Badger Mountain Riesling

Badger Mountain Riesling is a 100% Riesling wine from Columbia Valley, Washington, bottled at 12.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced by Washington State's first certified organic winery, this no-sulfites-added (NSA) expression stands out for its commitment to USDA National Organic Program certification from vineyard to bottle — a distinction few domestic Rieslings can claim.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12.5%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley AVA, Washington  |  Style: Organic, No Sulfites Added  |  Winery: Badger Mountain, Kennewick, WA

Production & Heritage

Badger Mountain holds the distinction of being the first certified organic winery in Washington State, operating from its estate in Kennewick. The Riesling is sourced from a three-vineyard blend: 41% Pleasant Vineyard, 32% Badger Mountain Estate Vineyard, and 27% Arete Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope — all within the Columbia Valley AVA. Grapes are harvested at night to preserve freshness and delivered in optimal condition, then cold-fermented in upright stainless-steel tanks using Elegance yeast. No sulfites are added at any stage of production, resulting in a wine that prioritizes pure, unadulterated fruit expression.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with layered aromas of ripe pear, apricot, and white peach, followed by hints of pineapple and tropical fruits. A subtle mineral quality and a faint suggestion of pine needle add complexity beneath the fruit.

Taste: Bright citrus and stone fruit flavors lead the palate entry, with white peach and nectarine coming forward at mid-palate. Starfruit and Key lime notes add tartness, while quince emerges toward the midpoint. Zesty acidity keeps the fruit flavors lifted and well-balanced, creating a clean, vibrant mouthfeel.

Finish: The finish is savory and moderately long, with lingering traces of lemon zest and orange peel. A pleasant citrus pop sustains the wine's freshness through the close.

How to Drink Badger Mountain Riesling

Serve well chilled, between 45–50°F, to highlight the wine's bright acidity and fruit purity. This Riesling works beautifully on its own as an aperitif or alongside food.

• Riesling Spritzer: The wine's natural citrus and tropical notes shine when topped with sparkling water and a lime wheel — a simple warm-weather drink.
• White Sangria: Its pear, peach, and pineapple aromatics make it a natural base for white sangria with seasonal stone fruits.
• Wine Cocktail with Elderflower: A splash of St-Germain amplifies the floral and tropical character already present in the wine.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners featuring lighter fare like grilled fish or vegetable stir-fry
• Introducing someone to organic or natural wines without extreme funk
• Summer entertaining where a crowd-friendly, chilled white is needed
• Gifting to a health-conscious wine drinker who avoids added sulfites

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Badger Mountain Riesling taste like? It delivers bright white peach, nectarine, and citrus flavors balanced by zesty acidity, with savory undertones of lemon zest and a clean, fruit-driven finish. The no-sulfites-added approach emphasizes pure, unmasked fruit character.

How does Badger Mountain Riesling compare to Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling? Both are Columbia Valley Rieslings, but Badger Mountain differentiates itself through full organic certification and a no-sulfites-added process, whereas Chateau Ste. Michelle follows conventional winemaking. Badger Mountain tends toward a drier, more citrus-forward profile, while Chateau Ste. Michelle's Columbia Valley bottling is typically off-dry with more residual sweetness.

Is Badger Mountain Riesling good for beginners? Yes — its bright fruit flavors, approachable acidity, and clean finish make it an easy entry point into Riesling, especially for those curious about organic or sulfite-free wines.

Where is Badger Mountain Riesling made? It is produced by Badger Mountain winery in Kennewick, Washington, using grapes sourced from three vineyards within the Columbia Valley AVA, including the estate vineyard and a site on the Wahluke Slope sub-appellation.

What foods pair well with Badger Mountain Riesling? Thai green curry, where the wine's acidity balances coconut milk richness. Grilled shrimp with citrus, which echoes the wine's lemon and lime notes. Roast pork tenderloin with stone fruit chutney, complementing its peach and apricot character. Fresh goat cheese salad, where the wine's brightness cuts through the creaminess. Sushi or sashimi, where the clean, mineral-edged finish provides a refreshing counterpoint.

What sizes does Badger Mountain Riesling come in? The standard release is available in the 750ml bottle format.

Is Badger Mountain Riesling worth the price? Badger Mountain Riesling positions as an entry-level to mid-range expression, and the organic certification plus no-sulfites-added production adds tangible value at this tier — credentials that typically command a higher price point from other producers.

Why Badger Mountain Riesling?

The most compelling reason to seek out this wine is its pedigree: Badger Mountain is Washington State's first certified organic winery, and this Riesling carries both USDA organic certification and a no-sulfites-added designation — a combination that remains uncommon in American wine. The three-vineyard blend, including fruit from the respected Wahluke Slope, brings layered complexity that a single-source wine at this level rarely achieves. Night harvesting and cold fermentation in stainless steel preserve the aromatic purity and bright acidity that define the wine's character. For drinkers seeking a clean, transparent Riesling that reflects Columbia Valley terroir without chemical intervention, this bottling makes a credible and distinctive case.