Alder Ridge

Planted Vineyard Acres: 1,125

Appellation: Horse Heaven Hills Planted Vineyard 

Planted Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Syrah, and specialty vines totaling 28 varieties, including some of Washington’s most sought-after Rhone varieties.

Soil: Bone-dry desert averaging four inches of annual rainfall. Sandy soil.

Topography: Elevation ranges from 300 to 1,000 feet. South facing, differing slopes offer a wide range of exposure offerings. Considered a warmer vineyard site, it is usually one of the last vineyards to be picked, mostly because of the dramatic dips in temperature at night in fall.

Interesting Fact: With its first vines planted 1997, Alder Ridge is known for exceptional long hang time, with a moderating effect of the river on summer heat spikes and winter freezes, giving the Cabernet for which the vineyard is known tougher skins and firm tannins.