Knight Hill Winery

Knight Hill Winery in Zillah, Washington, pairs estate-grown Cabernet Franc and Syrah with a hilltop setting in the Rattlesnake Hills AVA. Owners Terry and Anne Harrison have welcomed guests since 2008, with Terry handling the grape-growing and winemaking and Anne carrying the title “Commissioner of Good Taste.” The winery occupies a former horse barn, surrounded by vineyards, with views across Yakima Valley orchards toward the Cascade Mountains and Mount Adams.

Estate fruit anchors the wines, supplemented by grapes from neighboring Rattlesnake Hills vineyards. The 2023 Cabernet Franc comes from Knight Hill Vineyard, as do the 2019 Syrah and 2024 Rosé of Syrah. Rooks Red combines Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre—the three grapes behind the shorthand GSM—while Chardonnay comes from Morrison Vineyard and Cabernet Sauvignon from Chapman Vineyard. Bottles range from $22 for the Chardonnay and rosé to $36 for Cabernet Sauvignon.

This is a stop worth giving more time than a quick tasting. Guests can walk through the vineyards or settle onto the patio or lawn with a bottle and a picnic; families and dogs are welcome. The final approach follows a dirt road to the red barn at 5330 Lombard Loop Road. The tasting room opens daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Valentine’s Day weekend through November; winter visits require an appointment.