Rattlesnake Hills AVA

• Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot: Rich, full-bodied wines with black cherry and cassis from Cabernet, and sweet red berry notes from Merlot.
• Syrah: Dark, peppery, and full-bodied, featuring flavors of dark fruit and spice, thanks to the unique climate.
• Riesling: Crisp with lively acidity, offering flavors of lime, green apple from cooler areas, and stone fruit from warmer spots.
• Chardonnay: Lean, often unoaked or lightly oaked, showcasing fruit-driven profiles.
• Bordeaux Blends: Fruit-forward yet balanced, often featuring Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot for added complexity.
• Specialty Wines: Includes Viognier, Mourvèdre, and Nebbiolo, along with unique late-harvest and dessert styles, known for concentrated fruit and balanced acidity.

Rattlesnake Hills has a unique terroir due to its location in the Yakima Fold Belt, with vineyards on well-drained benches and gentle south-facing slopes. These slopes rest on the Ellensburg Formation, known for its volcanic-rich sedimentary deposits from the Miocene era. The shallow silt-loam soils with caliche provide excellent drainage and low vigor, resulting in wines with freshness and clear flavors.

The climate is a mix of continental and semi-arid, affected by the Cascades' rain shadow, with only 6–12 inches of rain each year. This dry climate requires irrigation, allowing precise water management. With about 300 sunny days annually, the region experiences warm summers and cool nights, which help maintain grapes' balanced structure and natural acidity. The higher elevation aids in cold air drainage, lowering frost risk and ensuring even ripening.

The Rattlesnake Hills AVA in Washington is home to some remarkable wineries that highlight the region's distinctive terroir and climate. Notable producers include:

• Bonair Winery: Located in Zillah, this estate features vineyards at 900 feet, offering a range of Rieslings, Viogniers, Merlots, and Cabernets.
• Silver Lake (Roza Hills): Known for its estate Rieslings and diverse red blends, this winery provides beautiful views and occasional food pairings.
• Two Mountain Winery: The Rawn family presents Bordeaux and Rhône varieties, creating inviting and polished wines.
• Hyatt Vineyards: A larger producer with a modern tasting room, offering a broad selection including Cabernet, Merlot, and Chardonnay.
• Portteus Winery: A family-run estate known for dry reds, including rare Zinfandel and limited-release Petite Sirah.

In Rattlesnake Hills, sustainability is at the heart of viticulture, with many growers rooted in the community for generations. This semi-arid region focuses on careful water management, using drip irrigation and soil moisture monitoring to ensure vines receive the right amount of hydration. The naturally low-vigor, caliche-rich soils reduce the need for fertilizers, while cover crops support vine maturity with minimal human intervention.

Vineyards here often achieve sustainable and sometimes organic certifications, employing integrated pest management and native groundcovers to enhance biodiversity. Commitment to energy efficiency and water recycling in cellars further underscores the region's dedication to environmental stewardship. These practices not only preserve the health of the vineyards but also ensure that wines produced reflect the unique terroir of Rattlesnake Hills.

Wine tourism in Rattlesnake Hills offers a unique blend of scenic beauty and rich winemaking traditions. The Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail, located off Interstate 82, connects charming small wineries around Zillah.

Visitors can explore this trail with a Wine Trail Passport, which provides tastings, maps, and member perks. The tasting rooms cater to families, featuring patios with vineyard views and events like seasonal eats and live music during warmer months.

With approximately 300 sunny days annually, outdoor tastings often include views of Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier. The area’s proximity to Seattle, Spokane, and Portland makes it an ideal weekend getaway.

Beyond wine, the Yakima Valley offers attractions such as the Yakima Greenway and desert-themed botanical gardens. This region’s accessibility and welcoming atmosphere, combined with laid-back tasting experiences, highlight the natural and cultural richness of Washington's wine landscape.