A Wine Tasting Itinerary at Washington's Red Mountain AVA
Hedges Family Estate
Just a few miles east of Prosser in the Yakima Valley are the rich vineyards of Red Mountain, the smallest, warmest wine-grape growing region in Washington.
With a unique combination of soil, slope, consistent winds and warm weather, Red Mountain red wine grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah have earned critical acclaim over the last two decades. The exceptional balance of fruit, acidity, and tannins in the wines grown here have put Red Mountain on the map both as a serious winegrowing region and a must-visit Washington wine tasting destination. Over a dozen wineries now are located within the Red Mountain AVA, with more on the way. Stay in Tri-Cities, Yakima, or Prosser, and don't miss this stop on your next wine tour!
3 Hours from Seattle, 3.5 from Portland
Red Mountain is around three hours southeast of Seattle, 3.5 hours northeast of Portland
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12+ Wineries
There are over a dozen wineries and tasting rooms located in the Red Mountain AVA. We've highlighted three of the best on this tasting itinerary.
Stay Nearby
There is no shortage of AirBNBs, VRBOs and hotels around the Red Mountain AVA.
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Featured Red Mountain Wineries
Our recommended Red Mountain wineries to visit
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Hamilton Cellars
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Hedges Family Estate
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Hightower Cellars
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MonteScarlatto Estate Winery
Hamilton Cellars
Stacie and Russ Hamilton launched their winery dream in 2006, but it took years of determination and grit to finally find the right spot in Red Mountain to plant their vineyard and built their winery in 2014. Their first estate vintage was produced in their Net Zero, solar powered winery in 2017. Their winemaker Charlie Hoppes joined them in 2006 using his 20 years of Washington winemaking experience to make wines from fruit from the estate and vineyards surrounding them.
Hamilton Cellars' Benton City tasting room looks over their vineyards and offers wonderful ambiance to enjoy their wines.
Wines Produced: Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon blanc, Red blends, Rosé
"Always a nice relaxing atmosphere. Their out door seating with the water feature, fire pit and view of Mt Ranier is spectacular, and the wine is excellent." - JA, Google Reviews
Hedges Family Estate
Led by a passion for authenticity and a deep connection to the land they call home, the Hedges Family epitomizes the modern wine estate. A blend of rich cultural upbringings and a shared love for creating beautiful wine converge at the heart of Red Mountain, fostering a true homegrown approach to farming and viticulture. Tending to the riches of Red Mountain with a visionary blend of biodynamic farming and time-honored winemaking techniques, Hedges Family Estate lends an ear to the earth and a voice to the vines.
The French-inspired winery and tasting room is the ideal environment to taste some of the best that Red Mountain has to offer! WineryHunt Club Members are also invited to a complimentary tour of the property and winery during your visit.
Wines Produced: Syrah, Red Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosé, White Blends
“Hedges Family Estate is the most beautiful winery I've ever visited. Extraordinarily pleasant people and wonderful wine. Highly recommend.” - SC, Google Review
Hightower Cellars
Tim and Kelly Hightower founded Hightower Cellars in 1997 in Woodinville, Washington with a simple philosophy, "Get the best grapes and don't screw them up." Inspired by the raw beauty and exceptional terroir that defines Red Mountain, Tim and Kelly purchased 15 acres at the top of the mountain in 2002 and began lovingly restoring the barn into a winemaking facility. They finished planting their Estate Vineyard in 2005, and expanded and remodeled the winery to include a tasting room with breathtaking views in 2008.
Today Tim and Kelly aim to make wine that lets the powerful, concentrated fruit from Red Mountain speak for itself, producing naturally beautiful wine with great character, free from pretense. The result is a collection of well-balanced, nuanced wines that reveal something new and interesting each time you open a bottle.
Wines Produced: Merlot, Red Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Rosé
“Hightower Cellars is in a really cool building with an amazing view through a floor-to-ceiling panoramic window. Their wines were all pretty darn good, and the service was wonderful - very friendly and personal. ” - EA, Yelp Review
MonteScarlatto Estate Winery
Located at the southern base of the Red Mountain AVA, MonteScarlatto Estate Winery sits on a vineyard and 9-hole, par 3 golf course. All of the wines are produced from the surrounding Red Mountain AVA vineyards, with varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Verdot, Barbera and other red wines. There's plenty of space outside to relax and enjoy the views of red mountain, and if you have the time you can play a quick round of golf (just $10/person) during your visit!
Wines Produced: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Barbera, Merlot, Malbec, Petite Verdot, Syrah
"It's a wonderful little winery with a 9 hole golf course. It's a great laid back mom and pop place at the edge of their own vineyard. They have a great variety of Red Mountain wines!" ES, Google Review
Resources for your Tasting Adventure to Red Mountain
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