Hedges Family Estate

While wineries usually become known by the locals before gaining international success, Hedges Family Estate won acclaim on the other side of the Atlantic before pursuing markets in the United States. One of the only wineries in Washington State today to be an estate-grown and bottled property, Hedges Family Estate gives you insight into the entire winemaking process, from first fruit to finished product.

The winery began as a brand from the original company American Wine Trade, started by husband-and-wife-team Tom and Anne-Marie Hedges with the 1987 vintage. As a wine export company, American Wine Trade focused on exporting wines from California, Oregon, and Washington State. The Hedges label was established after an initial order to Sweden, and soon became the American Wine Trade's exclusive export, which led to an international success for the wine.

Winning Gold at Home

It was only after winning the gold medal in a 1990 Seattle wine competition for their 1989 Hedges that Tom and Anne-Marie shifted their focus to the North American market. One year later they purchased and planted vines in the Red Mountain growing district three hours southeast of Seattle in the warm and dry Columbia Valley. From this new estate they began to craft the highly regarded wines of the Hedges Family Estate portfolio.

In 1995, the Hedges family took the next step and built an authentic French chateau in the middle of their estate vineyards. A beautiful building with old world charm, its off-white stucco, slate roof, and heavy shutters pays homage to the family of Anne-Marie, who is a native of Champagne, France.

A Sense of Place

Pete Hedges, younger brother of Tom Hedges, is the estate's Winemaker. With a background in organic chemistry, he previously held the prestigious position of Head Brew Master for the Olympia brewery. In 1996, Pete moved back to his native Eastern Washington to begin working for Hedges Family Estate, and became the head winemaker in 2002.

The Hedges Family Estate's primary goal is to convey a sense of place, known as terroir. They accomplish this by their use of biodynamic and organic methods in the vineyard to capture this terroir in its most natural form, with as little intervention as possible into the artistry of winemaking. Their wine not only stimulates the taste buds but also tells each vineyard's unique story for a true wine poetry adventure.

Winemaking at Hedges is indeed a romancing of the fruit, and, as such, it is no coincidence that Hedges Family Estate was the first winery to blend varieties together, focusing on place (terroir) rather than wine varietals.

Using Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah grapes exclusively from their own vineyards, Hedges Family Estate is best known for its Bordeaux style blend called Hedges Family Estate Red Mountain.

A Winery They Call Home

Located in the prized Red Mountain Growing district, Hedges Family Estate winery is surrounded by vines, a three-acre lavender farm, rose gardens, and a vegetable garden. More than a winery, it is also the residence of Tom and Anne-Marie, who (along with their friendly staff) truly make you feel welcomed. Leisurely, self-guided tours are available daily, with wine tastings on weekends (March through November).