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Canoe Ridge Vineyard
WALLA WALLA
As legend has it, explorers Lewis and Clark noticed a ridge resembling an
overturned canoe on their historic 1805 Columbia River journey. Today, that
landmark is known as Canoe Ridge Vineyard, the namesake location of one
of Washington State's most recognized wine producers. Established in the
Horse Heaven Hills in 1989, followed by a Walla Walla-based winery in 1994,
Canoe Ridge showcases wines to reflect the natural beauty and terroir of the
Pacific Northwest.
At the helm of Canoe Ridge Vineyard is winemaker Bill Murray. Originally
hailing from Napa, California, Bill has been making top-tier Bordeaux varieties
and Chardonnay wines for more than 20 years. A close friend of longtime
former Canoe Ridge Vineyard winemaker John Abbott, Bill took the helm in
2011 to focus on what the winery does best: Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet
Sauvignon. Today, Bill works primarily with French oak to subtly complement
the structure of grapes from the Horse Heaven Hills.
For the wine drinker with a true Northwest taste for adventure, Canoe Ridge
Vineyard reflects the natural beauty of the land and terroir. Whether sourced
from our Horse Heaven Hills namesake vineyard or the surrounding Columbia
Valley, Canoe Ridge Vineyard offers an authentic Northwest journey from one
of Washington State's most recognizable wineries.
LEFT The exterior of the Canoe Ridge Winery, located in the
historic Walla Walla Valley Railway Company Building.
ABOVE LEFT: A selection of Canoe Ridge Vineyard wines
overlooking the sweeping landscape of the namesake
vineyard, located in the Horse Heaven Hills.
ABOVE RIGHT: Winemaker Bill Murray inspects samples in
the Canoe Ridge Vineyard Winery.
Photographs by Josiah Michael
