Badger Mountain Shiraz

Badger Mountain Shiraz is a certified organic, no-sulfites-added (N.S.A.) red wine from Washington State's Columbia Valley, bottled at 750ml. Produced by the first certified organic winery in Washington State, this Syrah-based wine represents one of the more accessible entries in the growing organic wine category.

Quick Facts: Varietal: 100% Syrah  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington  |  Style: N.S.A. Organic Red  |  Winery: Badger Mountain Vineyard, Kennewick, WA

Production & Heritage

Badger Mountain Vineyard, located in Kennewick, Washington, holds the distinction of being Washington State's first certified organic winery. The vineyard benefits from the Columbia Valley's dry, wind-swept climate — conditions that naturally reduce vine disease pressure and make organic farming particularly viable. The Shiraz is produced under Badger Mountain's N.S.A. (No Sulfites Added) program, meaning no sulfur dioxide is introduced during winemaking, relying instead on careful cellar practices to maintain freshness and stability. This approach appeals to consumers who are sensitive to sulfites or prefer wines made with minimal intervention.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose presents ripe dark berries — blackberry and plum — followed by subtle hints of black pepper and earth. Without sulfite intervention, the aromatics lean toward a fruit-forward, slightly rustic character typical of N.S.A. wines.

Taste: On the palate, dark fruit leads with soft, approachable tannins that give the wine a medium-bodied structure. Mid-palate warmth carries notes of ripe plum and a gentle peppery spice. The overall impression is juicy and straightforward, without heavy oak influence.

Finish: The finish is moderate in length, with lingering berry fruit and a touch of dry earthiness. Clean and uncomplicated, it wraps up without bitterness or excessive grip.

How to Drink Badger Mountain Shiraz

This Shiraz drinks well at a light chill — around 60–65°F — which tightens the fruit and keeps it refreshing. It is approachable enough for casual sipping without decanting. A Sangria built on this wine benefits from the ripe dark-fruit base and organic purity. In a classic Kalimotxo (red wine and cola), the Shiraz's soft tannins blend seamlessly. For a warm-weather option, use it as the base for a Red Wine Spritzer, where sparkling water lifts the berry character.

Best For

• Introducing an organic wine enthusiast to Washington State Syrah
• Weeknight dinners where a low-intervention red is preferred
• Gifting to someone who avoids sulfites in wine
• Casual gatherings where an easy-drinking, fruit-forward red fits the table

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Badger Mountain Shiraz taste like? Badger Mountain Shiraz delivers ripe dark berry fruit — primarily blackberry and plum — with moderate tannins, gentle pepper spice, and a clean, medium-length finish. It is a fruit-forward, easy-drinking red without heavy oak or complexity.

How does Badger Mountain Shiraz compare to Bonterra Syrah? Both are certified organic Syrahs, but Bonterra sources from Mendocino County, California, and tends to show more concentrated dark fruit and structured tannins. Badger Mountain's N.S.A. approach produces a lighter, more rustic style without added sulfites, which Bonterra does use in its standard production.

Is Badger Mountain Shiraz good for beginners? Yes — its soft tannins, straightforward fruit profile, and medium body make it an approachable entry point for anyone exploring red wine or organic wines specifically.

Where is Badger Mountain Shiraz made? Badger Mountain Shiraz is produced at Badger Mountain Vineyard in Kennewick, Washington, within the Columbia Valley AVA. The Columbia Valley's arid climate and consistent winds provide ideal conditions for organic grape growing.

What foods pair well with Badger Mountain Shiraz? Grilled lamb burgers complement the peppery Syrah character. Roasted eggplant or portobello mushrooms echo the wine's earthy undertones. Mild cheddar or Gouda provide a creamy counterpoint to the fruit. Herb-rubbed roast chicken works well with the soft tannins. Black bean tacos with a smoky salsa mirror the dark fruit and spice.

What sizes does Badger Mountain Shiraz come in? Badger Mountain Shiraz is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Badger Mountain Shiraz worth the price? Badger Mountain Shiraz positions as a value-tier organic wine, priced competitively against conventional Syrahs in the same range. For consumers seeking certified organic, no-sulfites-added production at an everyday price point, it represents solid value.

Why Badger Mountain Shiraz?

Badger Mountain Vineyard earned its reputation as Washington State's first certified organic winery, and the Shiraz carries that legacy in a bottle built for everyday drinking. The N.S.A. production method — no sulfites added at any stage — is a meaningful distinction in a market where most wines, including many labeled organic, still contain added sulfur dioxide. Columbia Valley's naturally dry, warm growing conditions give the Syrah grape a ripe, fruit-driven expression without requiring the chemical inputs common in wetter climates. For anyone building a cellar around clean, low-intervention wines, this Shiraz stands as a reliable and honest Columbia Valley red.