Established as an AVA in 2001, Red Mountain is one of Washington's most unique American Viticultural Areas in more ways than one. It is known for its distinctive gravelly, calcareous Missoul Flood soil (the mountain's name comes from the reddish "cheatgrass" that grows in the spring) and wind-blown and scorched sun climate, produciung many outstanding wines. But it is not a destination, like Lake Chelan, which is also a recreation area, and Walla Walla, which is a wine lover's Mecca.

The most noticeable feature of Red Mountain is the sparsity of land development, aside from the vineyards, plantings of which keep growing. There are few working wineries. The largest are Hedges Estate and Col Solare (the Chateau Ste. Michelle and Marchese Antinori collaboration). Terra Blanca is mid sized, and Tapteil, Hightower and Cooper are small family-run operations. Fidelitas has a tasting room mid-way up Sunset Road, but the wines are made elsewhere. Some wine growers live on the mountain, including Larry and Jane Pearson (Tapteil Winery and Vineyard), Ed and Eve Shaw (Shaw Vineyard) and Fred and Jorga Artz (Artz Vineyard). Other vineyards have absentee owners such as Grand Ciel (DeLille Cellars in Woodinville) and Corliss (the same named winery located in Walla Walla). The nearest town is Benton City, hardly a city (the main drag is a mile long).

So the reputation of Red Mountain lies largely in its wines, many of which get high ratings, including those in the Review of Washington Wines. This is testimony to the vision of those who were among the first to plant vines on Red Mountain (which previously had been planted to wheat and alfalfa, now mostly replaced with vines) such as the Gelles family's Klipsun Vineyard and Tom Hedges who started the first winery on the mountain.