Our Story
History
Inspired by the promise of the Horse Heaven Hills and fueled by the dedication of some of Washington's best-known winemakers and local farmers, Canoe Ridge Vineyard turned from dream to reality in 1989. Expanding its vision, a winery in Walla Walla followed in 1994.
Originally conceived as a small-lot winery specializing in red varietals housed in a historic engine house, Canoe Ridge Vineyard remains true to its pioneering spirit, producing merlot, cabernet sauvignon, red blends, and limited-edition chardonnay. Today, Canoe Ridge has grown to offer a wide variety of wines for every palate, showcasing the diverse bounty of the Pacific Northwest.
1989
A group of Washington farmers and investors partner with Sandpiper Farms to plant 44 acres of cabernet sauvignon and merlot in Paterson, Washington. Early supporters of Canoe Ridge Vineyard and their respective wineries today include Gary Bergevin of Bergevin Lane, Norm McKibben of Pepper Bridge, Rick Small of Woodward Canyon, Terry Tucker of Reininger, and Mike Hogue of Hogue Cellars, among others.
1990
52 Washington shareholders forge a partnership with Chalone Wine Group of Napa, California, supporting major vineyard expansion and a soon-to-follow winery.
1994
Canoe Ridge Vineyard winery officially opens in our 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, Horse Heaven Hills, the region of 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.
2019
Our new tasting room opens in downtown Walla Walla.
2024
Canoe Ridge Vineyard celebrates 35 years of exceptional wines.