Discovering Washington State Wines: A Spotlight on Hedges Family Estate

Washington State has become one of the most exciting and respected wine regions in the world. With dramatic landscapes, diverse soils, and a climate that favors balance and elegance in the glass, it’s no wonder this Pacific Northwest powerhouse has risen to international acclaim. Within its many celebrated American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), one name stands out as a beacon of both tradition and innovation: Hedges Family Estate, a biodynamic winery located in the prestigious Red Mountain AVA.

The Rise of Washington State as a Wine Powerhouse

Washington is the second-largest wine-producing state in the U.S., trailing only California—but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in character. With over 1,050 wineries, more than 400 wine grape growers, and upwards of 50,000 acres planted to vine, the state’s wine industry contributes over $9.5 billion annually to the local economy (Washington State Wine Commission).

The growth of Washington’s wine scene has been relatively recent, gaining serious momentum in the 1960s and 70s. Thanks to the work of viticultural pioneers and ongoing research from Washington State University, the industry began to transition from bulk wine and hybrid grapes to premium vinifera varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Chardonnay.

The Landscape: A Terroir Unlike Any Other

Washington’s landscape plays a starring role in its wine identity. The majority of wine grapes are grown in the eastern part of the state, which lies in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains. This unique geographical feature means the wine regions receive only 6–8 inches of rain annually, creating an arid, desert-like climate. This low rainfall allows growers to control water stress through irrigation, which is critical to managing grape ripening and fruit concentration.

In addition to its climate, Washington boasts diverse soils, shaped by ancient floods and volcanic activity. From sandy loam to gravelly basalt, these soils offer excellent drainage and contribute significantly to the complexity of the wines.

Perhaps most impressively, Washington enjoys 17 hours of sunlight during peak summer months—similar to Bordeaux or Northern Italy—allowing for slow, even ripening that maintains bright acidity alongside ripe fruit flavors.

Key AVAs to Know

Washington is home to 21 AVAs (and counting), each with its own unique climate, soil, and grape specialties. Some of the most important include:

Yakima Valley AVA

The first AVA in Washington, established in 1983, Yakima Valley is home to more than one-third of the state’s vineyards. With a slightly cooler climate than other regions, it excels at Chardonnay, Riesling, Syrah, and Merlot.

Columbia Valley AVA

Covering a massive portion of the state and overlapping several sub-AVAs, Columbia Valley is the backbone of Washington wine. It’s known for producing everything from full-bodied reds to vibrant whites.

Walla Walla Valley AVA

Located in the southeastern corner of the state, Walla Walla is known for its expressive reds, particularly Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s also a hotbed for boutique wineries and artisanal producers.

Red Mountain AVA

Despite being one of the smallest AVAs, Red Mountain is arguably the most prestigious. With hot days, cool nights, and mineral-rich soils, it produces powerful, structured reds—especially Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends.

Grape Varieties and Wine Styles

Washington grows over 80 grape varieties, but certain names dominate both acreage and reputation. According to the 2022 harvest report:

• Cabernet Sauvignon leads with 67,000+ tons harvested, representing nearly 28% of total production. These wines are known for their dark fruit, firm tannins, and age-worthiness.

• Chardonnay follows at 39,000+ tons, delivering styles that range from crisp and mineral-driven to round and creamy.

• Riesling, once Washington’s signature grape, still thrives and produces excellent dry and off-dry expressions.

• Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris are also widely planted and contribute to the state's stylistic diversity.

A Closer Look: Hedges Family Estate

If there’s one winery that embodies the values of Washington winemaking—craftsmanship, terroir, and sustainability—it’s Hedges Family Estate.

The Story

Founded in 1987 by Tom and Anne-Marie Hedges, the estate sits on the sun-baked slopes of Red Mountain. From the beginning, the Hedges family believed that great wine begins in the vineyard. Over the years, they’ve become champions of biodynamic and organic farming, earning certifications from Demeter USA and CCOF.

Their estate vineyards are farmed in harmony with the lunar calendar, using natural preparations to promote biodiversity, soil vitality, and vine health. This hands-off, holistic approach translates directly into the bottle: wines with energy, structure, and a true sense of place.

Philosophy & Winemaking

The Hedges philosophy is deeply rooted in European tradition. Rather than chase trends or manipulate the wine in the cellar, their goal is to let the terroir speak. They emphasize balanced alcohol levels, moderate oak influence, and age-worthy tannin structures—something that sets them apart in a region often known for bold, fruit-forward wines.

Signature Wines

Some of Hedges' most beloved wines include:

• HFE Estate Red – A Bordeaux-style blend from their biodynamic vineyards. The 2020 vintage showcases aromas of black cherry, spice, and crushed herbs, with silky tannins and a mineral-driven finish.

• CMS Red – A more approachable blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. Juicy, smooth, and versatile—perfect for casual dinners or weeknight sipping.

• Red Mountain Syrah – A standout bottling that captures the AVA’s heat and concentration with dark fruit, pepper, and savory depth.

Whether you’re aging bottles in your cellar or opening one tonight with grilled lamb or mushroom risotto, Hedges wines are complex, food-friendly, and always thoughtfully made.

Washington’s Wine Future

The future of Washington wine is incredibly bright. As more AVAs are defined and more winemakers commit to sustainability and site expression, the region will continue to carve out its unique identity on the world stage. Wineries like Hedges Family Estate are leading the way—offering not only world-class wine but a model for integrity and stewardship in viticulture.

In the Glass: Why You Should Be

Drinking Washington Wine

Whether you’re a Cabernet collector, a Riesling lover, or just someone looking to explore beyond Napa and Sonoma, Washington wine deserves your attention. With a wide range of varieties, exceptional quality-to-price ratios, and a growing number of producers focused on organic and biodynamic farming, it’s one of the most dynamic wine regions in the world today.

And if you’re just starting your journey, Hedges Family Estate is the perfect place to begin.

Ready to explore Washington wine?
Visit us in-store or shop our current Washington selections online — including limited bottles from Hedges Family Estate.