Horse Heaven Hills Wine Trail — Washington's Columbia River Plateau
The Horse Heaven Hills AVA is a dramatic south-facing plateau rising 3,600 feet above the Columbia River in south-central Washington — one of the state's most important wine growing regions by vineyard acreage. Constant wind from the Columbia River Gorge stresses vines and concentrates flavor in Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Riesling, and Chardonnay from rocky, well-drained basalt soils. Canoe Ridge Estate (Chateau Ste. Michelle's premier Horse Heaven Hills property), Hinzerling Winery, Milbrandt Vineyards, and McKinley Springs anchor a trail that serious Washington wine collectors know well. Sip & Summit builds your curated 4-stop Horse Heaven Hills wine route in under 10 seconds.
Featured Wineries
- Canoe Ridge Estate — Chateau Ste. Michelle's marquee Horse Heaven Hills estate, producing some of Washington's finest Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from south-facing Columbia River benchland.
- Milbrandt Vineyards — a large family estate growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, and Chardonnay across the Horse Heaven Hills plateau with single-vineyard bottlings.
- Hinzerling Winery — one of Washington's pioneer estates sourcing Horse Heaven Hills fruit for benchmark Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot since the early years of Washington wine.
- McKinley Springs Winery — a family-owned estate producing concentrated, wind-structured Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from one of the AVA's most distinctive sites.
- The Columbia River — the Horse Heaven Hills plateau rises directly above the river, offering some of the most dramatic vineyard views in Washington wine country.
Why Sip & Summit
- 4-stop curated wine day on Washington's windswept Columbia River plateau
- Route built in under 10 seconds
- 3 hours from Seattle — less visited than Red Mountain or Walla Walla
- One-tap navigation to each estate
- Swap any stop if it doesn't fit your day
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best wineries in Horse Heaven Hills, Washington?
- Canoe Ridge Estate (Ste. Michelle's marquee Horse Heaven Hills property), Milbrandt Vineyards (single-vineyard Cabernet and Riesling), Hinzerling Winery (pioneer Washington estate), and McKinley Springs Winery (family-owned estate Cabernet and Syrah) — producing some of Washington's most structured and age-worthy reds.
- Is Horse Heaven Hills worth a special visit from Seattle?
- For serious Cabernet and Merlot collectors, yes — it's one of Washington's most important appellations yet far fewer tourists visit than Red Mountain or Walla Walla. The Tri-Cities is 3 hours from Seattle. Pair with Red Mountain for a definitive Columbia Valley experience.
- How does Horse Heaven Hills compare to Red Mountain for Washington wine?
- Red Mountain is the most prestigious and concentrated — smaller, hotter, and focused on Cabernet. Horse Heaven Hills is larger and more varied: Cabernet, Merlot, Riesling, and Chardonnay across a broader elevation range. Red Mountain commands higher prices; Horse Heaven Hills offers more stylistic diversity.
- What wine is Horse Heaven Hills known for?
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Riesling. Constant Columbia River Gorge wind produces wines with exceptional structure and concentration. Canoe Ridge Estate Merlot is considered one of Washington's benchmark examples of the variety.
- When is the best time to visit Horse Heaven Hills wineries?
- May through October. Fall harvest (September–October) is the most dramatic, with the golden plateau landscape at its best. Plan morning visits during hot summer months.
- Where should I stay for a Horse Heaven Hills wine trip?
- Prosser has the Vintner's Inn as a dedicated wine country hotel. The Tri-Cities (Richland, Kennewick, Pasco) 25 minutes away offer the widest lodging options. Combine with Red Mountain for a complete Eastern Washington wine weekend.