PASCO, WA-As wines from Washington's Red Mountain Appellation have gained worldwide attention, growers and winemakers have had few options for obtaining land to expand production. But now, the Kennewick Irrigation District is preparing to sell 670.08 acre—including approximately 518.76 acres located inside the appellation—at auction.
The KID, which has been working to provide pressurized water to lands in and near the Red Mountain American Viticultural Area (AVA), has commissioned Musser Bros. Auctions and Real Estate to market the land and conduct the auction, which is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. The land will sell in 22 parcels using Musser Bros.' Power Parcels bidding system.
The vineyards in the AVA are especially well known for their acclaimed red varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.
"We think this will attract a lot of attention in the wine industry. Red Mountain is the smallest AVA in Washington, and this land has not been available for planting previously, having been owned by KID since 1943," said auctioneer Scott Musser. "This sale will include 17% of the 3,040 acres that are still unplanted inside the AVA. After many years of work, KID has obtained the necessary water rights to provide pressurized water to this land, further enhancing its value."
First designated in 2001, the Red Mountain AVA has had only approximately 1,000 acres under cultivation, according to the AVA's web site.
"There have been relatively few sales of land in the last few years, and nothing comparable to the amount being sold at this auction," said Chuck Freeman, district manager of KID. "The completion of our project to bring Yakima River water to the Red Mountain AVA by hopefully mid to late summer 2014—one year ahead of schedule—will be of tremendous importance in ensuring a stable water supply to the vineyards there, so I'm confident that this will enhance Red Mountain's already important role in the wine industry," said Freeman.
The auction will be conducted at Musser Bros.' office, 3035 Rickenbacker Drive, Pasco, Wash., 99301. Individuals interested in additional information may visit www.mbauction.com or call 509-416-6060.

Musser Bros., with locations in Cody, Wyo., Twin Falls, Idaho, Meridian (Boise) Idaho, Billings, Mont., and Pasco, Wash., markets real estate, equipment and other assets through online and live auctions, as well as through traditional real estate listings.