Rattlesnake Hills Recognized as Washington State's Ninth AVA; Hilly Topography, Moderate Climate and Fine Soils Characterize New Wine Region.

SEATTLE -- Rising high atop the northern edge of the Yakima River Valley in south-central Washington, Rattlesnake Hills will soon become the state's ninth federally recognized American Viticultural Area (AVA). Covering an expanse of 68,500 acres, Rattlesnake Hills features 17 wineries, 29 vineyards and approximately 1,500 bearing acres. The United States Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) will award Rattlesnake Hills appellation status on March 20, 2006.

"Rattlesnake Hills has built a reputation as a quality grape growing region and winery tourism destination in our state," said Robin Pollard, executive director of the Washington Wine Commission. "Federal recognition of Rattlesnake Hills as an official AVA will help market wines from this unique viticultural area and showcase the diversity of our state's grape growing regions to the rest of the world."

Encompassing an expanse of hills running east to west along the northern point of the Yakima River and south of Moxee Valley, the Rattlesnake Hills AVA lies within both the established Columbia Valley and Yakima Valley appellations. Beginning at an elevation of 850 feet and rising up to 3,085 feet, the viticultural area sits higher in elevation than the surrounding Yakima Valley region and is located approximately four miles southeast of Yakima.

Featuring 1,500 bearing acres, Rattlesnake Hills contains soil with neutral alkali and pH levels, ideal for growing premium wine grapes. With the first commercial vineyards in the region dating back to 1968, 15 wineries now own vineyards in the region, representing nearly 70 percent of total acreage. A growing number of wineries across the state also continue to source their grapes from Rattlesnake Hills. Key grape varietals grown in Rattlesnake Hills include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Malbec.

"Over the past ten years, we have seen remarkable ripening consistency thanks to cool evenings and warm summer temperatures," said Gail Puryear, Owner and Winemaker of Bonair Winery and Vineyards in Rattlesnake Hills. "Also, because the hills shield that Canadian cold air from coming in, our vines are protected from extreme winter temperatures. These factors are really what contribute to the consistent quality and deep flavor of our wines."

Unique characteristics of the Rattlesnake Hills AVA include:

--Topography consists of the hills' ridgeline which sits up to 2,000 feet above the north flank of the Yakima River Valley. The ridgeline contains north and south-facing slopes which create a diverse landscape of dissected canyons, ridges and terraces running south to the Yakima River. Elevation ranges from a low of 850 feet and up to 3,085 feet along the south slope.

--Temperatures are among the most moderate in the state thanks to its geographical location. To the west, the Cascade Range shields eastern Washington from the Pacific Ocean's climactic influence while the Rattlesnake Hills divert polar air from Canada which can often damage grape vines.

--Soils are characterized by their fine texture, in contrast to the sandy soils found in nearby AVA regions. Consistent pH and neutral alkaline levels control vine growth and help to create balanced grapes.

About the Washington Wine Commission

The Washington Wine Commission is responsible for the promotion and development of the Washington wine industry, representing the state's more than 400 wineries, 350 wine grape growers and more than 30,000 vineyard acres. For more information about Washington wines, touring, and tasting opportunities, visit www.washingtonwine.org or e-mail [e-mail].