WASHINGTON State

WASHINGTON IS–    AVA.- 20    @Seattle

  • WHITE= Chardonnay 17%, Riesling 14%, Pinot Gris 3%, Sauvignon Blanc 2%, Albariño, Aligote, Chenin Blanc, Falanghina, Fiano, Gewürztraminer, Grüner Veltliner, Marsanne, Müller-Thurgau, Muscat(Canelli), Muscat(Orange), Muscat(Ottonel), Piquepoul Blanc, Roussanne, Semillon, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon 23%, Merlot 18%, Syrah 7%, Cabernet Franc 2%, Abouriou, Aglianico, Agria, Barbara, Black Muscat, Carmenere, Cinsault, Dolcetto, Dunkelfelder, Garanoir, Garnacha, Golubok, Graciano, Lemberger AKA=Blaufrankisch, Madeleine, Malbec, Mourvedre, Nebbiolo, Negrette, Petit Verdot, Petite Syrah, Pinot Noir, Primitivo, Regent, Sagrantino, Sangiovese, Siegerrebe, St. Macaire, Tempranillo, Touriga Nacional, Zinfandel, Zweigelt
    • –Hybrids– Leon Millot, Marechal Foch

GEOGRAPHY– USA., REGION-Pacific Northwest, STATE-Washington, +Latitude(45° to 48°‘N’)

  • BORDERS-Canada(North), Oregon(South), Idaho(South-East)
  • MAJOR CITIES-Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma
  • AVA.’s- Ancient Lakes AVA., The Burn of Columbia Valley AVA., Candy Mountain AVA., Columbia Gorge AVA., Columbia Valley AVA., Goose Gap AVA., Horse Heaven Hills AVA., Lake Chelan AVA., Lewis-Clark Valley AVA., Naches AVA., Puget Sound AVA., Rattlesnake Hills AVA., Red Mountain AVA., Rocky Reach AVA., Royal Slope AVA., Snipes Mountain AVA., South-West Washington AVA., Wahluke Slope AVA., Walla Walla Valley AVA., Wanapum Village AVA., White Bluff AVA., Yakima Valley AVA.

TOPOGRAPHY–  FEATURES-

  •  “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Terraced/ Valley(Columbia/ Yakama), Basin(Columbia), Plateau(Columbia)”
  • On~Yakima~River~Tributary~Columbia~River~ (Runs North-South Before Turns Westward to Form the Oregon and Washington Border.)
  • ON PLATEAU/~East Palouse~,  IN BASIN/ ~Columbia~, ~Pasco~, ~Quincy~

TOPOGRAPHIC EVENETS-

  • The Missoula Floods- The Largest Documented Catastrophic Floods In Earths History, and One of the Biggest Geologic Events Ever On the Face of the Earth.  This Series of Floods Intervals (About 40+ Over a Period of 4,000 Years.) Swept Across the Greater Columbia River Valley at the End of the Last Ice Age 14,000 to 18,000 Years Ago.  The Advancing Purcell Trench Lobe/Glacier Dammed the Clark-Fork River Creating Glacial Lake Missoula In Idaho and Montana.  In Time the Ice Dam Which Was 50km. Wide & 600mt. Tall Violently Broke and Water Hundreds of Feet High Rushed Down In to Columbia River Valley. This Water Form Massive Waves, Lifting Giant Boulders, Carved Steep Cliffs and Leaving Rolling Ripples 25 Feet High, Gravel Sand Bars 100 Feet Tall and Shaped Columbia River Gorge.  This Mountain of Water Made Its Way to the Wahluke Gap Where it Backed Up Creating Lake Lewis, a Temporary Lake Encompassing the Entire Columbia River Valley Where it Settled For a Month Before Eventually Moving Through the Gap and Onto the Pacific Ocean.  The Alluvial Soils Deposits Precipitation From the Flood Water Laying the Foundation For the Diverse, Deep, Rock, Soils, and Sediment Deposits to the Columbia River Valley and the Pacific North-West.  These Floods Did Both Erode and Laid Sediment Deposits Where Ever it Went.  This Huge But Temporary Lake Eventually Drained and Left Behind Monumental Quantities of Silt. Prevailing Winds From the South-West Blew In the Silt and Dust to Where it Settled Out In the Hills of Loess Throughout the Columbia Valley. This Same Flood Episode Repeated Itself Every 30 to 70 Years Over 7 Thousand Years In the Late Pleistocene Are.
  • VOLCANSIM IN WASHINGTON~
    • Cascade Mountain Range- Consists of 13 Volcanos That Runs From the Canadian Border to Northern California.
      • ~Bonanza Peak~   ~Glacier Peak~    ~Good Mountain~
      • ~Mt. Fernow~   ~Mt. St. Helen~   ~Mt. Rainier~
    • **Refer to “TECTONICS, VOLCANICS, WATER, WINDS” For Information.
  • Glacier Activity- Some of Washingtons Topography Was Carved Out by Glacier(Cordilleran Ice Sheet/Puget Lobe, Okanogan Lobe, Columbia Lobe.) Advancement and Regression.

SOILS– “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”,  +INFLUENCED/~Missoula Floods~

    • Clay, Volcanic Basalt-Bedrock, Silt, Sand, Wind-Loess(Wind Blown Sand and Silt), Gravel
  • COLUMBIA VALLEY SOIL-SERIES
    • ~Alpowa Series~,  ~Anderly Series~,  ~Dallesport Series~,  ~Free Water Series~
    • ~Lakesol Series~,  ~Lost Creek Series~,  ~Quincy Series~,  ~Walla Walla Series~
    • **Refer to “TERROIR/ Geology & Soil” For Detailed Information On Soils

CLIMATE

  • East of Cascade- “Continental”,  *Summers– Sunny, Hot   |    *Winters– Wet, Cold
  • West of Cascade- “Desert”,  *Summers– Sunny Mild   |   *Winters– Wet, Cold
  • +Diurnal Shifts(+45°Variations), +Rain Shadow Effect/ Olympic Range, Cascade Range
  • On~Columbia~River~
    • Has Moderating Effect On Temperature, In Winter River Warms Temperature Preventing Vines From Freezing. In Summer River Cools Temperature Restricting Temperature From Exceeding 100.
  • CHALLENGE– ~Frost~ Runs Like Water and Pools In Lower Locations.

