Sheridan Vineyard, just up the hill, is where former financier and self-taught winemaker Scott Greer now crafts some of the best red blends in the valley. Grab any vintage of L’Orage or Kamiakin Red he has in stock. Scott also lent a hand in blending the Bordeaux at neighboring Agate Field Vineyard. Founder Ben Rashford has been growing grapes for more than 65 years and, along with Sheridan, this small, family-owned vineyard and winery produces wines that consistently score high marks from Wine Spectator and many others. Be sure and pick up a bottle of the Agate Field Red.

Next stop on the route is Prosser. Snoqualmie Vineyard's 2006 Cabernet-Merlot Whistle Stop Red, a Bordeaux-style blend, is "named for the whistling trains that pass through the landscape of Eastern Washington’s vineyards." Thanks to winemaker Joy Andersen's "keep it simple" philosophy and commitment to sustainable winemaking practices, it's a classic - perfect for pairing with everyday dinners like burgers or chicken.

Benton City and Beyond: Red Mountain is the epicenter of our state's Bordeaux blends, raising the caliber of Washington wines to a whole new level. It all started with Tom and Anne-Marie Hedges of Hedges Family Estate, who took a chance buying acreage on this obscure little hill and produced their first vintage in 1987. One taste of their 2006 Three Vineyards blend from the patio of the Hedges Family Estate Chateau and you can’t help but reflect on how rapidly the region has grown from those humble beginnings.

Further up the road on Red Mountain, the eco-conscious will appreciate Hightower Cellars’ new “green” tasting room, as well as their 2005 Red Mountain Red Wine and their 2005 Murray Cuvee. Tim and Kelly Hightower have wowed red wine lovers for over 20 years with their small batches of high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and red blends. According to Dan Radil of the Bellingham Herald, "Tim and Kelly Hightower literally run the entire winemaking process from start to finish. They're also wonderful hosts and you'll be hard pressed to find a nicer pair of people in the wine business."

Perhaps the biggest news on Red Mountain has been the addition of Col Solare Winery, dedicated to producing Washington's best Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine. Ted Baseler of Chateau Ste. Michelle partnered with Marchese Piero Antinori of Tuscany, whose family has produced wine since 1385, to create one wine, Col Solare. Italian for "shining hill,” it is a full-bodied, rich, and aromatic red blend. Plus, the panoramic views from the winery are unparalleled. Don’t miss it. (Call ahead to schedule a tour and tasting.)

The warm, generous, and talented winemaker Charlie Hoppes of Fidelitas can also be found on Red Mountain. A reflection of Charlie’s down-to-earth, friendly nature, he recently dedicated one of his outstanding Bordeaux style red blends, the highly sought after 2006 m100 Red Wine, to his Grandmother Mary. “Standing strong at 4’8”, this passionate, stubborn, caring, God-fearing, Lawrence Welk-lovin’ gal passed away at 100 in December 2005. In her honor, we continue to make this captivating red wine—wine that’s every bit as authentic as she was.” Also try their 2005 Optu, which means "the best" in Latin. With bold fruit, cassis, and oak flavors, it's hard to argue with the name.

For an entirely different experience, head to Terra Blanca. This huge, Tuscan-inspired facility boasts well-manicured gardens and vineyards, a scenic lake overlooking Yakima Valley, gorgeous views out of every window, a grand piano, a pizza oven, lots of space for cooking demonstrations, an outdoor amphitheatre, and more. It’s no wonder that Keith Pilgrim, the geologist turned winemaker, was attracted to Red Mountain. Taste his signature wine, Onyx, a Bordeaux blend with a Cabernet Sauvignon base. Smooth, lush, and vibrant, it - well - rocks.

Follow the Wine: Washington is known for crafting some of the most beautiful Bordeaux blends in the United States. These luscious wines can be found at wineries across the state - from DeLille Cellars, Woodhouse Family Cellars and Brian Carter Cellars in Woodinville to Abeja, Dunham Cellars, L'Ecole Nº 41, and Sleight of Hand Cellars in Walla Walla and many, many more. So follow this prestigious benchmark wine throughout Washington Wine Country and see where it takes you!

Watch for The Red Route Series - Part II of III
Columbia Valley: A Merlot Mecca