Ciel du Cheval Vineyard is owned and operated by Jim and Pat Holmes and is located on Red Mountain, just outside Benton City, Washington. Ciel du Cheval is French for "Horse Heaven" and was founded by Roger Johnson and Alva Ward in 1975 making it one of the oldest vineyards in Washington State. In 1991 Roger Johnson and Alva Ward sold their interest in Ciel du Cheval to Kiona Winery which was a partnership between Jim Holmes and the Williams family. On January 1, 1994, Kiona and Jim Holmes separated leaving Jim with 50 acres of vineyards and 100% ownership in Ciel du Cheval.

Red Mountain American Viticultural Area

Today Ciel du Cheval consists of approximately 120 acres of land. The following is a break-down of this vineyard: 19 acres of cabernet sauvignon, 14 acres of merlot, 7 acres of cabernet franc, 3.5 acres of petit verdot, 13.5 acres of chardonnay, 5.5 acres of riesling, 3.5 acres of gewurztraminer, and 3 acres of chenin blanc.