Hedges Family Estate: Biodynamic Excellence

The Hedges Family Estate  

The Hedges Family Estate is one of our key biodynamic producers and has one of our highest sustainability ratings with an impressive and well-deserved 3 stars. Established in 1987, this family-owned and operated winery has not only perfected the art of winemaking but has also committed itself to sustainable, biodynamic and organic farming practices. Located in the heart of the Red Mountain AVA in Washington State, Hedges Family Estate is a shining example of how authenticity, family and a deep connection to the land can create exceptional wines that stand the test of time. 

The Family Story  

The story of Hedges Family Estate began in 1976 when Tom Hedges and Anne-Marie Liegois married. Ten years later, they embarked on their wine journey, starting with exporting wines from California and Washington State to Taiwan. In 1987 they founded Hedges Cellars, making their first shipment of Columbia Valley Cabernet-Merlot to Sweden. 

Two years later, Tom and Anne-Marie purchased 50 acres on Red Mountain in Washington’s Yakima Valley, planting 40 acres of Bordeaux grape varieties. By 1995, their hard work paid off when their 1995 Three Vineyards Red Mountain wine made Wine Spectator’s list of Top 100 Wines in the World. 

With family members like Christophe Hedges and Sarah Hedges Goedhart joining the estate in the early 2000s, Hedges Family Estate continued to thrive, and in 2008 they made the transformative shift to biodynamic farming. By 2021, all five of their vineyards were certified biodynamic, setting the stage for an even deeper commitment to sustainability. 

Biodynamic Certification and Organic Practices 

Hedges Family Estate takes great pride in its farming practices, which are certified by Demeter, the world’s leading organization for biodynamic farming. Their holistic approach views the vineyard as a self-contained ecosystem, ensuring that the farm thrives without the use of synthetic chemicals. By recycling farm products, integrating animals, and dedicating 10% of their land to biodiversity, they create wines that truly reflect the terroir of Red Mountain. 

But what does biodynamic farming mean? It’s about observing and working with nature, treating the land as a living organism, and focusing on long-term sustainability. From water conservation to maintaining soil health, this method of farming results in high-quality grapes and wines that are as clean and natural as possible. 

Red Mountain: A Unique Terroir 

Nestled in the Yakima Valley, Red Mountain is a special place. Its unique geography and climate, shaped by glacial floods thousands of years ago, create the ideal conditions for growing small, concentrated grapes with complex flavors. The wines from Red Mountain, including those from Hedges, are known for their power, length, and structure. The estate’s vineyards—such as the original Hedges Family Estate, Bel'Villa, Magdalena, and Les Gosses—all produce exceptional wines that carry the unmistakable signature of this region. 

Giving Back to the Community  

Not only is Hedges Family Estate a leader in sustainable winemaking, but they also give back to their community by donating an average of 10% of their net profits to charitable causes. Their commitment to both the land and the people around them makes Hedges a true steward of sustainability. 

So Why Hedges?  

The Hedges family believes in reconnecting with what is real. Their wines are a true expression of Red Mountain’s natural bounty, made from grapes, indigenous yeast, and minimal sulfur. With their commitment to biodynamic and organic farming, Hedges wines are clean, pure, and crafted with the lightest human touch. As they put it: "Drink clean, feel good, and experience one of nature’s most complex beverages, naturally." 

Shop Hedges at Wine&Earth  

We are proud to offer a selection of ten beautiful wines from Hedges Family Estate at Wine & Earth. Whether you’re looking for a rich Cabernet Sauvignon or an elegant Red Mountain blend, we’ve got you covered: 

• CMS Organic AVA Red Mountain 2021 
• Family Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 
• Goedhart Bel'Villa Red Mountain Syrah 2016 
• Souzã Tinta Cão 2018 
• La Haute Cuvée 2019 
• Touriga Nacional 2018 
• Family Estate Red 2020 
• Descendants Liegeois Dupont Le Blanc AVA Red Mountain 2021 
• Descendants Liegeois Dupont Les Gosses Syrah 2018 
• Family Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 

To learn more about this remarkable family estate and their journey, visit Hedges Family Estate.