Snipes Mountain is a sub-region of the Yakima Valley AVA, located in its southeast corner. It is geographically the second smallest appellation in the state, after Red Mountain, but has over 4,000 acres under vine. The area is located on Snipes Mountain, which is really a seven mile long ridge that includes Harrison Hill and rises nearly 1,300 feet above the valley floor.

While this AVA was only created in 2009, the region has a long viticultural history. The area was first planted in 1917 by William Bridgman and also had the state's first plantings of Semillon and Pinot Noir.

In addition to the elevation, Snipes Mountain is distinguished by having unique, rocky soils called "aridisol" that are very low in organic matter. These factors combined stress the vines and concentrate the grapes. Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are the most widely planted varietals and while most of the region's output is still labeled Columbia Valley, an increasing number of bottlings are featuring the Snipes Mountain AVA on the label. (Wine/Appellations)