History
On faith that the Horse Heaven Hills would be a promising grape-growing region, the passion of some of Washington's best-known winemakers and with the cooperation of area farmers, Canoe Ridge Vineyard went from a dream to reality starting in 1989. Its winery in Walla Walla followed in 1994.
Originally designed as a small lot, red varietal-focused winery that opened in a historic engine house, Canoe Ridge Vineyard has remained true to its vision in producing Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, red blends and a smaller production of Chardonnay. It has grown to offer multiple ranges with something for nearly every palate and price point.
Canoe Ridge Vineyard has established an iconic reputation for sourcing wines directly from its Horse Heaven Hills vineyard. Winemaker Haydn Mouat is focused on Bordeaux varietal production with emphasis on Merlot. A majority of the cooperage is French oak to add soft toasted notes as the wines age. The wines are made with structure and softness.
The winery features small lot 1,000-6,000 fermenters, two presses and a cellar that can hold 3,000 barrels.
Tanks in the winery were originally chosen to align with blocks off of Canoe Ridge Vineyard, skewing the winery toward red wine production. The automated barrel racking station allows for efficient and thorough racking and sanitation. Our winery software allows the winemaking team to hone their crafts efficiently and accurately. Our sophisticated in-house laboratory offers full-range tests.
Our sanitation practices allow us to maintain the cleanest wineries in Washington.
Our world-class bottling quality control program standardizes our sanitation, start-up, production standard checks, and shut down procedures.
We will continue to develop and implement best farming practices at the Canoe Ridge Vineyard, and incrementally plant as our winery evolves. We are also dedicated to continued industry research. We collaborate with peer growers through the Horse Heaven Hills Wine Growers Association to propel the AVA’s potential with quality winemaking and peer tastings.
1989
A group of Washington farmers and businessmen partner with Sandpiper Farms to plant 44 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in Paterson, WA. Early drivers of Canoe Ridge Vineyard and their respective wineries today include Gary Bergevin (Bergevin Lane), Norm McKibben (Pepper Bridge), Rick Small (Woodward Canyon), Terry Tucker (Reininger), Mike Hogue (Hogue Cellars), among several others.
1990
52 Washington shareholders forge a Canoe Ridge Vineyard partnership with Chalone Wine Group of Napa, CA towards a major vineyard expansion and a soon-to-follow winery.
1994
The official Canoe Ridge Vineyard winery opens in the historic Walla Walla trolley house. John Abbott is appointed head winemaker.
2001
Chalone Wine Group assumes full ownership of Canoe Ridge Vineyard, increasing production with a sizable winery expansion.
2005
International alcoholic beverage powerhouse Diageo purchases Canoe Ridge Vineyard from Chalone Wine Group. The same year, the Horse Heaven Hills, region to the vineyard, is established as an American Viticultural Area.
2011
Precept Wine acquires Canoe Ridge Vineyard from Diageo.
2018
Celebrated Walla Walla winemaker Haydn Mouat is named head winemaker of Canoe Ridge Vineyard.
2019
Opened new tasting room in downtown Walla Walla at 45. East Main Street