Washington State is a premium wine producing region located in the northwest corner of the United States. Although a relatively young wine industry, it is the nation's second largest wine producer and is ranked among the world's top wine regions. Washington wines are found nationally in all 50 states and internationally in more than 40 countries.
YAKIMA VALLEY - established 1983
* Contains over one third of Washington's vineyards and includes more than 40 wineries.
* Most widely planted grape is Chardonnay, followed by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Riesling and Syrah represent significant acreage, with Syrah in particular on the rise.
WALLA WALLA VALLEY - established 1984
* 65 wineries and more than 1,200 acres (486 hectares) of vineyards.
* Cabernet Sauvignon is the leading varietal while Merlot, Chardonnay and Syrah are other predominant varieties. Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese are also grown.
COLUMBIA VALLEY - established 1984
* Washington's largest viticultural region, covering almost 11 million acres which represents a full third of Washington State's land mass.
* Approximately 100 wineries are encompassed within its borders.
* Merlot is the most widely planted varietal, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Riesling and Syrah are also grown in significant quantities.
PUGET SOUND - established 1995
* There are approximately 45 wineries located within the greater Puget Sound region.
* Madeleine Angevine, Siegerebbe and Muller-Thurgau are the predominant varietals. Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir also show promise in this appellation.
RED MOUNTAIN - established in 2001
* Located at the east end of the Yakima Valley; includes more than 10 wineries.
* Best known for producing red varietals, Red Mountain is widely planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Sangiovese.
COLUMBIA GORGE - established in 2004
* Includes areas in Washington State and Oregon with more than 20 wineries.
* Primary grape varieties: Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Riesling and Pinot Gris.
HORSE HEAVEN HILLS - established in 2005
* Naturally bounded on the north by the Yakima Valley appellation and on the south by the Columbia River.
* Primary grape varieties: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.
* Outstanding sites that have been developed in this area include Canoe Ridge, Alder Ridge and Zephyr Ridge.
WAHLUKE SLOPE - established in 2006
* Naturally bounded by the Columbia River to the west and south, by the Saddle Mountains on the north, and on the east by the Hanford Reach National Monument.
* The Wahluke Slope AVA lies entirely within the established Columbia Valley appellation and is home to more than 20 vineyards and at least three wine production facilities.
* Top grape varieties: Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Chenin Blanc.
RATTLESNAKE HILLS - established in 2006
* With 17 wineries and 29 vineyards, it provides many Washington producers with Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay and Riesling.
* Encompassing an expanse of hills running east to west along the northern point of the Yakima River and south of Moxee Valley, the Rattlesnake Hills AVA lies within both the established Columbia Valley and Yakima Valley appellations.
Sub-Appellations and Micro-Climates
As new vineyard sites are planted, and the resulting grapes and wines are evaluated, vintners discover which micro-climates are most suitable for particular varietals. Washington's vineyards include several sites that have distinguished themselves by producing excellent fruit and exceptional wines.
LAKE CHELAN
This region is located in north central Washington and is currently home to 15 wineries. Growers have planted vineyards in the area to Syrah, Merlot, Malbec, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. Lake Chelan provides the geographic boundaries of the proposed Chelan Valley AVA and also moderates temperatures for the growing area. An application for AVA authorization is in progress.
COLD CREEK
The region benefits from a southerly facing slope of the Columbia River which enjoys one of the longest growing seasons in the Columbia Valley. The low rainfall and meager silt loam soils produce very intense and concentrated fruit. Cold Creek is part of a high plateau that runs along the south side of the Columbia River and is particularly noted for its distinctive Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
COLUMBIA BASIN / SNAKE RIVER
This is where the Columbia, Yakima and Snake rivers meet. The area surrounding the Tri-Cities, which includes the broad hills bordering each side of the Snake River, is benefited by a good climate and ample irrigation. Several large vineyards have achieved reputations for excellent Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and other varietals.
Thanks to Washington Wine Commission for content.
The Perfect Climate for Wine
An ideal viticultural landscape, award-winning wines, sprit of innovation, business lifestyle and social and ecological responsibility make Washington state the perfect climate for wine. Washington's varied climates and rich soils combine with long summer days and northern latitudes to create prime growing conditions across the state.
Washington State shares the same latitude as the famed Burgundy and Bordeaux wine regions of France. The state's geographic make-up includes a variety of microclimates for wine grapes to thrive. Washington is further defined by nine major American Viticultural Areas (AVAs): Yakima Valley, Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Puget Sound, Red Mountain, Columbia Gorge, Wahluke Slope, Horse Heaven Hills and Rattlesnake Hills. Each region is defined by a unique climate, soil and physical features that distinguish it from surrounding areas.
Washington State's northerly latitude provides an average of two more hours of sunlight during the prime growing season than California. Washington's 17.4 hours of daily sunlight during the growing season and warm days allow the grapes ripen fully, while cool nights keep fruit acids high, creating rich, flavorful, well-balanced wines. Primarily grown on their own root stocks, which contributes to the health of the vines, Washington state vines produce grapes of consistent quality, resulting in strong vintages year after year.
The vast majority of Washington's wine grapes are grown east of the Cascade Mountain range, which provides an ideal dry, sunny climate for growing world-class wine grapes. Eastern Washington's arid, calcareous and sandy soils encourage the mineral notes, depth and softness that set Washington wines apart from other regions. The mild climate on the Western side of the state is perfect for growing classic noble grape varietals and fruit, as well as some hard-to-find grape varieties. Western Washington is drier and sunnier than many classic wine grape growing regions in Europe, and rarely suffers from prolonged freezes in the winter.
For more information go to washingtonwine.org.
Thanks to Washington Wine Commission for content.