VITICULTURE– 11,000,000 ac./ 55,000 ac. Planted,  70 Different Varieties Grown

  • ADVANTAGE– Cascade Mountain Range Runs North-South Provide Massive Barrier to the Rain, Cold and Moisture That Washington is Subjected to.
    • At Higher Latitude That Washington Lies the Growing Season is Longer/ Amount of Sunlight Hours Per Day is Greater…In California the Growing Season Can Reach 15 Hours a Day, While In Columbia Valley the Growing Season Can Reach 17 Hours a Day.
    • Phylloxera Free and All of Vines Are Self Rooted
  • SOLAR RADIATION/ Promotes Growth Early In Season, Assists In Ripening In Fall.

VINICULTURE–  Numbers of Wineries- 812 (772 Bonded/ 40  Virtual) “As of 2020”

  • #2 State Producer/ USA.  
  • 75% Percentage of Grapes Required to Be Labeled Single Varietal Wine.

HISTORY

  • 1825 @Washington– “Viticulture”, First Vines Planted by Settlers.
  • 1900’s @Washington– Growing Grapes For Juices, Jelly or Jams.
  • 1940’s @Washington– “Irrigation Project”, Changed Desert Into Profitable Farming Land.
  • 1960’s @Washington– “Viticulture”, Modern Wine Era Started.
  • 1969 @Washington– “Wine Law”, Law Was Repealed Allowing Imported Wines From Other States and Countries Into Washington.
  • 1974 @California–  1972, Ste. Michelle Riesling Wins Best White In LA. Time Wine Competition.
  • 1981 @Walla Walla– 1978, Woodward Cabernet Sauvignon Wins Best Wine In America Award.

CULTURE– 

  • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Washington State Wine Commission~
    • Charges Wine Producers .14 Cents a Case For Promotion and Research.
  • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Columbia Valley Winery~
  • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Wine Grape Growers~
  • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Washington State Grape Society~
  • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Wines North-West~
  • FESTIVALS~ ~Somm Summit~ (July/ Seattle)
  • ACADEMICS~ ~Walla Walla Community College~     @Walla Walla, Washington
    • Specialization~ Enology & Viticulture Degree Program
  • ACADEMICS~ ~Washington State University~      @Pulman, Washington
    • Specialization~ Viticulture & Enology…Economic Impact on Wine Industry
  • ACADEMICS~ ~Yakima Valley Community College~     @Yakima, Washington
    • Specialization~ Viticulture & Enology Degree Programs
  • GASTRONOMY… Salmon, Dungeness Crab, Eastern Washington Beef
  • GEOGRAPHIC DISCLAIMER~ “To Understand the Wine World and Benefit From DtheV.com a Comprehension of Washington’s Geography is Needed and the Ability to Visualize Its Wine Regions Topography.  Washington is Organized In a North to South, / East to West Orientation and Intended to Be Researched as So.”

WASHINGTON     @Washington(Greater)

  • VITICULTURE– Labeled– “WASHINGTON” Are Non-Conforming to Specific AVA.

PUGET SOUND AVA.      @Seattle

  • WHITE= Aligote, Kerner, Madeleine Angevine, Müller Thurgau, Muscat(Canelli), Muscat(Orange), Muscat(Ottonel), Pinot Gris, Siegerrebe, Sylvaner
  • RED= Agria, Cabernet Dorsa, Domina, Dunkelfelder, Garanoir, Pinot Noir, Regent, St. Laurent, Zweigelt
  • GEOGRAPHY- Washington(West of Cascade Mountains), Seattle(Greater)
    • BORDERS-Canada(North), +Latitude(47.60°‘N’)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”, SLOPES/ Cascade Mountains, +Altitude(50ft. to 150ft.)
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”
  • CLIMATE- “Maritime”, +Rain Shadow Effect/ Olympic Range
  • VITICULTURE- 2,918,765 ac./ 150 ac. Planted
    • The Majority of Washington Vineyards Are Located In Columbia Vally the Majority of Washington Wineries Are Located In Greater Seattle But Source Their Grapes From Vineyards They Own In Columbia Valley.
    • CHALLENGES/ Botrytis(Unwanted)
  • CULTURE- 1995- AVA. Officially Established
    • ASSOCIATION~ ~Puget Sound Wine Growers~
  • GOING THERE-
    • The Wineries On the Islands Can Be Reached by a the Vast Ferry System That Runs the Area.
  • SUB-REGIONS Of PUGET SOUND
    • PENINSULA & COAST
      • Geography- Washington, In Puget Sound AVA.
      • Estate/ Producers- Camaraderie, Harbinger, Hoodsport, Olympic, Stottle
    • NORTH-WEST & ISLANDS       @Port Angeles
      • Geography- Washington, In Puget Sound AVA.(North-West)
        • ISLANDS/ Lopez, Whidbey, San Juan
      • Estate/ Producers- Lopez Island(E./6ac), San Juan(E./6ac.), Whidbey Island
    • BAINBRIDGE ISLAND
      • Geography- Washington, In Puget Sound AVA.(Central), On Bainbridge Island
      • Estate/ Producers- Amelia Wynn, Bainbridge(7ac.), Eagle Harbor, Eleven, Fletcher, Kinsfolk, Perennial, Red Wine Gal, Rolling Bay, Victor Alexander
      • Vineyards-
    • WOODINVILLE     @Woodinville
      • Geography- Washington, In Puget Sound AVA.(East), North-East of Seattle-City(15mi.)
        • Sub-Zones– Schoolhouse District, Warehouse District
      • Estate/ Producers-(150+)– Amavi, Brian Carter, Cadence, Columbia Crest, Columbia Winery, DiStefano, JM, Novelty Hill, Pepper Bridge, St. Michelle
      • Vineyards- Whidbey Island
      • Culture- ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Woodinville Vine Country~
        • Largest Concentration of Wineries In a Metro Area In the World. 100 Wineries and Tasting Rooms Within a 4 Mile Ratio, 30 Minutes Drive From Downtown Seattle.
    • SNOQUALMIE VALLEY
      • Geography-  Washington, In Puget Sound AVA.(East), @Hw.#90
        • CITIES-Carnation, Fall City, North Bend, Preston Snoqualmie
    • SOUTH SOUND          @Olympia, Tacoma
      • Geography- Washington, In Puget Sound AVA.(South)
      • Estate/ Producers- Anderson Island
    • OTHER          @Puget Sound(Greater)
      • Geography- Washington, In Puget Sound AVA.(Not Located In Demarcated Sub-Zone)–
      • Estate/ Producers-Dacon, Devorah Creek, Madsen, McCrea, Northwest Mountain, Oomrang(6ac.), Vina Salida
      • Vineyards- Devorah Creek“Estate”, Rocky Prairie

