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.
| Wine region | |
 | |
| Type | American Viticultural Area |
|---|---|
| Year established | 2012[1] |
| Years of wine industry | Early through mid 1970s for hobby winemaking, 2002-present professionally |
| Country | USA |
| Part of | Columbia Valley AVA |
| Climate region | Continental |
| Total area | 13,254 acres (53.64 km2)[1] |
| Size of planted vineyards | 37.3 acres (0.151 km2)[2] |
| No. of vineyards | 7[3] |
| Varietals produced | Cabernet 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 wineries | 2[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 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.[5] 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:
- Five red Bordeaux varieties; Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot and Petite Verdot
- Two white Bordeaux varieties; Semillon and Sauvignon blanc
- Three Rhone varieties; Syrah, Mourvedre and Viognier
- Italian varietals; Barbera, Gewurtztraminer, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Sagrantino and Pinot grigio
- One of the Muscat grapes called White Muscat (also known as Muscat Canelli, Moscato, or Muscat de Petite Grains),
- Four Portuguese varieties; Souzao, Tinta Cao, Touriga Nacional, and Tinta Roriz.
References
- "Naches Heights (AVA): Appellation Profile". Appellation America. Archived from the original on March 16, 2016.
- "Naches Heights is Washington's 12th AVA". Wine Press Northwest. Retrieved April 3, 2012.
- "Naches Heights Wine AVA Announced". Yakima Valley Tourism. Retrieved April 3, 2012.
- "Wine Bar & Tasting Room at Wilridge Vineyard". Wildridge Winery. Retrieved April 3, 2012.
- "Touring the Naches Heights AVA in Washington State". Tasting Room Magazine. September 25, 2012.
- "§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.