Wine Press NW recently posted a terrific article on the history and future of the Snipes Mountain AVA.
Malbec takes Best in Show
Congratulations to Todd and Amber Newhouse of Upland Estates Winery. Upland’s 2007 Malbec won the best-in-show award at the 2009 Tri-Cities Wine Festival. This particular bottle was produced from Malbec vines planted on Snipes Mountain in 2001.
Many signs point to the possibility that 2007 will be a special year for Central and Eastern Washington reds, and we hope the recognition afforded to Upland Estates’ 2007 Malbec is a indication of what’s to come.
Snipes Mountain quick facts
Snipes Mountain is the second-smallest American Viticultural Area in Washington State. Below are some quick facts about this unique growing region.
- Located wholly within the Yakima Valley AVA
- Consists of ancient, rocky soils that were mostly untouched by the Great Missoula Floods, which deposited vast amounts of foreign topsoil on the Yakima Valley floor
- Slopes facing all four cardinal directions create a variety of growing conditions
- Elevation ranges from 750 to 1,300 feet
- 2850 to 3950 range of Heat Units or Growing Degree Days
- More than 35 grape varietals under cultivation
- Home of the first wine grapes planted in Washington State (Muscat, planted in 1917 and still under cultivation today)
- More than 20 wineries source fruit from Snipes Mountain
- Nearly 800 acres of wine grapes in production
© 2010 Snipes Mountain AVA.