks to our elevation and a unique geological history, wines from The Hills exhibit distinctiveness from the rest of the state. We’re looking forward to showcasing these differences and the dynamism they bring to Washington wine,” Dineen continued.
The Rattlesnake Hills AVA, located in the rolling western foothills of the Rattlesnake Hills Range in Yakima Valley where Mount Adams and Mount Rainier frame the view to the west, has emerged as a standout within Washington state where a convergence of natural factors and man-made dedication have resulted in outstanding fruit produced into some of the state’s most sought-after wines. While most of the Columbia Valley’s wine producing areas were shaped by the great Missoula floods during the last ice age, The Rattlesnake Hills AVA stands apart with all but a few of its lower elevation vineyards located “above the floods,” contributing to a bright mineral-driven terroir influence.
Further shaping the AVA’s distinctive qualities is its unique tectonic history. High elevation combined with the extreme tectonic compression of the “Ellensburg Formation” have resulted in a foundation comprised of a soft bedrock of gravelly, silty loam soils, and calcium carbonate. The composition of the sediment, reflecting a silica-rich volcanic source, distinguishes the region from the greater Columbia River Basin, which is generally basalt.
Designated as an official AVA in 2006, the area forms the northern boundary of the larger Yakima Valley AVA and is situated in the southern slopes of the Rattlesnake Hills. The AVA boasts some of the oldest vineyards in the state and today has roughly 1,800 acres under vines. It produces outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc with balanced ripeness and velvety tannins, and Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Sauvignon Blanc with a hallmark freshness and natural acidity—all showing a striking minerality unique to this small enclave within Washington state.
“The Hills,” as its colloquially known, is home to some of Washington State’s most iconic vineyards; including Copeland, DuBrul, Dineen, Elephant Mountain, Pollard, Sheridan and Two Blondes, among others. With many of the vineyard sites planted in the 1970s and 1980s, the area also showcases a longstanding, often multi-generational, commitment to excellence and sustainability that has positioned the region as leaders in the wine industry. The result is a uniquely rich heritage within a relatively young winemaking region.
The 14 inaugural members of The Hills include:
- Andrew Will/Two Blondes
- Angiolina Farm
- Dineen Vineyards
- Elephant Mountain Vineyard
- Hyatt Vineyards
- Pomum Cellars/Konnowac Estate Vineyard/Idilico Wines
- Merkle Farms
- Pollard Vineyard
- Sheridan Vineyard
- Sonrisa Vineyard
- Two Mountain Winery
- Van Arnam Vineyards
- Whitman Hill Winery
- Zirkle Fruit Co./Four Feathers.
Collectively, the members of The Hills have 1,087 acres of premium wine grapes under vine and are 100% family-owned.
The group has a number of events and activities planned to promote the region, including the upcoming “Let’s Be Franc” trade tasting on Wednesday, Nov. 20 to showcase the AVA’s stunning Cabernet Francs. Themed tasting sessions will include: Cabernet Franc from Iconic Vineyards in The Hills, Different Styles of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Franc from The Hills vs. The World, and The Grower’s Perspective: Why Cab Franc Thrives in The Hills. Industry colleagues from both the on- and off-premise will also have an opportunity to taste other varietals produced in The Hills. For trade interested in attending, please contact Marissa Dineen at marissa@dineenvineyards.com.
To learn more about The Hills, visit www.thehillswa.org.
