East of the Cascade mountains lies the sunny and parched side of the state where the days are warm and the nights are cool--near perfect conditions for creating "balanced" wines.
Situated to the west of a large bend in the Columbia River as it turns to form the southern boundary between Washington and Oregon, Horse Heaven Hills is home to Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. For the reds, Cabernet Sauvignon is doing particularly well here, and Merlot and Syrah are also prospering.
Vineyards extend to an elevation of 1,800 feet on steep south-facing slopes that allow ideal drainage and sun exposure. The nearness of the Columbia River helps moderate temperatures in the vineyards and produces winds that keep the risk of fungal disease to a minimum. Canoe Ridge, Zephyr Ridge and Alder Ridge are well known sub-appellations within Horse Heaven Hills.
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