**Puget Sound Images Courtesy of Delong Maps, Purchase These Maps at Delongwine.com

SOUTH-WEST WASHINGTON AVA. (Un-Official)  @Wishram

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Madeleine Angevine, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
  • GEOGRAPHY- Washington(South-West), COUNTY-Clark
    • Columbia Gorge East of Columbia Gorge AVA., (Dalles East)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly”, On~Columbia~River~(North)
    • In Columbia Basin(West)
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”, Alluvial
  • CLIMATE- “Continental”, With “Maritime” Influence
    • Weather East of Columbia Gorge AVA. Warms Considerably.
  • VITICULTURE-  ? ac. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- English, Jacob Williams, Maryhill, Waving Tree, Rezabek, Salishan, Stavalaura
  • CULTURE- ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Southwest Washington Winery~

COLUMBIA VALLEY*AVA.    @Yakima

  • WHITE= Pinot Gris 5%, Riesling 4%
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon 25%, Merlot 10%, Syrah 9%
    • **See Washington State“Home” For List of Grapes Grown. 
  • GEOGRAPHY- Washington(East of Cascade Mountains)
    • REGION-Columbia Valley AVA., BORDERS-Oregon(Laps), “Multi-Appellation”
    • Sub-Zones/ AVA.s– Ancient Lakes AVA., Burn of Columbia Valley AVA., Columbia Gorge AVA., Horse Heaven Hills AVA., Lake Chelan AVA., Rattlesnake Hills AVA., Royal Slope AVA., Naches AVA., Red Mountain AVA., Snipes Mountain AVA., Tri-Cities Area AVA., Wahluke Slope AVA., Walla Walla Valley AVA., Wanapum Village AVA.,  White Bluff AVA., Yakima Valley AVA.
    • BOUNDARIES-Delimitated Along the Line Where the Slack-Water Deposit Levels Left by the Missoula Floods.
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features– “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Terraced/ Basin Valley(Columbia/ Yakima/ Walla Walla)”
    • High Desert-Valley-  +Altitude(1,846ft.)
    • Columbia Valley Basin- The Weight of Lava and Ice Caused Land to Sink Creating a Basin Between Cascades and Bitter Root Mountains.
    • Columbia Valley Plateaux- Post Missoula Floods, Water and Erosion Cut Canyons Below Surface of Basin Creating Plateaux.
    • Glacier Activity- Some of Washingtons Topography Was Carved Out by Glacier Advancement and Regression.
    • Yakima Fold Belt- Series of Topographical Folds Raised by Tectonic Compression In the Western Columbia Plateau.
      • Effected AVA.’s– Royal Slope, Horse Heaven Hills, Red Mountain, Snipes Mountain, Rattlesnake Hills.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”,  “Sedimentary”, Alluvial, Wind-Loess
    • +INFLUENCED/~Missoula Floods~
    • Generally Soils In the Columbia Valley the Bedrock Consist of Volcanic Basalt of Miocene Age.
    • “Below 1,200 Feet” Bedrock is Overlaid by Ancient Gravels
      • Missoula Flood Sediments(Silt, Sand, Gravel), and Wind-Deposited Silt(Loess)
    • “Above 1,200 Feet” Bedrock is Overlaid by Loess of Varying Thickness.
    • Aridisols- Classification of Soil Found In Arid Climates/ Desert and Xeric Scrublands, Low Concentration of Organic Matter, Deep, Well Drained
    • Columbia Valley Soil-Series–
      • –Alpowa Series–     –Anderly Series–      –Lakesol Series–
      • –Lost Creek Series–     –Quincy Series–     –Walla Walla Series–
  • CLIMATE- “Continental” With “Desert” Influence,  Degree-Days- 1,465…76°
    • +Diurnal Shifts(+45°Variation), +Rain Shadow Effect/ Cascade Range
    • Rain Fall/ Precipitation is Localized and Varies Across Walla Walla Valley.
    • CHALLENGE– ~Frost~ Runs Like Water and Pools In Lower Locations.
    • Shrub-Steppe- Type of Low Rainfall Natural Grassland. Shrub-Steppes are Prevalent In Deserts Which Are Too Dry to Support Perennial Grasses or Other Shrubs.
  • VITICULTURE- 2,178 ac. Planted
    • CHALLENGE– +RAIN: -7 Inches/ Year Irrigation Needed
      • Obtaining Water- In Certain Regions Water/ Snow Melt From Andes Mountains is Carried by Various Rivers to the Vineyards Below That Can Be Diverted Off In Channels and Canals and Used For Irrigation.
    • +WIND~ ~Howlers~ Wind That Blows Through Columbia River Valley.
    • PRACTICE– -Trellising(Fan Shaped)
    • ADVANTAGES– Little Bug and Mildew Issues/ No Reason to Spray
    • WINNER “Worlds Best”~ DtheV.Com Awards “Worlds Best Terroir”  (2nd. Place)
      • **Refer to “WINE CULTURE/ Derek’s Top 6 List” For Detailed Information.
  • VINICULTURE- Columbia Valley Wineries Have a Culture of Not Owning Vineyard (or Owning Small Vineyards) But Sourcing Grapes From Their AVA. as Well as AVA’s Across the Entire Columbia Valley.
    • Estate/ Producers-(Not Located In Demarcated Sub-AVA.)– Betz, Ste. Michelle, Dusted Valley, Gramercy, Illusion, Kontas, Maryhill, Stephenson, Tamarack
    • Vineyards-(Not Located In Demarcated Sub-AVA.)– Conner Lee

