Horse Heaven Hills AVA (Sub-Appellation of Columbia Valley)
Home to nearly a third of Washington's wine grape acreage, Horse Heaven Hills produces some of the state's most celebrated Cabernet Sauvignon from windy, sun-drenched slopes above the Columbia River.
Horse Heaven Hills AVA, established on June 30, 2005, as a sub-appellation of Columbia Valley, encompasses 570,000 acres in south-central Washington with approximately 17,000 acres currently planted — roughly one quarter to one third of all Washington wine grapes. The region's south-facing slopes, elevations ranging from 200 to 1,800 feet, persistent winds from the Columbia River, and an average of 6 to 9 inches of annual precipitation create ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Riesling.
- Established as an AVA on June 30, 2005, after a petition filed by Paul D. Lucas on behalf of regional wine grape growers
- Encompasses 570,000 total acres (roughly 60 miles long by 22 miles wide) with approximately 17,000 acres under vine — nearly one quarter to one third of all Washington wine grape acreage
- Elevations range from 200 feet along the Columbia River to 1,800 feet at the northern boundary, with predominantly south-facing slopes
- Receives an average of 6 to 9 inches of annual precipitation; irrigation is required for all vinifera cultivation
- Proximity to the Columbia River generates 30% more wind than most other Washington growing regions, reducing disease pressure and moderating temperatures
- Source of Washington State's five 100-point-rated wines, including the Quilceda Creek 2002 and 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon — the first American wines outside California to receive that distinction from The Wine Advocate
- First vinifera vines planted in 1972 by Don and Linda Mercer at what is now Champoux Vineyards, with the encouragement of Dr. Walter Clore, known as the 'Father of Washington Viticulture'
History and Heritage
The Horse Heaven Hills takes its name from pioneer James Gordon Kinney, who is credited with naming the region in 1881 after observing large bands of horses grazing contentedly on the rolling grasslands. Viticulture arrived in 1972 when Don and Linda Mercer, encouraged by Washington State University researcher Dr. Walter Clore, planted the first vinifera vines at what is now Champoux Vineyards. Columbia Crest, founded in 1983 and owned by Chateau Ste. Michelle, became the first winery established within the region and grew into Washington's largest winemaking facility. The AVA was formally established on June 30, 2005, following a petition by regional grape growers who sought recognition for the area's distinctive terroir.
- Named by pioneer James Gordon Kinney in 1881 after seeing horses grazing on the native grasslands
- First vinifera plantings in 1972 by Don and Linda Mercer at what became Champoux Vineyards, the oldest vines in the AVA
- Columbia Crest Winery opened in 1983 as the region's first commercial winery, becoming Washington's largest wine production facility
- AVA designated June 30, 2005, after petition by Paul D. Lucas on behalf of regional growers
Geography and Climate
Horse Heaven Hills is located in south-central Washington, spanning portions of Klickitat, Yakima, and Benton counties. The Columbia River forms its southern boundary, and the Yakima Valley AVA borders it to the north. Elevations range from 200 feet above sea level near the Columbia River to 1,800 feet at the northern boundary, with the majority of vineyards planted on south and southwest-facing slopes. Annual precipitation averages just 6 to 9 inches, placing the region firmly in Washington's semi-arid rain shadow east of the Cascades. The Columbia River moderates temperature extremes, reducing frost risk, while pressure differentials generate persistent winds that toughen grape skins, reduce canopy size, and protect against mold and rot. Three primary soil types characterize the AVA: wind-blown sand and loess, Missoula Flood sediment, and hill-slope rubble derived from Columbia River basalt bedrock.
