--- title: "Mercer: Estate Vineyards" date: 2026-08-20T10:18:21-07:00 canonical_url: "https://mercerwineestates.com/estate-vineyards" section: "Mercer: Estate Vineyard Page" --- ## Our Farming History We've farmed the high desert above the Columbia River since 1886. In 1972 we planted the first wine vineyard in what would become the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. It's the same ground sand and volcanic basalt that force roots deep, relentless Gorge wind that keeps the vines clean enough to need little spray, hot days, cold nights, and under eight inches of rain a year. We own and farm 1,951 acres of vineyard here, watered from the Columbia through a private irrigation system our family built in 1968 and delivered by precise low-lying drip. We rotate cattle through the ranch, keep native habitat corridors between the blocks, have returned 2,500 acres to wildlife habitat, and are certified Sustainable WA and Salmon Safe. ## Spice Cabinet ![](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/mercerWineEstates/mweImageFull/_900x1125_crop_center-center_82_line_ns/de6b0a8e-1d14-4683-bda0-2179c7ab4a8d_rw_1200.jpg) A unique 18-acre site, sits adjacent to the Columbia River on the Mercer family farm. A deep sandy soil that has blown over the rock bluffs above & a steep south east aspect create site characteristics that are similar to areas in the Rhone. Planted with a wide-array of varietals, this vineyard truly is our winery’s spice cabinet. Varietals Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Syrah, Petit Syrah, Mourvèdre Appellation Horse Heaven Hills Year Planted 2009-2013 Features Proximity to the Columbia River ensures constant movement of airflow which provides the advantage of extra frost free days and lower mildew pressure Climate Warm – Long Term Average GDD 3054. Semi-Arid – Annual rainfall averages 6-9 inches, primarily in the winter months Soil Burbank rocky loamy fine sand; generally associated with excessively drained, coarse textured soils on dune-like terraces. The parent material was windblown sand derived from granite, basalt and quartzite. ## Spice East ![](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/mercerWineEstates/mweImageFull/_900x1125_crop_center-center_82_line_ns/62c6f9ea-d442-4e10-bef3-23cea2259601_rw_1200.jpg) Across the canyon from the original Spice Cabinet planting, our first certified organic Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are located here in block 55. Varietals Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Mourvèdre, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay Appellation Horse Heaven Hills Year Planted 2014-2016 Features Proximity to the Columbia River ensures constant movement of airflow which provides the advantage of extra frost free days and lower mildew pressure Climate Warm – Long Term Average GDD 3054. Semi-Arid – Annual rainfall averages 6-9 inches, primarily in the winter months Soil Quincy; generally associated with excessively drained, coarse textured soils on dune-like terraces. The parent material was windblown sand derived from granite, basalt and quartzite (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Mourvedre, Malbec). AND - Burbank rocky loamy fine sand; generally associated with excessively drained, coarse textured soils on dune-like terraces. The parent material was windblown sand derived from granite, basalt and quartzite (Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc) ## Spice Canyon ![](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/mercerWineEstates/mweImageFull/_900x1125_crop_center-center_82_line_ns/30e4061c-3357-48bc-86a4-1add8dd4d5f6_rw_1200.jpg) Adjacent to the original Spice Cabinet planting continuing with a diverse set of varietals. Varietals Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Counoise, Carignan Appellation Horse Heaven Hills Year Planted 2011-2012 Features Proximity to the Columbia River ensures constant movement of airflow which provides the advantage of extra frost free days and lower mildew pressure Climate Warm – Long Term Average GDD 3054. Semi-Arid – Annual rainfall averages 6-9 inches, primarily in the winter months Soil Burbank rocky loamy