**Columbia Valley Images Courtesy of “Delong Maps”, Purchase Maps at Delongwine.com

LAKE CHELAN AVA.     @Chelan, Manson

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Clairette Blanche, Gewürztraminer, Marsanne, Muscat, Pinot Gri, Riesling, Rousanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
  • RED= Syrah 20%, Alianico, Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dolcetto, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Tannat, Tempranillo, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- Washington, REGION-Columbia Valley AVA.(North), @Hw.#97
    • COUNTY-Chelan, (50 Miles Long/ Lake 13 Miles Long), +Latitude(47.84°‘N’)
    • Sub-Zones- North Shore   |   South Shore
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly”, SLOPES/ Frenchman Hills, +Altitude(570ft. to 1,912ft.)
    • On~Lake~Chelan~(South-East)(1,400 Feet Deep), BASIN/~Wapato~
    • Glacier Activity– Lake Chelan’s Topography Was Carved Out by Glacier Advancement and Regression.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”, Alluvial, Wind-Loess
    • Granite Bedrock, Glacier Moraine/ Deposits, Quartz, Mica
    • +INFLUENCED/~Missoula Floods~
  • CLIMATE- “Continental” With “Desert”, Influence
    • +LAKE EFFECT/~Lake Chelan~,  +Diurnal Shifts(+40°Variations), +Rain Shadow Effect/ Cascade Range
  • VITICULTURE- 24,050 ac./ 325 ac. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- Amos Rome, Atam, Benson, Cairdeas, Cedergreen, C.R., Fielding Hills, Four Lakes, Hard Row to Hoe, Karma(Sparkling), Lake Chelan(E.), Mellisoni, Nefarious, Navarre Coulee, Radiance, Rocky Pond, Sanridge, Siren Song, Successioin, Tunnel Hill, Tsillan Cellars, Ventimiglia, Vin du Lac, Wine Girl
    • Vineyards- Clos CheValle, Hard Row to Hoe, Karma“Estate”, Mellisoni“Estate”
  • CULTURE- 2009- AVA. Officially Established.
    • AGRICULTURE~ History of Apples, Pears, Peaches, Cherrie Production.
    • ~Etymology~ Historically Referred to as Tsillan Lake, Referring to the Native American Spelling.
  • GOING THERE- 3 Hour Drive From Seatle.
    • WINE TRAILS~ ~Lake Chelan Wine Trail~

ROCKY REACH AVA.  @

  • WHITE=
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon
  • GEOGRAPHY- Washington, REGION-Columbia Valley AVA.(North)
    • COUNTY-Chelan, Douglas, South of Lake Chelan AVA., North of Ancient Lakes AVA.
    • CITIES-Entiat, Orondo, Stayman
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly”, +Altitude( ? mt.), On~Columbia~River~(East)
    • SLOPES/ Cascade Mountains(West), Badger Mountains(East)
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, Wind-Loess, Gravel, Cobblestone
  • CLIMATE- “Continental”,  +Diurnal Shifts(+40°Variation), +Rain Shadow Effect/ Cascade Range
  • VITICULTURE- 32,333 ac./ 117 ac. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- Rocky Pond
  • CULTURE- 2022- AVA. Officially Established
    • ~Etymology~ Rocky Reach Referees to to Rapids That Formed In This Particular Section of the Columbeia River.

ANCIENT LAKES*AVA.     @Quincy

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Chenin Viognier, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Rousanne, Viognier
  • RED= Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo
  • GEOGRAPHY- Washington, REGION-Columbia Valley AVA.(North), COUNTY-Grant
    • Sub-Zones-  Benches, Foothills, Coulees, Ridges(Babcock/ Evergreen)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”
    • SLOPES/ Beezley Hills(South)/ Frenchman Hills(North), +Altitude(570ft. to 1,900ft.)
    • IN BASIN/~Columbia~, ~Quincy~(West), On~Columbia~River~(East)
    • Accumulation of 35 Lake In the Area
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”, Aridisols, Wind-Loess
    • +INFLUENCED/ ~Missoula Floods~,  Soil Series- –Quincy Series–
  • CLIMATE- “Continental” With “Desert” Influences
    • +RIVER EFFECT/~Columbia River~,  +Diurnal Shifts(+40°Variation), +Rain Shadow Effect(Cascade Range)
  • VITICULTURE- 162,000 ac./ 1,600 ac. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- Cave B*(E.), Beaumont Cellars, Efeste, Horan, Kung Fu Girl, Jones of Washington, Luke, Milbrant, White Heron
    • Vineyards- Evergreen, Ryan Patrick, Spanish Castle, Two Gun
  • CULTURE- 2012- AVA. Officially Established.

ROYAL SLOPE AVA.       @Royal City

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Garnacha, Malbec, Merlot, Mourvedre, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo
  • GEOGRAPHY- Washington, REGION-Columbia Valley AVA.(North)
    • COUNTIES– Adams, Grant,  BORDERS– Ancient Lakes AVA.
    • North of Wahluke Slope AVA.(10mi.), +Latitude(46.97°‘N’)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly”, In Columbia Basin(West), On~Columbia~River~
    • SLOPES/ Frenchmans Hills(30 Mile South Facing, West to East Ridge), +Altitude(610ft. to 1,756ft.)
    • Located On Yakima Fold Belt.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”, Alluvial, Wind-Loess
    • +INFLUENCED/~Missoula Floods~
  • CLIMATE- “Continental” With “Desert” Influences
    • +RIVER EFFECT/~Columbia River~, +Rain Shadow Effect(Cascade Range), +Diurnal Shifts(+40°Variation)
  • VITICULTURE- 156,389 ac., 1,900 ac. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- Alleromb, Novelty Hill
    • Vineyards- Corfu Crossing, Frenchman Hills(468ac.), Gard, Lawrence, Stillwater Creek, Stoneridge
  • HISTORY-
    • 1960’s- First Vineyard Planted.
    • 2020- AVA. Officially Established.

