A Wine Tasting Itinerary in the Rattlesnake Hills AVA
Located southeast of Yakima, the Rattlesnake Hills AVA is based around the tiny town of Zillah on hills ranging from 850 to 3000 feet. This is very much an agricultural epicenter for Washington, with just as many acres planted to orchards as there are to vineyards. Some of Washington's oldest vineyards are located in the region, and many of the most acclaimed Washington wineries have a single-vineyard bottling from the Rattlesnake Hills. Enjoy this itinerary of four wineries based in this unique AVA.
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Bonair Winery
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Dineen Vineyards
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Fortuity Cellars
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VanArnam Vineyards
Bonair Winery
Bonair Winery opened its doors in 1986, featuring wines from their own 3 acre vineyard. Since then they have expanded to 30 acres, and all of the wines come from the estate Rattlesnake Hills vineyards. Bonair makes a variety of wines from seriously dry reds to sweet and fruity sipping wines. The French Chateau style tasting room and outside seating area overlook a duck pond and make for a relaxing atmosphere. The tasting room is kid and dog friendly, and the staff love sharing their passion for wine with their customers and friends.
Wines Produced: Whites: Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Chardonnay; Reds- Cab Franc, Cab Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec; Ports; Blush & Rose.
"A fantastic experience, very friendly, and knowledgeable staff with a great variety of wines. The grounds and picnic area were relaxing and wonderful." -MD, Yelp Review
Dineen Vineyards
Dineen Vineyards is a family owned and operated viticulture business located in the hills of the Lower Yakima Valley. A passion for food, wine, friends and global travel led Pat and Lanie Dineen to vineyards and tasting rooms, foreshadowing the establishment of Dineen Vineyards in 2001. Today, they have over 75 acres under vine and all of the varietal blocks are named for their family members. The Dineen family has deep ties to agriculture, which is symbolized on their label by "Grandpa's Black Truck" – a 1950 half-ton Chevrolet with 5 windows and a sun bonnet. The truck was a mainstay on the dairy farm in Wisconsin where Pat Dineen grew up.
Today, guests can enjoy a taste of this farming tradition in the certified sustainable wines Dineen Vineyards produces while taking in spectacular views of the Yakima Valley, Mount Adams, and Mount Rainier.
Wines Produced: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Bordeaux Blend, Viognier, Riesling, Rosé, White Rhône blend
"Loved the wine! " - TR, Google Review
"Beautiful place to be" - MP, Google Review
Fortuity Cellars
Some call it Chance. We call it Fortuity. Little did Lee and Emily know that a chance meeting on a cold and rainy December afternoon in Seattle would profoundly change the rest of their lives. Fast forward to today -- the two are married, living in the Yakima Valley and embarking on the vintners' life! Located in the Yakima Valley and established in 2017, Lee and Emily Fergestrom work closely with wine grape growers to select fruit that showcase the best of the Yakima Valley. Quality is top priority and the result is elegant, acid-driven wines – perfect for pairing with food!
The winery is located in a beautiful agricultural setting, in the heart of the Yakima Valley. Because they are a small boutique winery, you will likely have your tasting with one of the owners.
Wines Produced: Primarily Bordeaux and Rhône, both single varietals and blends
Check out a great video on this winery here!
VanArnam Vineyards
Wines Produced: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Bordeaux Blend, Red Blend, Chardonnay, White Blend, Rose
"The views are beautiful. The wine was tasty and flavorful; we end up leaving with two bottles! The staff and their service made the experience all the more wonderful." -HD, Google Review
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