- Bounded by the Yakima Valley AVA to the north and the Columbia River to the south; spans Klickitat, Yakima, and Benton counties
- Elevations from 200 feet near the Columbia River to 1,800 feet at the northern boundary
- 6 to 9 inches average annual precipitation; all vinifera cultivation requires irrigation
- Columbia River proximity generates 30% more wind than other Washington regions, moderating heat and suppressing disease
Key Grapes and Wine Styles
Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant variety, benefiting from abundant heat accumulation, south-facing exposure, long hang times, and well-drained sandy loam soils that encourage deep root development. Approximately two-thirds of plantings are red varieties, led by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec, with the remaining third devoted to whites, primarily Chardonnay and Riesling. Wines from Horse Heaven Hills are typically noted for their velvety tannins, ripe dark fruit, and natural balance — qualities growers attribute to the long growing season and the region's unique combination of heat accumulation and wind influence. The AVA is the source of all five of Washington State's wines to earn a perfect 100-point score.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: the undisputed primary variety; long hang times and deep sandy loam soils produce ripe, structured wines
- Merlot and Syrah: important red varieties showing richness and regional character
- Chardonnay and Riesling: leading whites, accounting for roughly one-third of total plantings
- Approximately 66% red varieties and 34% white varieties across the AVA
Notable Producers and Vineyards
Columbia Crest, founded in 1983 in Paterson and owned by Chateau Ste. Michelle, is the largest winery in Washington State and the most prominent estate in the AVA. Champoux Vineyards, originally planted in 1972 as part of Mercer Ranch by Don and Linda Mercer, is one of Washington's most celebrated vineyard sites; its Cabernet Sauvignon fruit contributed to Quilceda Creek's back-to-back 100-point vintages in 2002 and 2003. Quilceda Creek subsequently purchased a majority stake in Champoux Vineyards in 2014. Mercer Estates, whose family has farmed the region since 1886, oversees approximately 2,000 acres of vineyards. The Andrews family of McKinley Springs Vineyards, farming nearly 4,000 acres, and Alexandria Nicole Cellars at Destiny Ridge Vineyard are also significant producers. Over 150 wineries source grapes from the AVA and declare the Horse Heaven Hills designation on their labels.
- Columbia Crest (founded 1983, Paterson): Washington's largest winemaking facility; owned by Chateau Ste. Michelle
- Champoux Vineyards: site of Washington's first vinifera planting in 1972; now majority-owned by Quilceda Creek
- Mercer Estates: multigenerational farming family since 1886, overseeing approximately 2,000 vineyard acres
- Over 150 wineries declare the Horse Heaven Hills AVA designation on their labels
Wine Laws and Classification
Horse Heaven Hills operates as a sub-appellation of the Columbia Valley AVA, which was established in 1984. Under federal TTB regulations, a wine labeled as Horse Heaven Hills must contain a minimum of 85% grapes sourced from within the designated AVA boundaries. Many producers choose to use the broader Columbia Valley designation for blending flexibility or marketing reasons. The AVA covers approximately 570,000 acres across Klickitat, Yakima, and Benton counties, though only a fraction of that land is currently under vine. Producers within the region may also qualify for the overarching Columbia Valley appellation.
- Sub-appellation of Columbia Valley AVA (Columbia Valley established 1984; Horse Heaven Hills designated 2005)
- Minimum 85% of grapes must originate within AVA boundaries for Horse Heaven Hills labeling
- Optional designation — many producers use the broader Columbia Valley AVA for flexibility
- Spans Klickitat, Yakima, and Benton counties; 570,000 total designated acres
Visiting and Wine Tourism
Horse Heaven Hills remains one of Washington's most remote and least-visited wine regions. The AVA is primarily farming country rather than a wine tourism hub, with relatively few tasting rooms located within its boundaries. Columbia Crest Winery in Paterson offers tours and tastings and is the most accessible destination within the AVA. Alexandria Nicole Cellars operates the Estate at Destiny Ridge in Paterson, which also serves as an event venue. Many producers whose wines feature Horse Heaven Hills fruit maintain tasting rooms outside the AVA, including in Prosser and Woodinville. The nearest wine tourism amenities are in Prosser, about 15 miles north, which serves as a practical base for exploring the region.
- Columbia Crest Winery in Paterson: the AVA's most accessible visitor destination, offering tours and tastings
- Alexandria Nicole Cellars' Estate at Destiny Ridge: on-site event venue and tasting experience in Paterson
- Most producers with Horse Heaven Hills sourcing maintain tasting rooms in Prosser or Woodinville
- Prosser, roughly 15 miles north, offers additional tasting rooms and amenities as a regional base
Horse Heaven Hills wines are defined by their balance and approachability rather than sheer power. Cabernet Sauvignon shows ripe dark cherry, blackberry, and black currant on the nose, with structured but velvety tannins and a mineral, earthy complexity on the finish; growers frequently cite the long hang time and deep sandy loam soils as key contributors to complete phenolic ripeness without overripeness. Merlot tends toward plum and soft red fruit with supple, rounded tannins, while Syrah from the region displays peppery spice and dark fruit with an elegant, linear structure reinforced by the constant wind influence. White wines, particularly Riesling and Chardonnay, benefit from the region's warm days and cool nights, retaining vivid natural acidity that balances generous fruit. Across all varieties, a characteristic silky, lingering mouthfeel — attributed by local growers to the silt and volcanic ash components of the soil — distinguishes Horse Heaven Hills wines from other Columbia Valley sub-appellations.