WAHLUKE SLOPE AVA.     @Milbrandt, Mattawa

  • WHITE= Chardonnay 10%, Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminor, Grenache Blanc, Picpoul, Riesling, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon 40%, Merlot 30%, Syrah 5%, Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Carmenere, Garnacha, Malbec, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- Washington, REGION-Columbia Valley AVA.(North), COUNTY-Grant
    • South of Ancient Lakes AVA.(25mi.), North of Yakima Valley AVA.(25mi.), +Latitude(46.74°‘N’)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly”
    • SLOPES/ Cascade Mountain Range/ Saddle Mountains, +Altitude(425ft. to 1,480ft.), +Gradient(8°)
    • On~Lower Crab~Creek~Tributary~Columbia~River~, GAP/~Sentinel~
    • Broad South-Facing Slopes With Constant Grade of 8% Over Alluvial Fan
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”, Alluvial, Wind-Loess Over Gravel
    • Wahluke Gravel Bar- 30 Mile Long Alluvial Fan, Sandy Loam, Alkaline Hardpan
    • +INFLUENCED/~Missoula Floods~
  • CLIMATE- “Continental” With “Desert” Influences, Dry, Hot
    • +RIVER EFFECT/~Columbia River~,  +Diurnal Shifts(+40°Variation), +Rain Shadow Effect(Cascade Range)
  • VITICULTURE- 80,490 ac./ 8,900 ac. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- Casasmith, Bunnell, Desert Wind, Fielding Hills, Finn Hill, Fox(E.), Forgeron, Fries(540ac.), Ginko Forest(E.), Gilbert, Januik, Jones of Washington, Millbrandt’s, Pouillin, Seven Falls, Syncline, Tamarack, Wahluke Slope
    • Vineyards- Cold Creek(731ac,), Clifton Hill, Desert Wind“Estate”(540ac.), Evergreen, Four Feathers, Indian Wells, Jeff Jones, Jones Brothers, Katherine Leone, Lucky Bohemian, Milbrandt, Mrachek, Northridge, Pheasant, Riverbend(22ha.), Rosebud, Shaw, Stone Tree, Sundance, Talcott, Wahluke, Weinbau
  • VINICULTURE– Many Producers Source Grapes From Wahluke Slope For Their Urban Wine Production.
    • Varietal,  Ice Wine
  • CULTURE- ~Etymology~ The Name “Wahluke” Comes From Native American Word Meaning “Watering Place”.
    • PIONEERS~ ~Jerry Fox~ First to Plant Vines In Wahluke Slope.
    • 2006 @Wahluke Slope– Establishment of AVA.

NACHES*AVA.    @Tieton

  • WHITE= Albariño, Gewurztraminer, Grunner Veltliner, Muscat, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Rousanne, Viognier
  • RED= Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Malbec, Merlot, Mourvedre, Nebbiolo, Sagrantino, Sangiovese, Syrah, Touriga Nacional, Zweigelt
  • GEOGRAPHY- Washington, REGION-Columbia Valley AVA., COUNTY-Yakima
    • North-West of Yakima(2 mi.), @Hw.#12, +Latitude(46.70°‘N’)
  • TOPOGRAPHY– “Rolling/ Hilly”, SLOPES/ Cascade Mountain Range, +Altitude(1,200ft. to 2,100ft.)
    • Eastern Ridge of Volcanic Rock Plateau, Above Missoula Flood Level
    • On~Tipton/ Cowiche~Rivers~Tributary~Naches~River~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, Bedrock(Andesite-Lava)/ Goat Rock Volcano
    • “Sedimentary”, Alluvial, Wind-Loess, +INFLUENCED/~Missoula Floods~
  • CLIMATE- “Continental” With “Desert” Influence,
    • +Diurnal Shifts(+40°Variation), +Rain Shadow Effect(Cascade Range)
  • VITICULTURE- 13,250 ac./ 39 ac. Planted
      • Entire AVA. Organically, Sustainably or Bio-Dynamically Farmed.
    • Estate/ Producers- Aecetia, Harlequin, Keller, Kalkruth, Wilridge Winery(E.), Naches Heights(E.), Strand
    • Vineyards- Aecetia, Harlequin, Naches Heights, Strand, Wilridge
  • CULTURE- 2011- AVA. Officially Established.

WANAPUM VILLAGE AVA.    @Yakima

  • WHITE= 
  • RED= 
  • GEOGRAPHY- Washington, REGION-Columbia Valley AVA., COUNTY-Grant
    • North-East of Yakima-City(25mi.), +Latitude(46.7°‘N’)
  • TOPOGRAPHY– “Rolling/ Hilly”, +Altitude( ? mt.)
    • On~Columbia~Rivers~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, Bedrock(Andesite-Lava)/ Goat Rock Volcano
    • “Sedimentary”, Alluvial, Wind-Loess, +INFLUENCED/~Missoula Floods~
  • CLIMATE- “Continental” With “Desert” Influence,  +Diurnal Shifts(+40°Variation)
  • VITICULTURE- 2,415 ac./ ? ac. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- 
    • Vineyards- 
  • CULTURE- 2024- AVA. Officially Established.

