Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard and Winery

What’s in a name?

If it’s the name Clore, as in Dr. Walter Clore, it refers to “the father of the Washington wine industry.” In the 1990s, Dr. Clore consulted with the Monson family to help plan the 1,400-acre south slope facing Goose Ridge Estate Vineyards. (Note: That’s not a typo. Goose Ridge Estate Vineyards consumes 1,400 acres of prime grape-growing real estate adjacent to Red Mountain.)

What’s in a name? Well, does the name, Kendall Mix ring a bell? He’s the winemaker for Goose Ridge. Kendall’s task is to create estate wines from a dozen Bordeaux and Rhone grape varieties. It’s a challenge but when you have 20+ years of winemaking experience under your belt, you can take on the vagaries that Mother Nature throws at you. Kendall’s ability to blend cabernet, merlot and syrah creates Goose Ridge’s award winning red blend (and hugely popular) Viero – a wine chock full of black cherries and tobacco notes.

Located just 4 miles east of Benton City on the "ridge" of Goose Hill, the winery’s tasting room is situated adjacent to the expansive vineyards, and from its interior you get a bird’s-eye view of the well-groomed rows of grapes. It’s a tastefully decorated room with warm, neutral colors and little to distract you from enjoying Kendall’s varietal and blended vintages.

What’s in a name? If the name is “Sol Duc Meritage,” it’s a Bordeaux blend ready to take on a juicy steak. Named for the sparkling waters that nourish the sun-drenched Columbia Valley, the “Sol Duc Meritage” is, according to the winemaker’s notes, “a concentrated classic red wine with nice integration of rich black cherry, cassis, and notes of vanilla and spice.” By any other name, this wine would taste “as sweet.”

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  Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard and Winery was featured in WineTrails of Washington as part of the Tri-Cities WineTrail on page 408!