Maryhill Riesling Columbia Valley

Maryhill Riesling Columbia Valley is an off-dry Washington State Riesling made from 100% Riesling grapes, bottled at 11.0% ABV in a standard 750ml format. This expression earned a Platinum award at the 2024 Great Northwest Wine Competition, reinforcing Maryhill Winery's reputation as a consistent producer of aromatic, well-balanced white wines from the Columbia Valley AVA.

Quick Facts: ABV: 11.0%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley AVA, Washington  |  Style: Off-Dry Riesling  |  Winery: Maryhill Winery

Production & Heritage

Maryhill Winery is situated along the Columbia River Gorge in Goldendale, Washington, drawing fruit from vineyards across the expansive Columbia Valley AVA. This Riesling is fermented entirely in stainless steel tanks, preserving the grape's natural aromatics and bright acidity. What distinguishes Maryhill's approach is the winery's use of both glycol cooling and heating control on double-walled fermentation tanks — a dual-direction temperature management system that most Washington wineries do not employ, allowing the winemaking team to guide fermentation with uncommon precision.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Honeysuckle and ripe peach lead the nose, followed by lemongrass and lilac. Lime zest and a subtle beeswax quality add complexity as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The palate enters with lively citrus — lime and lemon — before transitioning into soft nectarine and pear flavors at the mid-palate. A thread of integrated minerality runs beneath the fruit, keeping the off-dry character balanced rather than cloying. Honey notes emerge gently toward the peak without overwhelming the stone-fruit core.

Finish: Medium in length with a clean, slightly herbal close. Lingering citrus peel and faint floral tones leave a refreshing impression.

How to Drink Maryhill Riesling

Serve well chilled, between 45–50°F, to highlight the wine's aromatic intensity and citrus-driven freshness. A Riesling Spritz — topped with soda water and a lime wheel — plays to this wine's bright acidity and floral nose. A Hugo Cocktail variation using this Riesling in place of prosecco allows the elderflower and honeysuckle notes to harmonize naturally. For a simple warm-weather serve, a White Wine Sangria built with stone fruits and fresh herbs draws out the peach and lemongrass character already present in the glass.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners featuring Thai, Vietnamese, or other aromatic cuisines
• Introducing wine newcomers to quality off-dry Riesling
• Summer patio drinking and casual outdoor entertaining
• Bringing a crowd-pleasing bottle to a potluck or holiday gathering

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Maryhill Riesling taste like? Maryhill Riesling leads with peach, lime, and honeysuckle aromatics, followed by off-dry citrus and stone-fruit flavors with an undercurrent of minerality. The finish is clean, medium-length, and lightly herbal.

How does Maryhill Riesling compare to Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling? Both wines are sourced from Columbia Valley AVA and present classic Washington Riesling character — stone fruit, citrus, and moderate sweetness. Maryhill's dual-temperature tank fermentation tends to emphasize floral and herbal aromatics, while Chateau Ste. Michelle's Riesling is widely recognized for its balance of sweetness and minerality.

Is Maryhill Riesling good for beginners? Yes — its off-dry profile, approachable 11.0% ABV, and fruit-forward aromatics make it an excellent entry point for anyone new to Riesling or white wine in general.

Where is Maryhill Riesling made? Maryhill Riesling is produced by Maryhill Winery, located in Goldendale, Washington, along the Columbia River Gorge. The grapes are sourced from vineyards within the Columbia Valley AVA, one of Washington State's largest and most important wine-growing regions.

What foods pair well with Maryhill Riesling? Spicy Thai green curry balances beautifully against the wine's residual sweetness. Seared scallops with citrus butter echo the lime and stone-fruit notes. Roasted pork tenderloin with a honey glaze complements the wine's pear and honeysuckle character. Fresh goat cheese with herbs mirrors the herbal, floral finish. Lightly spiced Vietnamese spring rolls work well with the wine's bright acidity and aromatic lift.

What sizes does Maryhill Riesling come in? Maryhill Riesling Columbia Valley is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Maryhill Riesling worth the price? Maryhill Riesling positions as an accessible, everyday-tier Washington Riesling that punches above its weight class — a 2024 Great Northwest Platinum award lends credibility that many bottles at this price tier cannot claim.

Why Maryhill Riesling?

The 2024 Great Northwest Platinum award is not incidental — it reflects Maryhill Winery's investment in precise fermentation control that most competitors in this price range simply do not match. The dual glycol cooling and heating system on their stainless steel tanks allows the winemaking team to coax out delicate floral and citrus aromatics that can be lost in less carefully managed fermentations. At 11.0% ABV with an off-dry balance, this is a food-versatile, seasonally adaptable Riesling that demonstrates why Columbia Valley continues to gain recognition as one of America's most compelling regions for aromatic white varieties.