Horse Heaven Hills is indeed an AVA (American Viticultural Area). It is located in south-central Washington and is part of the larger Columbia Valley AVA. AVAs are designated wine grape-growing regions in the United States that have distinct geographic, climatic, and historic features that differentiate them from surrounding areas. Horse Heaven Hills was established as an AVA in 2005, recognizing its unique characteristics that contribute to the production of high-quality wines.
The Horse Heaven Hills AVA is known for its warm climate and intense winds. The region benefits from long, sunny days and cool nights, creating ideal growing conditions for wine grapes. The winds, known as the “Horse Heaven Hills winds,” are a defining feature of the area. These winds help to moderate the temperature, reduce disease pressure, and contribute to the development of concentrated flavors in the grapes.
One of the remarkable aspects of the Horse Heaven Hills AVA is its size. It covers an expansive area of over 570,000 acres, making it one of the largest AVAs in Washington State. Within this large area, there are over 27,000 acres planted with vineyards, accounting for over a quarter of Washington's total planted acreage. This is a testament to the region's suitability for grape cultivation and its importance in the Washington wine industry.
The AVA's name, Horse Heaven Hills, has an interesting origin. The area was named by early settlers who observed the wild horses that roamed the hills. These horses were attracted to the area's natural resources, including water sources and abundant grazing land. While the wild horses are no longer present, the name remains as a reminder of the region's history and connection to the land.
In terms of grape varietals, the Horse Heaven Hills AVA is known for producing a wide range of wine grapes. Some of the most prominent varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Riesling. These grapes thrive in the AVA's warm climate and are known for producing wines with rich flavors, balanced acidity, and structured tannins.
Personally, I have had the pleasure of tasting wines from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, and I have been consistently impressed by their quality. The region's warm climate imparts ripe fruit flavors and a luscious texture to the wines, while the winds help to retain freshness and balance. I have particularly enjoyed the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines from this AVA, as they showcase the region's ability to produce full-bodied, complex red wines.
Yes, Horse Heaven Hills is indeed an AVA. Its warm climate, windy conditions, and vast size contribute to its significance in the Washington wine industry. The AVA is known for producing a variety of high-quality wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Riesling. If you are a wine enthusiast, I highly recommend exploring the wines from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA to experience the unique characteristics and flavors that this region has to offer.