YAKIMA VALLEY*AVA.     @Yakima

  • WHITE= Pinot Gris 15%, Albariño, Aligote, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Piquepoul Blanc, Riesling, Roussane, Sauvigon Blanc, Semillon, Viognier
  • RED= Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Garnacha, Graciano, Lemberger, Malbec, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Nebbiolo, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- Washington, REGION-Columbia Valley AVA., COUNTY-Yakima,  @Hw.#82
    • BORDERS-Ahtanum Ridge(North), Horse Heaven Hills AVA.(South), +Latitude(46.6°‘N’)
    • (80 Miles Long & 20 Miles Wide), “Multi-Appellation”
    • Sub-Zones/ AVA.‘S– Rattlesnake Hills AVA., Red Mountian AVA., Snipes Mountain AVA.
    • CITIES-Proser, Sunnyside, Wapato,  Zillah
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley(Yakima)”, +Altitude(900ft. to 1,300ft.), Anticline Range
    • On~Yakima/ Snake~Rivers~Tributary~Columbia~River~
    • GAP/ Selah(North), Union Gap(South)
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”,  +INFLUENCED/~Missoula Floods~
    • Silt, Loam Top Soil Over Stone
  • CLIMATE- “Continental” With “Desert” Influence
    • +Rain Shadow Effect(Cascade Range/ Snipes Mountain Range)
    • +RIVER EFFECT/~Yakima River~,  +Diurnal Shifts(+40°Variation)
  • VITICULTURE- 18,000 ac. Planted,  Botrytis(Influenced by Yakima River)
    • Estate/ Producers-(Not Located In Demarcated Sub-AVA.)– Agate Field, Airfield, Barzo, Beeman’s Backacres, Barnard Griffin, Black Wood, Bonair, Boshey, Claar, CO DINN, Cote Bonneville, Desert Hill, Dineen, Gilbert Cellars, Hyatt(180ac.), James Rain, Kestrel, Kobayashi, Lip Stinger, Olsen, Oasis, Owen Roe, Piety Flats,  Sagelands, Snoqualmie, Tapteil, Van Armen
    • Vineyards-(Not Located In Demarcated Sub-AVA.)– Boushey, Brother Copeland, Chelle den Mile, Den Hoed, DuBrual, French Creek, Good Earth, Kestrel(*1972), Lonesone Springs Ranch, Merchant, Moxee, Olsen, Otis(75ac.), Oldfield-Boushey, Olsen, Phil Church, Red Willow, Rothrock, Tapteil“Estate”, Two Blonds, Viewcrest, Willard Farms(250ac.)
  • CULTURE- 1983- AVA. Officially Established, First In Pacific Northwest.
    • AGRICULTURE~ History of Grapes, Apples, Hops and Stone Fruit(Cherries, Peaches) Production.
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Yakima Valley Wine~
    • ACADEMICS~ ~Yakina Valley Community College~     @Yakima, Washington
      • Specialization~ Viticulture & Enology Degree Programs

RATTLESNAKE HILLS*AVA.     @Zillah

  • WHITE= Aligote, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Madeline Angevine, Marsanne, Müller-Thurgau, Muscat(Canelli), Muscat(Orange), Muscat(Ottonel),  Riesling, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Siegerrebe, Viognier
  • RED= Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Lemberger, Merlot, Malbec, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- Washington, REGION-Columbia Valley AVA., @Hw.#82, +Latitude(46.40°‘N’)
    • COUNTY-Yakima, In Columbia Valley AVA., In Yakima Valley AVA.(North)
    • Sub-Zones- Roza Hills
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Ridges/ Terraced”, Located On Yakima Fold Belt.
    • SLOPES/ Cascade Mountain Range/ Rattlesnake Hills/Ahtannum Ridge, +Altitude(650ft. to 3,085ft.)
    • On~Yakima~River~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary” Alluvial, Wind-Loess, Silt-Loam
    • +INFLUENCED/~Missoula Floods~,  Soil Series- Warden, Harwood-Burke, Moxee
  • CLIMATE- “Continental”With “Desert” Influence
    • +Diurnal Shifts(+40°Variation), +Rain Shadow Effect(Cascade Range)
  • VITICULTURE- 68,500 ac./ 1,808 ac. Planted
    • CHALLENGES– Spring Frost, Winter Kill
  • VINICULTURE-  White 44%/ Red 56%
    • Estate/ Producers- Adytum Cellars, Agate Ranch(7ac.), Andrew Will(25ac.), Bonair(35ac.), Bosma, Cultura, Eaton Hill, Horional Edge(18ac.), Hoover & Roofus, Hyatt(147ac.), J Bell, Knight Hill, Maisson de Padgett, Mas Chappell, Masset, Owen Roe, Paradisos del Sol, Pine Lake, Plety Flats, Portteus, Savage, Severino(14ac.), Sheridan(65ac.), Silver Lake(E./260ac.), Steppe, Tefft, Two Mountain, Tanjuli, Treveri Cellars, Van Arnam, Windy Piont
    • Vineyards- Allechant(21ac.), Angiolina Farm(60 ac.), Apple Field, DuBrul(45ac.), Dineen(42ac.), Dionysus(152ac.), Elephant Mountain(60ac.), Garrison(10ac.), Hyatt“Estate”, Konnowac(15ac.), Monahan(6ac.), Morrison(6ac.,*1968), Outlook(98ac.), Portteus“Estate”, Roza Hills(240ac.), Sheridan“Estate”(20ac.), Spring Creek(10ac.), Two Bluffs(5ac.), Union Gap(60ac.), Verhey(8ac.), Whisky Canyon, Zillah Bluffs(17ac.), Zirkle(600ac.)
  • HISTORY-
    • 1968- First Vines Planted
    • 2006- AVA. Officially Established
  • CULTURE- WINE TRAILS~ ~Rattlesnake Hills~ Yakima Valley

