A consortium of like-minded individuals, representing over 1,000 acres of premium vineyards, have come together to announce the launch of The Hills, an organization dedicated to promoting grape-growing and wine-producing in the Rattlesnake Hills AVA in Washington State.
“We’re excited to take this step and bring our outstanding vineyards and distinctive wines to the forefront of the conversation about Washington wine,” said Marissa Dineen, owner of Dineen Vineyards and board member of The Hills. “Thanks to our elevation and a unique geological history, wines from The Hills exhibit distinctiveness from the rest of the state. We’re looking forward to showcasing these differences and the dynamism they bring to Washington wine.”
The Rattlesnake Hills AVA—located in the rolling western foothills of the Rattlesnake Hills Range in Yakima Valley, where Mount Adams and Mount Rainier frame the view to the west—has emerged as a standout within Washington whose outstanding fruit is featured in some of the state’s most sought-after wines. While most of the Columbia Valley’s wine-producing areas were shaped by the great Missoula floods during the last ice age, the Rattlesnake Hills AVA stands apart; all but a few of its lower-elevation vineyards are located “above the floods,” contributing to a bright, mineral-driven terroir influence.
Further shaping the AVA’s distinctive qualities is its unique tectonic history. High elevation and the extreme tectonic compression of the Ellensburg Formation have resulted in a foundation comprising a soft bedrock of gravelly, silty loam soils, and calcium carbonate. The composition of the sediment, reflecting a silica-rich volcanic source, distinguishes the region from the greater Columbia River Basin, which is generally basalt.
Designated as an official AVA in 2006, the area forms the northern boundary of the larger Yakima Valley AVA and is situated in the southern slopes of the Rattlesnake Hills. The AVA boasts some of the oldest vineyards in the state and today has roughly 1,800 acres under vine. It produces outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc with balanced ripeness and velvety tannins as well as Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Sauvignon Blanc with hallmark freshness and natural acidity—all showing a striking minerality unique to this small enclave within Washington.
“The Hills,” as the region is colloquially known, is home to some of Washington’s most iconic vineyards, including Copeland, DuBrul, Dineen, Elephant Mountain, Pollard, Sheridan, and Two Blondes, among others. With many of the vineyard sites planted in the 1970s and 1980s, the area also showcases a longstanding, often multigenerational, commitment to excellence and sustainability that has positioned the region as leaders in the wine industry. The result is a uniquely rich heritage within a relatively young winemaking region.
Collectively overseeing 1,087 acres of premium winegrapes under vine, the 14 inaugural members of The Hills, all 100% family-owned, are:
- Andrew Will/Two Blondes
- Angiolina Farm
- Dineen Vineyards
- Elephant Mountain Vineyard
- Hyatt Vineyards
- Pomum Cellars/Konnowac Estate Vineyard/Idilico Wines
- Merkle Farms
- Pollard Vineyard
- Sheridan Vineyard
- Sonrisa Vineyard
- Two Mountain Winery
- Van Arnam Vineyards
- Whitman Hill Winery
- Zirkle Fruit Co./Four Feathers
The group has a number of events and activities planned to promote the region, including the upcoming “Let’s Be Franc” trade tasting on Wednesday, November 20, to showcase the AVA’s stunning Cabernet Francs. Themed tasting sessions will include “Cabernet Franc from Iconic Vineyards in The Hills,” “Different Styles of Cabernet Franc,” “Cabernet Franc from The Hills vs. The World,” and “The Grower’s Perspective: Why Cab Franc Thrives in The Hills.” Industry colleagues from both the on- and off-premise will also have an opportunity to taste other varieties produced in The Hills. Trade members interested in attending can contact Marissa Dineen at [email protected]. To learn more about The Hills, visit www.thehillswa.org