Canoe Ridge The Expedition Pinot Gris

Canoe Ridge The Expedition Pinot Gris is a Washington State white wine from Horse Heaven Hills, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2023 vintage earned 90 points from Wine Enthusiast, which praised its tangy acidity and layered tropical fruit character — a score that underscores the vineyard's consistent quality across more than two decades of winemaking.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Horse Heaven Hills, Washington State  |  White Wine — Pinot Gris Blend  |  Winery: Canoe Ridge Vineyard

Production & Heritage

Canoe Ridge Vineyard sits in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA along the Columbia River in south-central Washington, where a unique geographic phenomenon generates roughly 30% more wind than surrounding areas. That persistent airflow — driven by pressure differentials between the cool Pacific coast and Washington's arid interior — moderates temperatures, toughens grape skins, and naturally protects against mold and frost. The Expedition Pinot Gris is a blend of 90% Pinot Gris with 5% Muscat Canelli and 5% Gewürztraminer, fermented entirely in stainless steel to preserve bright aromatics and clean acidity. Over its history, the winery has accumulated more than twenty-five scores of 90 points or better across its portfolio.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe peach and guava, followed by notes of lime zest and the floral sweetness of plumeria. A subtle layer of toasted coconut adds unexpected depth without heaviness.

Taste: On entry, pineapple and passion fruit coat the palate with juicy intensity. Mid-palate, a streak of tangy acidity cuts through, revealing rosemary-like herbal accents and crisp lemon granita freshness. The small percentages of Muscat Canelli and Gewürztraminer contribute a soft, creamy texture and honeysuckle undertone that round out the fruit.

Finish: The finish is medium-length with lingering lemongrass and pear. A clean, mineral-tinged crispness keeps the wine refreshing and encourages another sip.

How to Drink Expedition Pinot Gris

Serve chilled to around 45–50°F to let the aromatics bloom without muting the acidity. This wine is expressive enough to enjoy on its own but versatile in mixed drinks and wine-based cocktails. A classic White Wine Spritzer plays up its citrus and tropical notes with sparkling water and a lime twist. A Pinot Grigio Sangria — built with sliced peach, pineapple, and a splash of elderflower liqueur — amplifies the wine's existing fruit profile. For something unexpected, try it in a Hugo Spritz, where its floral Gewürztraminer component harmonizes with elderflower and fresh mint.

Best For

• Summer patio sessions where you want a wine with real complexity, not just refreshment
• Bringing a crowd-pleasing bottle to a dinner party without defaulting to Sauvignon Blanc
• Pairing with Southeast Asian or Pacific Rim cuisine that demands aromatic white wines
• Introducing someone who drinks only Pinot Grigio to a more expressive Washington State interpretation

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Expedition Pinot Gris taste like? It leads with tropical fruit — pineapple, peach, and passion fruit — layered over tangy citrus acidity and a soft, creamy mid-palate. Subtle floral and herbal notes from its Muscat Canelli and Gewürztraminer components add aromatic complexity.

How does Expedition Pinot Gris compare to King Estate Pinot Gris? King Estate Pinot Gris, from Oregon's Willamette Valley, typically presents a leaner, more mineral-driven style at a similar price tier. Canoe Ridge's warmer Horse Heaven Hills origin and its 10% blend of aromatic varietals produce a riper, more texturally generous wine with more tropical character.

Is Expedition Pinot Gris good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — its balance of fruit richness and crisp acidity makes it an engaging stand-alone pour, especially when served well chilled on a warm day.

Where is Expedition Pinot Gris made? It is produced by Canoe Ridge Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills American Viticultural Area of Washington State, situated along the Columbia River in the southern part of the state. The region's distinctive wind patterns from the river corridor are a defining influence on the vineyard's growing conditions.

What foods pair well with Expedition Pinot Gris? Thai green curry, where the wine's fruit and acidity balance the heat and coconut richness. Seared scallops with a citrus beurre blanc mirror the wine's creamy texture and lemon notes. Grilled shrimp skewers with mango salsa echo its tropical profile. A charcuterie board featuring mild, creamy cheeses like Havarti or fresh chèvre complements the wine's soft palate weight. Ceviche with lime and cilantro aligns naturally with the wine's bright acidity.

What sizes does Expedition Pinot Gris come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Expedition Pinot Gris worth the price? It positions as a value-driven white wine that consistently punches above its weight class — a 90-point score from Wine Enthusiast on the 2023 vintage places it among the best values in Washington State Pinot Gris. For the quality delivered, it sits comfortably in the accessible premium tier.

Why Expedition Pinot Gris?

The 90-point Wine Enthusiast score on the 2023 vintage is not an outlier — Canoe Ridge has earned strong marks across multiple years, including 89 points on the 2022 and 87 on the 2019. What separates this from most Pinot Gris on the shelf is the deliberate inclusion of 5% Muscat Canelli and 5% Gewürztraminer, which introduce floral aromatics and textural richness that a straight varietal bottling cannot achieve. The Horse Heaven Hills terroir, shaped by Columbia River winds that naturally stress the vines and concentrate flavor, gives the wine a depth of fruit that cooler-climate Pinot Gris regions rarely match. Stainless steel fermentation keeps all of that expression transparent and immediate — no oak mask, just site and grape.