The Rocks District is receiving international acclaim for its wines; particularly Syrah. The character of these wines is discernible, and global recognition is fueling the planting of new vineyard acres. Simply, this winegrowing appellation has been recognized as one of the most distinctive growing regions in the world. Modern day wine grape farming within the AVA is only 25 years old. Climatic changes have accelerated new farming practices over the last handful of years in an effort to moderate temperature extremes (both cold and hot). The cultural context is supported by a rich, and diverse, agricultural tradition dating to the mid 1800s. Specialized farming practices have been developed to capture the savory/saline/umami wine qualities derived from these cobbled soils.
Nested within the Walla Walla Valley AVA, The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater resides entirely on the Oregon side of the Valley. This web site is designed to meaningfully engage the growth to come, while providing a primer for virtual, as well as feet-on-the-ground, visits to the Rocks District and Walla Walla Valley. Currently, the Rocks District Winegrowers are 33 members strong; producers and winegrowers. Most importantly, the Rocks District AVA is distinguished by singularly distinctive wine expressions...each worthy of discovery.
The Rocks District is the only AVA in the U.S. whose boundaries (96%) have been fixed by virtue of a single soil series (Freewater Series) and a single land form (alluvial fan).
As of 2022
- 472 planted wine-grape acres
- 133 acres in development
- Top Varieties:
- Syrah
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Grenache
Final TTB approval of this new 5.9 square mile (3767 acre) AVA within Walla Walla Valley occured February 2015.
The most distinctive AVA in the United States….making some of the greatest wines in America.
— Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator.
This incredible terroir produces an exotic, perfumed, and textured style of wine that’s one of the most unique - and identifiable – in the world
— Jeb Dunnuck