SNIPES MOUNTAIN*AVA.      @Sunnyside, Granger

  • WHITE= Aligote, Gewurztraminer, Muscat Alexandria, Pinot Gris, Semillon, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Grenache, Pinot Noir, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- Washington, REGION-Columbia Valley AVA., COUNTY-Yakima
    • In Yakima Valley AVA.(Central), @Hw.#82
    • Sub-Zones- Harrison Hill(East Side of Hw.#82)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous”,  *Anticline-Range 7 Miles Long
    • SLOPES/Cascade Mountain Range, +Altitude(+750ft. to 1,300ft.)
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”, Alluvial, +INFLUENCED/~Missoula Floods~
    • “Aridisol”, River Worn Rocks, Gravel, Compact Schist, Wind-Loess
  • CLIMATE- “Continental” With “Desert” Influence, +WIND~
    • +Rain Shadow Effect(Cascade Range)
    • +RIVER EFFECT/~Yakima River~,  +Diurnal Shifts(+40°Variations)
  • VITICULTURE- 4,145 ac./ 800 ac. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- Bunnell, DeLille, Eaton Hill, Latta, Robert Ramsay, Rolling Bay, Steppe, Tefft, Upland
    • Vineyards- Harrison Hill, New House, Upland
  • CULTURE–
    • 1914- First Vineyard Planted
    • 2009- AVA. Officially Established
    • PIONEERS~ ~Ben Snipes~ Cattle Farmer Who First Settled In the Area.

TRI-CITIES AREA*AVA. (Un-Official)      @Kennewich, Richland, Pasco

  • GEOGRAPHY- Washington, REGION-Columbia Valley AVA., COUNTY-Yakima
    • In Yakima Valley AVA.(South-East),  @Hw.#82, +Latitude(46.25°‘N’)
    • Sub-Zones- KENNEWICH,  RICHLAND,  PASCO
  • VITICULTURE- Many Columbia Valley Produces Use Tri-Cities to House Their Wineries. There Are +200 Wineries Within Its 50 Mile Radius.
    • Estate/ Producers- 14 Hands, Airfield, Badger Mountain, Barnard Griffin, Columbia Crest, Cooper Wine, Coyote Canyon, Double Canyon, Fidelitas, Goose Ridge, Gordon, Hogue, Longship, Mercer, Thurston Wolfe, Waterbrook
    • Vineyard- Goose Ridge“Estate”(1,900ac.), Pasco Basin

WHITE BLUFF AVA. (Un-Official)     @White Bluff

  • WHITE= Pinot Gris, Riesling, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
  • GEOGRAPHY- Washington, REGION-Columbia Valley AVA., COUNTY-Franklin
    • North of Pasco-City(    mi.), North of Tri-Cities(   mi.)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Plateau”, +Altitude(800ft. to 1,000ft.)
    • On~Columbia~River~(East)
  • CLIMATE- “Continental”
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Alluvial Escarpment, +INFLUENCED/~Missoula Floods~
  • VITICULTURE- 93,738 ac./ 1,100 ac. Planted.   
    • Estate/ Producers- Claar Cellars, Sagemore  
    • Vineyards- Bacchus, Dionysus, Gamache(220 ac.), Sagemoor, White Bluffs.    
  • CULTURE- 2021- AVA. Officially Established

RED MOUNTAIN*AVA.      @Benton City

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Marsanne, Pinot Gri, Riesling, Roussanne
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon 70%, Cabernet Franc, Lemburger, Malbec, Merlot, Petite Verdot, Sangiovese, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- Washington, REGION-Columbia Valley AVA., COUNTY-Yakima
    • In Yakima Valley AVA.(South-East), @Hw.#82, +Latitude(46.29°‘N’)
  • TOPOGRAPHY– “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Ridge”
    • SLOPES/ Cascade Mountain Range/ Red Mountain, +Altitude(500ft. to 1,500ft.)
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”, +INFLUENCED/~Missoula Floods~
  • CLIMATE- “Continental” With “Desert” Influence
    • +Diurnal Shifts(+40°Variations), +Rain Shadow Effect(Cascade Range)
    • *Generally– Considered Hottest AVA. In Washington/ Heat Moderated by Altitude.
  • VITICULTURE- 4,140 ac./ 700 ac. Planted,  CHALLENGE– Over Ripeness, Spring Frost
  • VINICULTURE- Ice Wine
    • Estate/ Producers- Ambassador(26ac.), Artz, Banfi, Burrell, Betz Family, Cadence, Canvasback, Col Solare*(29ha.)Colaboration/Ste. Michelle & Antinori), Copper Wine, Corvus, DeLille, Fidelitas(3.5ac.), Force Majeure, Frichette, Hamilton*, Heart of the Hill, Hedges*, Henry Earl, Hightower(10ac.), Kiona, Klipsun, Tapteil, Upchurch(18ac.), WeatherEye(30ac.)
    • Vineyards- Ambassador, Bel’Villa, Cara Mia, Ciel du Cheval, Heart of the Hill, Jolet, Klipsun, Les Gosses, Magdalena, Olsen, Ranch at the End of the Road, Red Heaven, Quintessence, Scooteney, Shaw 32, Sunset, Terra Blanca, WeatherEye“Estate”(30ac.)
  • HISTORY- 1972- First Vineyard Planted
    • 1980- First Bonded Winery
    • 2001- AVA. Officially Established.
  • CULTURE- ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Red Mountain AVA. Alliance~
    • ~Etymology~ Takes Name From Seasonal Hue From the Native Cheek Grass.
    • PIONEERS~ ~Founding Fathers of Red Mountain~  ~John Williams~ ~Jim Holmes~  @Kiona Vineyards

CANDY MOUNTAIN AVA.      @Richland

  • WHITE= Sauvignon Blanc
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Marbec, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Sangiovese
  • GEOGRAPHY- Washington, REGION-Columbia Valley AVA., COUNTY-Benton
    • In Yakima Valley AVA., West of Red Hills(     mi.), @Hw.#I-82/ #I-182
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly”, SLOPES/Candy Mountain, +Altitude(784ft. to 924ft.)
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, Alluvial, Wind-Loess, Basalt
  • CLIMATE- “Continental”, +Diurnal Shifts(+40°Variations), +Rain Shadow Effect(Cascade Range)
  • VITICULTURE– 815 ac./ 110ac. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- L’Ecole N° 41, Shaw
    • Vineyards- Candy Mountain(50ac.), Candy Ridge
  • CULTURE- 2020 AVA. Officially Established.

