Hedges Family Estate: Perfect Harmony

Posted on May 15, 2024


Red Mountain WA winery

Hedges Family Estate.

In the heart of Washington’s Columbia Valley, Hedges Family Estate stands out not only for its exceptional wines but also for its commitment to biodynamic farming. Founded by Tom and Anne-Marie Hedges, this family-owned winery has deep roots in the region and a dedication to sustainable practices that sets it apart.

The Hedges family has been involved in the wine industry for close to four decades.

Hedges Family Estate

Tom and Anne-Marie Hedges began their wine journey in the 1980s, drawn by the region’s potential for producing world-class wines.

They established Hedges Cellars in 1987, and in 1989 purchased 50 acres of land on Red Mountain, a sub-appellation of the Yakima Valley, contained within the larger Columbia Valley. They immediately planted 40 acres of Bordeaux varieties, laying the foundation for what would later become Hedges Family Estate.

Anne-Marie, Sarah & Tom Hedges of Hedges Family Estate.

We have been long time fans of wines from Red Mountain and what started as a spontaneous first visit to Hedges Estate, quickly turned into a deep regret that we hadn’t planned more time to do an extensive interview. Consider this an introduction until we can return to remedy that as soon as possible!

Today, the winery is led by Tom and Anne-Marie’s children: daughter, Sarah Hedges Goedhart, who serves as the Director of Winemaking and Winery Operations, and her brother Christophe, who leads the Estate’s Global Sales.

Hedges produced the first Demeter-certified Cab in Washington.

The passion for winemaking, commitment to sustainability, and sense of family passed down by Tom and Anne-Marie are all clearly evident, both with the wine produced at Hedges and with the visitor experience at the Estate itself.

At the core of Hedges’ philosophy is a deep respect for the land and a commitment to preserving it for future generations. It is one of the few wineries in the region that practices biodynamic farming. This holistic approach to agriculture treats the vineyard as a self-sustaining ecosystem, using natural methods to enhance soil health and biodiversity.

The winery converted its vineyards to Biodynamic in 2008 and are now 100% certified by Demeter, the world’s leading certification body for biodynamic agriculture. This certification ensures that Hedges continues to adhere to the strict standards set for this type of farming.

Wines that are both excellent & sustainably produced.

Hedges Family Estate encompasses over 125 acres of vineyards, spread across several sites within the region providing diverse and distinct terroir contributing to the complexity and character of Hedges’ wines.

Guests at Hedges Family Estate are welcomed to experience more than just outstanding wines. The estate’s French-inspired Château makes for an impressive site as you follow the winding driveway, momentarily transporting you to a countryside village from another era.

The beautiful grounds provide a stunning setting for wine tasting, with the Blue Mountains visible in the distance. The tasting room combines rustic charm with modern elegance, mirroring the winery’s dedication to both tradition and innovation, all while maintaining a warm and inviting atmosphere.

A beautiful place to sip some of Washington’s finest.

Driven by a fervent dedication to authenticity and a profound bond with their land, the Hedges Family embodies the essence of a contemporary wine estate. Their story intertwines rich cultural backgrounds and a mutual passion for crafting exceptional wines, all rooted in the serene landscape of Red Mountain.

This setting nurtures a genuine, locally inspired approach to farming and winemaking, seamlessly merging heritage with innovation, ensuring a legacy that endures for years to come. A visit to Hedges Family Estate is not just a tasting experience but a journey into the world of biodynamic winemaking, where the love for the land and the craft of winemaking come together in perfect harmony.

 

Hedges Family Estate

A first-class winery tasting experience.

53511 N Sunset Rd

Benton City, WA 99320

T: +1 (509) 588-3155

E: reservations@hedgesfamilyestate.com

3 Comments

  1. Robin@crushedgrapechronicles.com'

    What a beautiful place and such passionate people. I look forward to an opportunity to taste their wines with their bistro menu!

    Post a Reply
    • As you know they really have a terrific offering between the wines, the estate and the visitor experience. We definitely recommend the food too next time you have the opportunity to visit!

      Post a Reply
  2. Kathy.g.molnar@gmail.com'

    Idyllic setting and perfect day for your visit

    Post a Reply

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