Goose Ridge Winery Uses Only Its Own Grapes
1,300-Acre Washington Vineyard Among Largest in Pacific Northwest
Aug 29, 2009
Goose Ridge vineyards stretch along both sides of the freeway for about three miles, and surround the tasting room facility a mile away, as well as its production facility which is right off the freeway. At 1,300 acres, Goose Ridge vineyards are among the largest in the Pacific Northwest, according to an article in Wine Press Northwest.
New Production Facility Increases Bottling Capacity
The winery was founded in 1999, with direction from Dr. Walter Clore, a Washington State University researcher who is considered the “father” of Washington’s wine industry. Up until 2009, the winery limited its bottlings to about 15,000 cases a year. It sold most of its grapes to other wineries. But a new production facility built in 2009 will allow the winery to produce more than 36,000 cases a year, and eventually to produce 200,000 cases annually, Wine Press Northwest notes. The production facility is located a couple of miles away from the tasting room on the other side of the freeway.
Goose Ridge Bottles Under Two Labels
Goose Ridge bottles under two labels: its Goose Ridge estate wines and the less expensive Stonecap. Even with the new facility, the winery will continue to limit its estate wines line. The varietals produced include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay and Viognier.
The vineyards and winery are owned by the Monson family which has farmed in the Columbia Valley for four decades. The Monsons planted the first grapes in 1998; prior to that, they had been involved with cattle.
Winery Dedicates Itself to Handcrafting Limited Quantities
Winery literature notes Goose Ridge is “dedicated to handcrafting limited quantities of exquisite Bordeaux and Rhone varietal wines” from its own vineyard.
Goose Ridge wines are highly rated in wine circles. In 2008, Wine Spectator gave ratings of 90 or better to four of its wines: Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2005, Sol Duc Meritage Columbia Valley 2004, Syrah Columbia Valley 2004 and Vireo Columbia Valley 2004. The wines were crafted by Charlie Hoppes, a veteran winemaker who has been with Goose Ridge since 1999.
How to Get There
Goose Ridge Estate Winery is located at 16304 N. Dallas Road in rural Richland, Washington. Motorists on I-82 should take exit 104 (Dallas Road) then head east. The winery is located about a mile from the freeway. The tasting room is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The winery, which is surrounded by vineyard, has a large area for picnicking.
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