Meet the Maker: Lisa Wiseman,
Ridge of Wonders
Ridge of Wonders has a new tasting room right here on site at the Inn of the White Salmon. Thursday-Saturday from 3-6:30pm, you can taste everything from vibrant sparkling wines to bright, fruity reds, all made with fruit sourced right here in the Columbia River Gorge.
We had a chance to catch up with Lisa Wiseman, winemaker and owner. Read about how Ridge of Wonders came to be and what guests can experience when they visit for a tasting.
Why did you choose the Columbia River Gorge, both for your winery and for the fruit you work with?
I have lived in the gorge since 2001 and have loved every minute of it. The Columbia Gorge is such a unique place with incredible land diversity. It was named an American Viticultural Area in 2004, so being a very young growing region,I think it attracts adventurous winemakers and growers. It’s a very exciting place to be making wine. I love working with fruit that comes from high elevations which retains tons of natural acidity.
What is your winemaking philosophy?
The whole idea behind Ridge of Wonders Wine is to source fruit only from Columbia Gorge vineyards and to make the wines here in the gorge. Respecting each variety’s character using minimal interventions as well as understanding the variations of each vineyard is of utmost importance.
What is unique or unexpected about your wines?
We offer a wide range of wines. From aged sparkling wine and rose to lower alcohol bubblies to light-bodied reds. They are all made with great attention to detail, in a delicate style.
What do you hope people experience when they drink your wine?
I hope the wines are thought-provoking & delicious.
What wine are you most excited about or enjoying most right now?
The 2023 Carbonic Pinot Noir. My first time doing a fermentation this way (carbonic style means fermentation begins with the absence of oxygen) and the result is a light, fruity, interesting Pinot Noir.
How did you meet Flo & Nicole, owners of Inn of the White Salmon?
My husband & I met Flo & Nicole through mutual friends quite a ways back (2007?) when they first moved to the gorge. We went to one of their ugly sweater Christmas parties when they were living at the Inn & got to know them a bit before babies became part of life.
What can people expect when they visit the Inn for a Ridge of Wonders wine tasting?
The tasting experience at the Inn is unique because we get to enjoy the beautiful garden along with enjoying the wines. It’s a very relaxed atmosphere with plenty of shade and a delight for the senses. It’s a hummingbird’s paradise.