fine sand; generally associated with excessively drained, coarse textured soils on dune-like terraces. The parent material was windblown sand derived from granite, basalt and quartzite. ## Princeton ![](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/mercerWineEstates/mweImageFull/_900x1125_crop_center-center_82_line_ns/d0552372-9f54-4167-8466-e8ee37df7bb3_rw_1200.jpg) During the Revolutionary War, Brigadier General Hugh Mercer fought & died in the Battle of Princeton. The 525 acre, 27 block Princeton Vineyard pays homage to his sacrifice. Varietals Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc Appellation Horse Heaven Hills Year Planted 2010-2012 Features Five canyons cross the vineyard offering excellent drainage Climate Warm – Long Term Average GDD 3054. Semi-Arid – Annual rainfall averages 6-9 inches, primarily in the winter months Soil Silt loams dominate in Princeton with soils being very deep and well drained with all series being formed in lacustrine sediments with a mantle of loess. Warden Silt Loam, Kennewick Silt Loam and Sagehill Fine Sandy Loams make up the different soils with all soil series exhibiting three different layers of loams and sands combined. Lacustrine deposits are very well sorted, devoid of coarse particles such as coarse sand or gravels, and are characterized by thin layers that reflect annual deposition of sediments. Still water in lakes permits very fine particles (fine sand, silt, and clay) to settle out and to form lacustrine deposits. These deposits get exposed by elevation of old lakebeds. Loess in the Horse Heaven Hills is an aeolian (process of the wind’s ability to shape the surface of the earth) sediment formed by the accumulation of wind-blown dust ## Milt's ![](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/mercerWineEstates/mweImageFull/_900x1125_crop_center-center_82_line_ns/JWP08095.jpg) Varietals Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon Appellation Horse Heaven Hills Year Planted 1998-2016 Features Adjacent to the first plantings in the Horse Heaven Hills, planted by Don Mercer in 1972. Climate Warm – Long Term Average GDD 3054. Semi-Arid – Annual rainfall averages 6-9 inches, primarily in the winter months Soil Diverse; Quincy Loamy Sand (Milts 17 Sauvignon Blanc), Sagehill Fine Sandy Loam (Milts 5 and 9 Cabernet Sauvignon), Malaga Gravelly Loam (Milts 4,7,8 Merlot and Syrah), Malaga Gravelly Loam and Warden Silt (Milts 6 Merlot) ## Eagle & Plow ![](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/mercerWineEstates/mweImageFull/_900x1125_crop_center-center_82_line_ns/3f97f360-7567-449c-9cae-cd3a803d59af_rw_1200.jpg) Eagle & Plow, our largest vineyard site, sits at the Northwest corner of the Mercer farm. The name exemplifies patriotism and hard work – qualities that we strive for and promote for future generations. Eagle and Plow is also home to BLOCK 93, dedicated to the modern day heroes of Flight 93, who died fighting on September 11th, 2001. This vineyard has 911 vines en memoriam of this day of infamy. Varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay Appellation Horse Heaven Hills Year Planted 2013-2015 Features Cut by canyons that run Northwest and Southeast. This means lots of drainage and elevation from top to bottom. Climate Warm – Long Term Average GDD 3054. Semi-Arid – Annual rainfall averages 6-9 inches, primarily in the winter months Soil Predominately Warden Silt Loam ## Culloden ![](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/mercerWineEstates/mweImageFull/_900x1125_crop_center-center_82_line_ns/73606adc-9636-4753-874f-e43bf62c3fd9_rw_1200.jpg) When the Scottish lost the Battle of Culloden to the English, Hugh Mercer was forced to flee from Scotland. It was the beginning of a bright future in the New World. Culloden Vineyard is named after this catalytic moment in Mercer family history. Varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Viognier, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Zinfandel, Primitivo, Petite Sirah, Chenin Blanc, Semillon, Pinot Noir Appellation Horse Heaven Hills Year Planted 2007-2015 (some grafting in 2024) Features Planted along canyon edges and fingers for good