The 181-acre Canoe Ridge Estate is located in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA on a slope above the Columbia River. Sweeping, river-driven winds keep the vine canopies dry while tempering summer temperatures for ideal ripening. Sitting on warden sandy loam soils, elevations vary from 425-740 feet above sea level. Rainfall averages six inches annually, and vines receive drip irrigation only when needed. The vineyard has the advantage of maturity (some vines are 25 years old), producing arguably the best Merlot in the best Merlot-producing region in the country, in addition to award-winning Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and more. Planted in 1989, nearly all of our wine grapes are sourced from our vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, with some additional sourcing from our esteemed sister vineyards in the appellation. Perched on a ridge above the Columbia River, the vines are planted on their own roots on a sloping ridge at 425-740 feet in elevation. Here, well-drained sandy loam and basaltic soils allow deep rooting. Cool nights provide ideal temperatures for excellent sugar to acid balance, and low rainfall (about 6-8” annually) translates to excellent flavor concentration. The vineyard’s latitude and south- and north-facing orientations help vines soak up more than 17 hours of sunshine per day at the peak of summer, resulting in rich, fully mature flavors and supple tannins.