Wine Making
Alder Ridge Vineyard
A warm site on the north side of the Columbia River, the vines grow on a south facing slope. The low vigor, windblown soil is outstanding for vine balance and canopy management. This site produces low yields of intense fruit and has structure that needs to be handled with care. Alder Ridge, situated 15 miles west of the small town of Patterson, WA, is atop a series of arid, sparsely vegetated ridges that shoot up 1000 feet above the great river below. It is a little piece of heaven with an endless breathtaking view. This hot landscape receives an annual average of 5 inches of rain and it’s precisely this climate and the steep, south-facing slopes that make Alder Ridge the perfect spot for growing high quality wine grapes. The region received Horse Heaven Hills AVA certification in August, 2005 and is now one of the most prestigious grape growing regions in Washington State.
Marie-Eve comments: Alder Ridge fruit requires an iron hand in a velvet glove. The lower yields allow very deep flavors yet an intense structure that can be overwhelming if not handled with care.