Lisa Wiseman: Pioneering Innovation in the Washington’s Columbia Gorge AVA
In the heart of downtown White Salmon, Washington, winemaker Lisa Wiseman is quietly redefining wine culture with Ridge of Wonders, her boutique winery that embraces both tradition and innovation. With a tasting room located inside the charming Inn of the White Salmon, Ridge of Wonders offers visitors not just a sip of wine, but a taste of the Columbia Gorge AVA’s incredible diversity and potential.
Lisa’s journey as a winemaker in this dynamic region speaks to her deep appreciation for the land and its possibilities, as well as her dedication to crafting wines that are both elegant and surprising. “We can grow such a wide variety of grapes,” Lisa explains. “From cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to heat-loving Syrah and Nero d’Avola. The microclimates in the Gorge provide a huge range of growing conditions, so growers can experiment with different varieties for the specific sites.”
For Lisa, the Columbia Gorge AVA is not just where she makes wine—it’s a place of exploration, creativity, and connection.
The Magic of the Columbia Gorge
The Columbia Gorge AVA is one of the most exciting and dynamic wine regions in the United States. Stretching across both Washington and Oregon, this unique wine region is shaped by dramatic geographical and climatic contrasts. Cool, misty winds from the Pacific Ocean meet the sun-soaked heat of the high desert, creating microclimates that allow growers to cultivate an extraordinary range of grape varietals.
Lisa finds endless inspiration in this diversity. “The microclimates here give winemakers the opportunity to push boundaries,” she says. “We get to see what works best for each specific site and experiment in ways that you don’t see in more uniform wine regions. It’s an amazing place for creativity.”
At Ridge of Wonders, Lisa embraces this spirit of experimentation, showcasing varietals that reflect both her personal style and the versatility of the land. From crisp Gewürztraminer to elegant Pinot Noir and bold Syrah, her wines are as diverse as the Columbia Gorge itself.
Looking to the Future
The Columbia Gorge is still a relatively young AVA, and Lisa is excited to see how the region will evolve in the coming decade. “The existing vineyards will be more established, bringing more variety typicity {term in wine tasting used to describe the degree to which a wine reflects its varietal origins} to the wines made here,” she says. “It will be fun to see the Gorge mature and how the wines will get better with more vine age.”
This maturation process is critical for winemakers like Lisa, who understand the profound connection between vine age, terroir, and wine quality. As the region’s vines grow deeper into the soils of the Gorge, the wines they produce will become even more expressive and complex.
Lisa also sees a growing movement toward organic and sustainable farming in the Columbia Gorge. “People should expect exploration of what is possible,” she says. “New, unique wines that can be playful as well as serious.” It’s a vision that captures both the adventurous spirit of the region and the commitment to long-term sustainability.
The Art of Winemaking
At Ridge of Wonders, Lisa brings precision, creativity, and a deep respect for the craft to every bottle she produces. Her portfolio includes Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Sangiovese—wines that reflect her preference for balance, detail, and approachability.
One of Lisa’s favorite winemaking techniques involves crafting light-bodied wines that bring out the purity and freshness of the grapes. “I like light-bodied wines, so making a carbonic style of Pinot Noir was truly fun,” she shares. “The 2023 vintage produced a delicious wine.”
Lisa also enjoys experimenting with sparkling wines, including those inspired by piquette, a traditional French style made by re-pressing grape skins. “Pressing grapes a second time gives a lower-alcohol sparkling wine, and I blend in wine to keep it tasty,” she explains. “A lot of attention is needed to make all of these wines!”
This hands-on, meticulous approach is part of what makes Ridge of Wonders so special. Each wine is crafted with care and intention, offering drinkers a chance to experience the artistry and innovation that defines Lisa’s work.
Women Winemakers in the Gorge
Washington’s Columbia Gorge AVA is home to a growing community of women winemakers, and Lisa is proud to be part of this supportive network. “We are fortunate to have quite a few women winemakers here in the Gorge,” she says. “We’re working on setting up tasting groups with each other so we can share knowledge and information and get to know one another better.”
Lisa’s experience as a woman in winemaking has shaped her approach to the craft. She highlights her ability to multitask and pay close attention to detail as key strengths in the cellar. “Being a winemaker requires you to juggle a lot—farming, fermentation, blending, and bottling,” she says. “I think the ability to stay organized and focus on the small things gives me an advantage.”
The collaborative nature of the Gorge’s winemaking community—particularly among its women leaders—reflects a larger shift in the industry toward inclusivity and support. For Lisa, this sense of community is both inspiring and energizing.
A Unique Tasting Experience
Visitors to Ridge of Wonders tasting room can experience Lisa’s wines in an intimate and charming setting at the Inn of the White Salmon in downtown White Salmon. This cozy tasting room and gardens offers the perfect backdrop for savoring Ridge of Wonders’ diverse lineup of wines while experiencing the charm of this vibrant small town.
Lisa’s wines reflect her passion for exploration and her ability to bring out the best in every grape she works with. Whether it’s the floral, aromatic Gewürztraminer, the delicate carbonic Pinot Noir, or the playful sparkling piquette-style wines, each bottle tells a story of place, experimentation, and care.
The Spirit of Exploration
Lisa Wiseman’s Ridge of Wonders embodies the spirit of the Columbia Gorge AVA—dynamic, diverse, and full of potential. “The wines here are an exploration of what is possible,” she says. “There’s so much room for creativity, from playful, fun wines to serious, world-class expressions.”
Through her thoughtful farming practices, innovative winemaking techniques, and collaborative approach, Lisa is helping to shape the future of this remarkable region. For those looking to discover the beauty and diversity of the Columbia Gorge, Ridge of Wonders offers wines that are as thoughtful and inspiring as the woman who makes them.
In every glass, Lisa Wiseman invites drinkers to experience the magic of the Columbia Gorge—to taste its variety, its energy, and its endless possibilities. For Lisa, this is just the beginning of what’s to come. “It’s an amazing place for creativity,” she says with a smile, and at Ridge of Wonders, that creativity is alive and thriving.
