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. Additionally, it is the first AVA in Washington state to be fully sustainable, with all 7 vineyards practicing in either biodynamic or LIVE certification. It is the smallest AVA in Washington with planted.

Geography and climate

Naches Heights is a plateau, ranging from to. The soil is primarily volcanic loess. It is west of the city of Yakima. Grapes in this area must be irrigated.

Vineyards

The appellation’s 37 bearing acres consist of seven vineyards: Wilridge Vineyard, Naches Heights Vineyard, Strand Vineyard, Aecetia Vineyard, Harlequin Vineyard, Keller Vineyard, and Kalkruth Vineyard. 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: