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When Richard Boushey's loyal winemakers asked him to start
growing in the Red Mountain AVA, he obliged, and the 38-
year industry veteran has learned a few new tricks since he
began working there. A steward of the land with a no-shortcut
approach, Richard manages vineyards for a number of wineries:
Cadence, Ste. Michelle/Antinori, DeLille Cellars, Duckhorn, Efeste,
Fidelitas, Hamilton Cellars, Ambassador, and Upchurch. The land
produces the highest quality fruit and the best Cabernet in the
state, and consequently has attracted winemakers and vineyard
owners from around the world. Roughly 75 to 80 percent of the
vines in Red Mountain Vineyards are Cabernet Sauvignon vines.
As head of the Washington State Research Committee and
member of the Wine Commission Board, Richard believes that
Red Mountain Vineyards is one of the key growing areas keeping
the state competitive in the premium wine game. It's well-
known, attracts visitors from around the world, and consistently
produces fruit that winemakers clamor for.
The unique high-tier area sits just west of the Tri-Cities on the
east end of Yakima Valley and has maintained a prestigious
reputation since its first planting in 1975. Red Mountain is the
smallest AVAs in Washington State at only 2,700 plantable
acres. It's made up of a tight-knit membership community with
its own wine alliance and is managed in a way that aims to keep
winemakers happy.
FACING PAGE TOP LEFT: Rainbow over Shaw Vineyards Red Mountain.
FACING PAGE TOP RIGHT: View overlooking Red Mountain and iconic Col
Solare winery.
LEFT: View looking east at Red Mountain AVA and the Yakima River.
ABOVE LEFT: Standing on Red Mountain overlooking the vineyards and the
Horse Heaven Hills.
ABOVE RIGHT: Harvesting Cabernet for EFESTE Winery at Angela Vineyard.
Photographs by Andrea Johnson
red mountain ava
