Washington boasts over five hundred wineries and is considered the top producer in the Pacific Northwest. Among the many wineries there are thousands of acres of planted vineyards. With differing climates from the rainy coast to the dry east this state has a variety of growing conditions. It is home to nine United States  recognized viticultural areas detonated AVA.  Washington State has volcanic soil which offers premium moisture conditions for wine grapes. Of the varieties produced in Washington, Chardonnay and Merlot make up nearly 25% of the grapes grown. Of the Pacific Northwest states Washington is ranked second in the nation for wine production following California.

Columbia Valley AVA: The Columbia valley wine region is the largest in the state. It encompasses 11 million acres and with an area this large there are vast differences in both soil and climate. This AVA (American Viticultural Area) was established in 1984 and contains six sub-regions including: Yakima Valley, Red Mountain, Walla Walla Valley, Horse Heaven Hills, Rattlesnake Hills and Wahluke slope. The varieties produced within this region include: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Syrah.

Walla Walla Valley AVA: This viticultural area was established in 1984 and consists of over 1000 acres. It is a sub-region of Columbia Valley AVA and is composed of volcanic soil. The varieties produced include: Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Syrah, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet franc, and Sangiovese.

Columbia River Gorge AVA: This region is shared by both Washington and Oregon. There are steep slopes and a dry climate. The regions is approximately 4,400 acres and has a unique geography. The varieties produced include: Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Gris.

Yakima Valley AVA: This sub-region of the Columbia Valley AVA consists of approximately 11,000 acres and was established in 1993.  Nearly 40% of Washington’s wines come from this region annually and the varieties include: Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling and Syrah.

Puget Sound AVA: This wine region stretches all along the sound and encompasses over 100 acres. It was established in 1995 and the varieties produced include: Madeline Angevine, Siegerreve Muller-Thurgau, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.

Red Mountain AVA: This region was established in 2001 and is comprised of over 4,000 planted acres.  It is a distinctive area because of the steep south facing slopes. The primary varieties produced include: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese.

Rattlesnake Hills AVA: This is the newest region in Washington state just being established in 2006. It is located within both the Yakima Valley and Columbia Valley AVAs. This region offers high elevation and grapes grown here experience warm days and much cooler nights usually preserving acidity.

Horse Haven Hills AVA: This area consists of more than 6,000 acres and was just established in 2005. The steep south facing slopes offer the perfect growing environment. It is located in South Eastern Washington and its primary varieties include: Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wahluke Slope AVA: This viticultural area is a lovely southern facing plateau with more than 5,200 acres planted. Along with the Red Mountain AVA it offers the warmest growing climate in Washington. It is also a large producer accounting for one fifth of Washington’s grape production. It was established in 2006 and the primary varieties include: Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.

Washington Wineries

Copyright © 2008 Wines of the Pacific Northwest