Hedges Family Wineyards

Here the Wild West, there Champagne - the Hedges Family Estate gets the best out of both. The family winery may be young, but it is conquering the wine world like an old rabbit hopping through what is now a biodynamic winery. That's because the hot, dry climate of the Red Mountains is full of power and structure that seamlessly flows into the elegant reds and whites from Washington State.

Hedges Family Estate - where America and France come together

The story of Hedges Family Estate began in 1976 when Tom Hedges, from the small town of Richland in Washington State, married Annie-Marie Liégeois. The marriage took place in Annie-Marie's home, the Champagne town of Ossey-les-Trois-Maisons. Together, the two returned to Washington and founded Hedges Cellars in 1987.

Vineyards followed in the Yakima Valley, where they planted classic Bordeaux vines and gained more and more international attention with their blends. Both their son and daughter-in-law joined Hedges over the years, making the name "Family Estate" more than appropriate. 

The Hedges Family Estate Wines

Today, Sarah Hedges Goedhart as Head Winemaker, Christophe Hedges as Estate Manager, and of course the founders Tom and Anne-Marie, inspire with brilliant reds and whites that make the most of the unique terroir. All Hed ges wines have a delicate and elegant style, which pleasantly distinguishes these wines from their overloaded Californian brothers and sisters. The Hedges Family Estates team does not rely solely on the typical Bordeaux grape varieties, but uses a variety of old vines that find ideal conditions on the biodynamically cultivated soil:

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Syrah
• Merlot
• Malbec
• Cabernet Franc
• Viognier
• Tinta Cão 
• Souzão
• Touriga Nacional
• Marsanne

Biodynamic cultivation in the Wild West

Since 2008, Hedges Family Estate has farmed most of its acreage biodynamically, with the remainder having been and gradually being converted to sustainable cultivation. The alternative approach to conventional farming methods is concerned with the natural and responsible use of soil and plants, with no place for artificial fertilizers and pesticides. The plant protection is done by chickens, the fertilizing by nutrient-rich compost. Working in harmony with nature may be slower, yet the natural elements are integral to the production of authentic wines that reflect the land. All of these factors, along with the climate and clay-silt soil, result in small, concentrated, thick-skinned grapes that are selectively harvested by hand. The holistic approach to biodiversity awakens the full potential of the wine, which also matures to perfection in the cellar without artificial additions. All the effort was rewarded in 2015 with the Demeter certification.