The Spirit of the Hills
A photographic journey through the vineyards of Washington hidden gem Rattlesnake Hills
Photography by Adrian Oliva
The Spirit of the Hills is a photojournalism project dedicated to the vineyards of Rattlesnake Hills Washington. Through powerful imagery and storytelling, it captures the essence of the land, the people, and the craft that make this region’s wines truly remarkable. It’s not just about wine, it’s about the soul of a hill that inspires every bottle.
I was fortunate enough to visit Bonair and meet its founders, who were pioneers on the hill. At first, I was immersed in its surroundings. The chapel was always etched in my memory. A falcon flew over the area for several minutes, and ducks gracefully posed before my eyes. But the best part was meeting Shirley and Gail. It was my first time here, but I felt welcomed. It was as if they'd known me for a long time. I felt like I belonged there. Maybe I have an old soul.
I was fortunate enough to visit Bonair and meet its founders, who were pioneers on the hill. At first, I was immersed in its surroundings. The chapel was always etched in my memory. A falcon flew over the area for several minutes, and ducks gracefully posed before my eyes. But the best part was meeting Shirley and Gail. It was my first time here, but I felt welcomed. It was as if they'd known me for a long time. I felt like I belonged there. Maybe I have an old soul.
Surrounded by lush vines, the tasting room is as stunning as the wine itself, bold, refined, and rooted in the land. Some incredible shots from this visit are already standing out for the photojournalism book I’m working on, documenting the stories, people, and landscapes of Rattlesnake Hills. A huge thank you to Julie, Steve, and Bonnie for their hospitality and generosity
Surrounded by lush vines, the tasting room is as stunning as the wine itself, bold, refined, and rooted in the land. Some incredible shots from this visit are already standing out for the photojournalism book I’m working on, documenting the stories, people, and landscapes of Rattlesnake Hills. A huge thank you to Julie, Steve, and Bonnie for their hospitality and generosity
I decided to start my tour from the beginning, on the street, letting myself be carried away and surprised by every detail and corner. The first thing that caught my attention was the large lavender field, a spectacle in itself. It's a shame these photos don't convey the scent. I toured the different gardens and locations; each one has its own charm. The variety of birds brings the place to life. It's a shame these photos don't convey the scent.
I decided to start my tour from the beginning, on the street, letting myself be carried away and surprised by every detail and corner. The first thing that caught my attention was the large lavender field, a spectacle in itself. It's a shame these photos don't convey the scent. I toured the different gardens and locations; each one has its own charm. The variety of birds brings the place to life. It's a shame these photos don't convey the scent.
It was a sunny and hot day, a normal summer day in the valley. When you climb the hill, the landscape changes in a few seconds. You've left the road and the view changes. The valley reveals itself, and you see up close those plantations that seemed miniature when you were on the highway. The architecture harmonizes perfectly with its surroundings; it's as if it's always been there, as if it belonged to that land.
It was a sunny and hot day, a normal summer day in the valley. When you climb the hill, the landscape changes in a few seconds. You've left the road and the view changes. The valley reveals itself, and you see up close those plantations that seemed miniature when you were on the highway. The architecture harmonizes perfectly with its surroundings; it's as if it's always been there, as if it belonged to that land.
My name is Adrian Oliva, and I’ve always believed photography has the power to capture not just what we see, but what we feel. Living in Yakima Valley, I’ve come to realize that Rattlesnake Hills is much more than a wine region—it’s a community, a tradition, and a story that deserves to be told. With The Spirit of the Hill, I want to create a visual legacy that celebrates the people, the land, and the wines that make this place so special to me and to so many others.
This is a personal, non-profit project that requires a lot of time and dedication.
