AVA Wahluke Slope
The Wahluke Slope AVA lies in a unique position in Central Washington State anchored by the Columbia River on two sides and the Saddle Mountains to the north providing one of the driest and warmest climates in the state. This is used to an advantage in controlling the canopy and character of the fruit with drip irrigation giving grapes in this area unique complexity.
Wahluke Slope AVA Statistics
- Broad south-facing slope with a less than 8% grade
- Deep topsoil with windblown sand
- Less than 6 inches of rain per year
- 425-1480 feet in elevation
- Produces smaller grape clusters than other AVA's
Source: Washington State Wine
Wahluke Slope H & S Vineyards
Characteristics
Elevation: 824-852 feet
Acres: 151
Timmerman loamy sand
GRAPE VARIETIES
- Chardonnay
Wahluke Slope Mattawa 400 Vineyard
Characteristics
Elevation: 809-936 feet
Acres: 346
Burbank fine sand loam
Kennewick silt loam
Royal sand loam
Timmerman sand loam
GRAPE VARIETIES
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Pinot Gris
- Riesling
Wahluke Slope Mattawa 13 Vineyard
Characteristics
Elevation: 859-935 feet
Acres: 135
Kennewick silt loam
Taunton silt loam
Finley - Taunton complex
GRAPE VARIETIES
- Cabernet Sauvignon
Wahluke Slope Mattawa 1 Vineyard
Characteristics
Elevation: 798-937 feet
Acres: 227
Burbank fine sand loam
Finley - Taunton complex
GRAPE VARIETIES
- Cabernet Sauvignon
Wahluke Slope Mattawa 8 Vineyard
Characteristics
Elevation: 796-841 feet
Acres: 68
Adkins fine sand loam
Kennewick sand loam
Taunton silt loam
GRAPE VARIETIES
- Cabernet Franc
- Merlot
Wahluke Slope Mattawa Vineyards
Characteristics
Elevation: 942-1,192 feet
Acres: 239
Kennewick fine sand loam
Koehler fine sand loam
Royal fine sand loam
Scoon silt loam
Taunton fine sand loam
Taunton - Finley complex
GRAPE VARIETIES
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Cinsault
- Grenache
- Malbec
- Merlot
- Mourvèdre
- Petit Verdot

Roger Gamache
Gamache Vintners
"Working with Shaw Vineyards and company is working with honesty and integrity. I can't think of any other Viticulturist that is as knowledgeable and compassionate about creating the highest quality of wine grapes stylistically for his customers than Marshall Edwards. It's a fantastic team, Dick and Wendy Shaw, and Marshall Edwards. They truly move the bar of excellence up for the state of Washington."
"Wine is truly created in the vineyard with this company."