It’s no exaggeration to say that a region’s grapes reflect the unique geography of their growing area, and nowhere is that truer than in the Naches Heights AVA.
The elevation throughout the AVA ranges from 1,200 to 2,000 feet above sea level, largely following a gentle slope to the west. That slope sends cool night air downhill, which prevents crops from freezing. The cool air that remains gives the grapes a food-friendly acidity, and the windswept soils, heavy in clay, help the soil retain water. As a result, Naches Heights is most closely associated with its pinot gris, syrah, and riesling.
Cities and Towns
Naches Heights sits northwest of Yakima, which makes the city an ideal home base for exploring the region. The small towns of Tieton and Naches are nearby, but you’ll find everything you need — overnight accommodations, food, drink and more — back in Yakima.
Key Touring Routes
Two roads sandwich the Naches Heights AVA: To the southwest is Summitview Road and to the northeast is South Naches Road (itself bordered by U.S. Route 12 and the Naches River).
Selected Wineries
Wilridge Winery hosts a wine bar and tasting room in a 100-year-old farmhouse (where it pours more than 20 varieties) next to its estate vineyard. Nearby, the cutting-edge Naches Heights Vineyard grows grapes with organic or biodynamic practices and works to make its process as salmon-safe as possible. You’ll taste the difference in its eclectic lineup, which includes a pinot gris, syrah, and albariño.
Please remember to designate a driver.
– Written by John King. Updated by Matthew Wastradowski in September 2020
