Naches Heights AVA
Washington's only AVA built on andesite lava, where a million-year-old volcanic plateau above the Missoula Floods creates genuinely distinct cool-climate terroir.
Naches Heights AVA is a sub-appellation of Columbia Valley in Yakima County, Washington, officially established on January 13, 2012. Sitting on a plateau of Tieton andesite lava at elevations of 1,200 to 2,100 feet, it is the only Columbia Valley AVA with andesite bedrock rather than basalt, and the only one entirely above the reach of the ancient Missoula Floods. With just around 50 acres under vine across 13,254 total acres, it is one of Washington's smallest planted appellations and the state's first fully sustainable AVA.
- Officially designated as an AVA on January 13, 2012, becoming Washington State's 12th viticultural area
- Encompasses 13,254 acres in Yakima County, with only approximately 50 acres currently under vine
- Elevation ranges from 1,200 to 2,100 feet, forming a generally flat plateau that rises gently from southeast to northwest
- The only Columbia Valley AVA with andesite bedrock; all other sub-appellations sit on basalt
- Located entirely above the level of the historic Missoula Floods, giving it windblown loess and clay soils rather than alluvial deposits
- Annual precipitation averages 10 to 13 inches; all vines require irrigation
- The first AVA in Washington State where all vineyards are certified biodynamic, organic, or sustainably farmed under LIVE certification
History & Heritage
The modern viticultural story of Naches Heights began in 2002, when Phil Cline planted the first vinifera vines on the plateau, establishing what became Naches Heights Vineyard. Paul Beveridge of Wilridge Winery, founded in Seattle in 1988, planted his certified organic and biodynamic estate vineyard on the Heights in 2007. Recognizing the plateau's genuinely distinct geology and climate, Beveridge filed the AVA petition in January 2009, and the TTB granted official recognition on January 13, 2012. Two students from Yakima Valley Community College also contributed to the petition research.
- First vinifera plantings on the plateau date to 2002, by Phil Cline of Naches Heights Vineyard
- Paul Beveridge of Wilridge Winery, Seattle's oldest winery (founded 1988), planted his estate vineyard here in 2007
- AVA petition filed January 2009 by Beveridge; approved January 13, 2012 as Washington's 12th AVA
- Wilridge established the first winery, first tasting room, and in 2017 the first distillery within the AVA
Geography & Climate
Naches Heights occupies an elevated plateau in south-central Washington, between the towns of Naches and Tieton, northwest of Yakima. Its boundaries follow the Naches River to the north and east, the lower Tieton River to the west, and Cowiche Creek to the south and west. The plateau sits at 1,200 to 2,100 feet elevation, considerably higher than the surrounding valley floor. This elevation, combined with proximity to the Cascade Mountains, makes Naches Heights cooler and slightly wetter than most Columbia Valley appellations. The gentle upward grade from southeast to northwest also facilitates cold air drainage, reducing frost risk during vulnerable growing phases.
- Situated between Naches and Tieton, northwest of Yakima, entirely within Columbia Valley AVA
- Elevation ranges from 1,200 to 2,100 feet, a plateau raised well above surrounding valley floor
- Annual precipitation of 10 to 13 inches; cooler and wetter than most Columbia Valley sites due to Cascade proximity
- Gentle slope from southeast to northwest channels cold air downhill, reducing frost damage risk
Soils & Geology
The defining geological feature of Naches Heights is its foundation of Tieton andesite, a volcanic rock laid down approximately one million years ago by flows originating from the Goat Rocks volcanic complex in the Cascade Mountains. This makes it unique among all Columbia Valley AVAs, which otherwise sit on basalt bedrock. Because the plateau stands above the level reached by the catastrophic Missoula Floods, it never received the alluvial sediments that characterize neighboring appellations. Instead, soils are windblown loess (primarily Tieton loam and Ritzville loam), with a significant clay component that aids water retention in this otherwise dry, irrigated region.
- Tieton andesite bedrock, the only such geology among all Columbia Valley AVAs, which are otherwise on basalt
- Plateau formed approximately one million years ago by andesite lava flows from the Goat Rocks volcanic complex
- Entirely above the level of the Missoula Floods; no alluvial flood deposits
- Soils are windblown loess (Tieton loam and Ritzville loam) with clay content that assists water retention
Key Grapes & Wine Styles
The cooler temperatures and volcanic loess soils of Naches Heights support a notably diverse range of varieties. The Washington State Wine Commission lists Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Syrah as the top varieties. Wilridge Winery has demonstrated exceptional breadth, growing Bordeaux varieties, Rhone varieties, and a wide range of Italian varietals including Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, and notably Sagrantino, the first planting of that variety in Washington State. The elevation and extended growing season allow grapes to develop aromatic complexity while retaining acidity, a hallmark of the appellation's style.
- Top varieties documented by Washington State Wine Commission: Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Syrah
- Wilridge Winery grows over 20 varieties including Nebbiolo, Sagrantino (first in Washington State), and multiple Bordeaux and Rhone varieties
- Cool elevation and long growing season promote aromatic complexity and natural acidity retention
- Early plantings at Naches Heights Vineyard focused on Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Syrah, established from 2002
Notable Producers
Given its small planted area, Naches Heights has a very limited number of producers working directly within the AVA. Wilridge Winery, founded in 1988 and Washington's oldest Seattle-based winery, established the first estate vineyard in 2007 and remains the AVA's anchor producer, operating with certified organic and biodynamic practices. Naches Heights Vineyard, planted by Phil Cline in 2002 as the area's first vinifera site, is also a key estate. Other vineyards within the AVA boundary include Strand Vineyard, Treveri Vineyard, Keller Vineyard, and Kalkruth Vineyard. All vineyards in the AVA are farmed biodynamically, organically, or under LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) certification.
- Wilridge Winery (founded 1988): anchor producer, first estate vineyard planted 2007, certified organic and biodynamic, added a distillery in 2017
- Naches Heights Vineyard: first vines on the plateau (2002), planted by Phil Cline, co-petitioner for AVA status
- Documented AVA vineyards include Strand Vineyard, Treveri Vineyard, Keller Vineyard, and Kalkruth Vineyard
- Naches Heights is the first Washington AVA where all vineyards are certified biodynamic, organic, or LIVE sustainable
Wine Laws & Classification
Naches Heights AVA operates as a sub-appellation entirely nested within the Columbia Valley AVA. The federal designation was published in the Federal Register on January 13, 2012, under the authority of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). To carry the Naches Heights AVA designation on a label, at least 85 percent of the grapes used must originate from the designated area. Producers may also elect to use the broader Columbia Valley designation. The appellation covers 13,254 acres in total, though only a fraction is currently under vine.
- Officially recognized January 13, 2012 by the TTB; Washington State's 12th AVA at time of designation
- 85% minimum grape sourcing required from the designated area to use the Naches Heights AVA name on labels
- Entirely contained within Columbia Valley AVA; wines may be labeled as either Naches Heights or Columbia Valley
- Total AVA boundary: 13,254 acres; approximately 50 acres currently under vine as reported by Washington State Wine Commission
Naches Heights wines reflect the plateau's cool temperatures and volcanic loess soils, with white varieties showing elevated aromatic intensity and refreshing natural acidity. Riesling and Pinot Gris display crisp orchard fruit and floral notes, while Gewurztraminer delivers characteristic lychee and rose petal aromatics in a leaner, more precise style than warmer Washington sites. Syrah from the elevated plateau shows peppery, savory character alongside dark fruit. The combination of long hang time, cool nights, and well-drained andesite-influenced soils produces wines with a distinctly European sense of restraint and place.