Naches Heights AVA

The Naches Heights AVA is an American Viticultural Area contained within the Columbia Valley AVA. The AVA was recognized officially on January 13, 2012.[2] Additionally, it is the first AVA in Washington state to be fully sustainable,[5] 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.

Naches Heights AVA
Wine region
TypeAmerican Viticultural Area
Year established2012[1]
Years of wine industryEarly through mid 1970s for hobby winemaking, 2002-present professionally
CountryUSA
Part ofColumbia Valley AVA
Climate regionContinental
Total area13,254 acres (53.64 km2)[1]
Size of planted vineyards37.3 acres (0.151 km2)[2]
No. of vineyards7[3]
Varietals producedCabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petite Verdot, Semillon, Sauvignon blanc, Syrah, Mourvedre, Viognier, Barbera, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Sagrantino, Pinot grigio, White Muscat, Souzao, Tinta Cao, Touriga Nacional, and Tinta Roriz[4]
No. of wineries2[3]

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.[3] It is west of the city of Yakima. Grapes in this area must be irrigated.[6]

Vineyards

The appellation’s vineyards include Wilridge Vineyard, Naches Heights Vineyard, Strand Vineyard, Treveri Vineyard, Keller Vineyard, and Kalkruth Vineyard.[5] Wilridge Vineyard is owned by Wilridge Winery of Seattle with 14 acres currently in production. Naches Heights Vineyards was the first vineyard in this area. Wilridge Winery established the first winery and the first tasting room in the area. In 2017 Wilridge established the first distillery in the AVA.

Grape varieties grown in Naches Heights AVA

The grape varieties currently grown in this AVA include:

References

  1. "Naches Heights (AVA): Appellation Profile". Appellation America. Archived from the original on March 16, 2016.
  2. "Naches Heights is Washington's 12th AVA". Wine Press Northwest. Retrieved April 3, 2012.
  3. "Naches Heights Wine AVA Announced". Yakima Valley Tourism. Retrieved April 3, 2012.
  4. "Wine Bar & Tasting Room at Wilridge Vineyard". Wildridge Winery. Retrieved April 3, 2012.
  5. "Touring the Naches Heights AVA in Washington State". Tasting Room Magazine. September 25, 2012.
  6. "§9.222 Naches Heights" (Title 27: Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms PART 9—American Viticultural Areas Subpart C—Approved American Viticultural Areas). Code of Federal Regulations. Retrieved May 5, 2020.

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