Vineyards | VinoVerve

Gretchen Neuman
VinoVerve Editor

Located completely within the Columbia Valley AVA and within Benton and Yakima Counties, Rattlesnake Hills is a 16 mile long stretch of territory of basalt mountains. The AVA was created in 2006 but has been under cultivation since 1968 when the Morrison Vineyard was planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling for Chateau St. Michelle. Currently there are nearly 30 vineyards in the area some of which can be found here

Grape varietals grown in the hills include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Gewürtztraminer, Malbec, Merlot, Muscat Canelli, Petite Sirah, Riesling, Semillion and Viognier.

The AVA is centered around Zillah, Washington. I am hoping given that I will be in Walla Walla which is relatively close by, that I will get to experience the hills for myself. I was especially relieved to learn that the name “rattlesnake” comes from the shape of the hills… and not for any reptilian invaders in the area. I am like Indiana Jones that way. I hate snakes.

Rattlesnake Hills AVA

I guess I have loaded these videos in backwards… or more likely, I am a spazz… as I have just discovered that this and the previous video were our introduction to Christophe Baron of Cayuse Vineyards.

But I am grateful for any additionally video from M. Baron as he is as witty as he is talented as a vigneron… at least as far as I have heard… Rory hasn’t been sharing an samples he brought back with him!

Anywho, as my grandmother used to say, I like this video because it involves some confusion with the attendees about what kind of equipment is used to plant the vineyards. Although I must say the thought of wenches or witches being involved is certainly colorful… Enjoy!

Category Archives: Vineyards

I Hope There Are No Rattlesnakes In Those Hills

Should I use a witch or a wench for that job?

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