Established in 1999, Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard and Winery was designed with excellence in mind. Experienced third generation agriculturist and visionary, the late Arvid Monson and family entreated the assistance of Columbia Valley founder, the late Dr. Walter Clore, for their 2,200-acre dream vineyard. The largest single vineyard in Washington State, they have 1,700 acre under vine and carefully create handcrafted artisanal wines.
One of many vineyards enjoying the rich Columbia Valley terroir, it is planted at an elevation between 750 and 1150 feet. Due to the separation from the coast by the mountains, they enjoy long warm summers and cool evenings. Goose Ridge vineyard was specifically designed to capitalize on the natural resources of the area. The family embraced the optimal gently sloped southern exposure by planting original rootstock in a South to North orientation. They show their commitment to using responsible agricultural practices such as drip irrigation and hand pruning to control their yield. This allows them to produce high-quality fruit with less impact on the environment. Catching less than eight inches or rainfall a year, irrigation is important for this area and drip irrigation allows steady controlled delivery of water to the roots and prevents rot and fungal growth on the fruit.
The Monson family is proud of their varietals complexity and character. They offer Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Savignon, Merlot, Syrah, and blends. They also have a Malbec reserve. Their current winemaker Andrew Wilson specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Goose Ridge also offers several innovative red blends including their 2009 Vireo, 2011 First Flight and 2009 Sol Duc.
The cost of their wines reflects the care and craftsmanship put into every vintage. Not a commercial winery, Goose Ridge owners and staff carefully limit their harvest, select their grapes and create every small lot with excellence in mind. They offer quality artisanal wine between $14 and $99 per bottle. Their hard work is awarded with high praise. Their Sol Duc, named after the nearby river, consistently earns 90 plus points from Wine Spectator as well as earned gold at the Seattle Wine Awards. Their Merlot, Cabernet and Syrah also earn over 90 points from Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast and their Chardonnay took double gold at the Seattle Wine Awards.
Those eager to sample the full palate of their offerings can join their wine club, where for the price of several reserve bottles can taste and order their limited edition red blends, enjoy discounts as well as special winery events and classes. Their opulent and cozy tasting room sits at the center of their vineyard with a view of Red Mountain and for a small fee; visitors can sample their exceptional wines with the assistance of their friendly and knowledgeable staff.