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93 central washington Presented by The Red Mountain AVA In the center of the Columbia Valley AVA, distinctive sub-appellations produce some of the finest wine the state has to offer. Whether it's the rich heritage of Red Mountain, the notable reds from Horse Heaven Hills, or any of the numerous sub-appellations in the region, Central Washington has a flavor all its own. On a southwest-facing slope in south-central Washington, sits Red Mountain AVA, first planted in 1975 but officially founded as an AVA in 2001. Its distinction lies in the fact that it's the smallest and warmest wine grape growing region in the state, at just 4,040 acres. With consistent winds, a gentle south slope, and notable heat profile, the AVA is one of the best places in the nation to grow Cabernet Sauvignon, along with a variety of other wine grapes. The unique flavor profiles captured in Red Mountain wines beckon to first-time vineyard and winery owners. As a result, it is the most densely-planted AVA, with 57 percent of the AVA planted with wine grapes. Red Mountain's distinctive wines warranted its own AVA within the larger Yakima Valley AVA. Yakima Valley AVA enjoys the status of the state's first federally recognized AVA, established in 1983. More than 60 wineries and over 18,000 vineyard acres call Yakima Valley home. Here, the most widely planted grape is Chardonnay, followed by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The appellation's diversity yields a broad range of styles, from Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewürztraminer to Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and more. The Columbia River runs alongside Horse Heaven Hills AVA, established in 2005. With approximately 66 percent red varieties and 34 percent white, the AVA has been home to growers since 1972. That first planting is now Champoux Vineyards, one of the most acclaimed vineyards in the state. With 16,070 acres planted to grapes, the AVA represents a quarter of the state's total grape production, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Syrah, with 37 total varieties planted in vineyards across the AVA. Cairdeas Winery, page 129 Photograph courtesy of Red Mountain AVA Sagemoor, page 191

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