Wedge Mountain Winery

The plaque at Wedge Mountain Winery’s entrance says it all: “A passion for the vine; a passion for the grape; a passion for the wine.” This “impassioned” message from Charlie and Mary Ann McKee explains their drive to create estate wines from the Riverbend Ranch Vineyard, located about 5 miles east of Leavenworth off Highway 2.

Upon arriving at the winery, and if weather permits, you should first spend some time walking around the property, through the apple and pear trees, past the horses and cows, to the vineyard next to the meandering Wenatchee River. Towering above you is beautiful Wedge Mountain, with the Enchantments to the west. Take in the smells, the sights, the sounds. You’re now ready to taste some great wine.

The Wedge Mountain Winery’s tasting room is located in a rather unusual wine cellar. Long after your visit, you’ll still recall the tasting room built in the side of a knoll. In the fall, the top of the knoll becomes the crush pad. Mary Ann works the tasting room, while Charlie manages the winemaking duties. Mary Ann’s relaxed manner encourages questions, which typically involve the origin of their grapes and Charlie’s winemaking style. Complimentary samples of a wide variety of reds (cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah) and whites (chardonnay, white riesling, and a blend of riesling and chardonnay called “Deux Chevaux Blancs”) are available, along with a selection of fruit wines, such as pear, cherry, and raspberry. (Note: The McKees were fruit growers before becoming entwined with the vine.) Although most Wedge Mountain wines are made from grapes acquired from the Columbia Valley, several of its wines rely on Riverbend Ranch Vineyard fruit. Your mission is to sniff out which are the estate wines and which are not.

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  Wedge Mountain Winery was featured in WineTrails of Washington as part of the Leavenworth-Peshastin WineTrail on page 212!