drainage Climate Warm – Long Term Average GDD 3054. Semi-Arid – Annual rainfall averages 6-9 inches, primarily in the winter months Soil Silt loams dominate in Culloden with soils being very deep and well drained with all series being formed in lacustrine sediments with a mantle of loess. Warden Silt Loam and Kennewick Silt Loam make up the two different soils with all soil series exhibiting three different layers of loams and sands combined. Lacustrine deposits are very well sorted, devoid of coarse particles such as coarse sand or gravels, and are characterized by thin layers that reflect annual deposition of sediments. Still water in lakes permits very fine particles (fine sand, silt, and clay) to settle out and to form lacustrine deposits. These deposits get exposed by elevation of old lakebeds. Loess in the Horse Heaven Hills is an aeolian (process of the wind’s ability to shape the surface of the earth) sediment formed by the accumulation of wind-blown dust. ## Chapman Creek ![](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/mercerWineEstates/mweImageFull/_900x1125_crop_center-center_82_line_ns/6d48faca-bf3c-47b0-97eb-e3c58c4e98bb_rw_1200.jpg) Varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc Appellation The Burn of Columbia Valley Year Planted 2015-2017 (some grafting 2021-2023) Features Very fine textured soils, extremely windy, some steep slopes with a long frost-free season Climate GDD has averaged 3,106 in this vineyard’s young history. Slightly more precipitation (8-9 inches) than competing Columbia Valley AVAs and strong, persistent winds due to it’s proximity to the Columbia Gorge. Soil Walla Wall Silt Loams and Endicott Silt Loams ## Carma Vineyard ![](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/mercerWineEstates/mweImageFull/_900x1125_crop_center-center_82_line_ns/43748/999CF1FA-7DE7-4E65-AD87-3381DC5C3D7F-m.jpg) Named for the late Carma Sharp Mercer, a beloved Mercer family matriarch known for bringing people together, Carma Vineyard carries on her spirit as a gathering place today. Planted in 2007 alongside our flagship Prosser winery, it is our only estate vineyard in the Yakima Valley AVA and produces bright, crisp Pinot Gris. Guests are welcome to wander the vines, and on special evenings, join us for dinner at a long table set right in the middle of them. Varietals Pinot Gris Appellation Yakima Valley Year Planted 2007 Features Sits at the foothills of the Horse Heaven Hills Climate High-desert climate characterized by a semi-arid environment, long sunny days, and a strong rain shadow effect from the Cascade Mountains Soil Scooteney Silt Loam, gravelly subsoil ## Cavalie ![](https://mercer.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/mercerWineEstates/mweImageFull/_900x1125_crop_center-center_82_line_ns/f3f68a5b-00f9-4c6c-a7c4-1584de2fdc8b_rw_1200.jpg) Captain Alexander Cavalie Mercer was a hero in the famous battle of Waterloo. This vineyard is named in honor of his heroism. Cavalie Vineyard is also home to BLOCK 93, dedicated to the modern day heroes of Flight 93, who died fighting on September 11th, 2001. Varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Appellation Horse Heaven Hills Year Planted 2010 Features Above Alderdale Canyon with excellent drainage Climate Warm – Long Term Average GDD 3054. Semi-Arid – Annual rainfall averages 6-9 inches, primarily in the winter months Soil Warden Silt Loam is very deep, well drained and formed in lacustrine sediments with a mantle of loess. Lacustrine deposits are very well sorted, devoid of coarse particles such as coarse sand or gravels, and are characterized by thin layers that reflect annual deposition of sediments. Still water in lakes permits very fine particles (fine sand, silt, and clay) to settle out and to form lacustrine deposits. These deposits get exposed by elevation of old lake beds. The Cavalie Warden Silt Loam has 0-4 inches brown silt loam, 4 to 21 inches pale brown silt loam, 21-60 inches a pale brown silt loam and very fine sandy loam. Loess in the Horse Heaven Hills is an aeolian (process of the wind’s ability to shape the surface of the earth) sediment formed by the accumulation of wind-blown dust.