GOOSE GAP AVA.        @

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Pinot Gris
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- Washington, REGION-Columbia Valley AVA., COUNTY-Benton
    • In Yakima Valley AVA.,
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly”, +Altitude( ? mt.)
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, Soil-Series- ~Warden~
  • CLIMATE- “Continental”, +Diurnal Shifts(+40°Variation), +Rain Shadow Effect(Cascade Range)
  • VITICULTURE-  8,129 ac./ 1,800  ac. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- Goose Ridge
  • CULTURE- 2021- AVA. Officially Established.
    • ~Etymology~ Named After the Basalt Ridge Known as Goose Hill Which Dominates the AVA.

HORSE HEAVEN HILLS*AVA.     @Patterson

  • WHITE= Albariño, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Marsanne, Riesling, Rousanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon 35%, Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Carmenere, Garnacha, Malbec, Merlot, Mourvedre, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Syrah, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- Washington, REGION-Columbia Valley AVA., COUNTY-Benton
    • In Yakima Valley AVA.,(South), BORDERS-Yakima Valley AVA.(North), +Latitude(45.93°‘N’)
    • Sub-Zones- Patterson Ridgeline
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Terraced/ Plateau”
    • SLOPES/ Horse Heaven Hill(Anticline Range) +Altitude(200ft. to 1,800ft.)
    • GAP/~Walulua~, On~Columbia~River~, Located On Yakima Fold Belt.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”, +INFLUENCED/~Missoula Floods~
    • Alluvial, Wind-Loess, Sandy Loam Over Sand Over Flood Gravel, Basalt Bedrock
  • CLIMATE- “Continental” With “Desert” Influence
    • +RIVER EFFECT/~Columbia River~,  +Diurnal Shifts(+40°Variation), +Rain Shadow Effect(Cascade Range)
  • VINICULTURE- 35% White/ 65% Red
  • VITICULTURE– 570,000 ac./ 15,215 ac. Planted
    • Estate-Producers- Alexandria Nicole, Andrews(3,oooac.), Andrew Januik, Basel, Beresan, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Crest(E.), Canoe Ridge, Destiny Ridge, Double Canyon(E., 559ac.), Houge, McKinly Springs(E.), Mercer(2,oooac.), Passing Time, Robert Ramsey, Thurston Wolfe, Troths(1,300ac.)
    • Vineyards- Alder Ridge(1,125ac.), Andrew Hill, Alderveiw, Canoe Ridge(181ac.), Champoux, Coyote Canyon(1,oooac.), Desert Hills, Destiny Ridge“Estate”, Discovery, Gorgeous Destiny Ridge(267ac.), Gunselman, Lady Hawk, May’s Discovery, Martinez & Martinez, McKinley Springs, Mercer Canyon, Palengat, Phinny Hills, Summit View, Wallula, Zephyr Ridge
      • “The Benches” 37 Geologically Formed “Benches” Created by the Missoula Floods.Ranging From 560 Feet to 1,350 Feet In Altitude. From a Distance They Resemble a Series of Benches Stepping Up From the Columbia River.
      • Vineyards- 1 Vineyard, AKA= Wallula Vineyards 675 ac., 60 Blocks, 15 Varietals
        • Long Shadow
        • WHITE= Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling
        • RED= Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Docetto, Mourvedre, Malbec, Syrah
  • CULTURE- 2005- AVA. Officially Established
    • ~Etymology~ Cowboy James Kinney Named the Area “Horse Heaven” In 1857 Due to Its Flat, Wide Open Plateau.
    • PIONEERS– ~Willis Mercer~ Bought Land In the Area to Farm Sheep In 1886.
      • ~Don Mercer~ Willis’s Grandson, Planted First Vineyard In Area In 1972.
    • ASSOCIATIONS– ~Horse Heaven Hills Wine Growers~
      • Mission– Non-Profit Group of Grape Growers and Wine Makers Dedicated to Educating the Public About the AVA. and the Washington Grape Industry.

The BURN Of COLUMBIA VALLAY AVA. (Un-Official)       @

  • WHITE= Chardonnay
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Sangiovese, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- Washington, REGION-Columbia Valley AVA., COUNTY-Klickitat
    • West of Horse Heaven Hills
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly”, +Altitude( ? mt.), South-West Facing Bench Overlooking Columbia River
    • On~Rock Creek/ Chapman Creek~Tributary~Columbia River~(North)
  • CLIMATE- “Continental”, +WINDS~
    • +RIVER EFFECT/~Columbia River~, +Diurnal Shifts(+40°Variation)
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, Wind-Loess, Walla Walla-Silt Loam
    • +INFLUENCED/~Missoula Floods~
  • VITICULTURE- 16,870 ac./ 1,461 ac. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers-    
  • CULTURE- 2021- AVA. Officially Established

COLUMBIA GORGE* “North” AVA.    @Underwood

  • WHITE= Riesling 12%, Chardonnay 4%, Albariño, Chenin Blanc, Falanghina, Fiano, Gewürztraminer, Grenache Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Gris, Semillon
  • RED= Pinot Noir 47%, Tempranillo 2%, Abouriou, Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Negrette, Pinot Noir, St. Macaire, Syrah, Zinfandel
    GEOGRAPHY- Washington, In Columbia Valley AVA.(South-West), @Hw.#14/ #141

    • East of Portland-City(60mi.), +Latitude(45.72°‘N’)
    • TRANSITION-ZONE-BETWEEN-Willamette Valley and Columbia Basin, (40 Miles Wide)
    • BORDERS-Oregon(Laps/ South), 20 Mile Stretch from Hood River to Dalles.
    • SUB-REGIONS Of COLUMBIA GORGE
      • UNDERWOOD       LYLE
      • WESTERN GORGE      EASTERN GORGE
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley”
    • SLOPES/ Cascade Mountain Range(Western Cordillera Ranges/Columbia Hills), +Altitude(160ft. to 2,000ft.)
    • On~White Salmon/ Hood~River~Tributaries~Columbia~River~(North), Where River Dissects to Cascade Mountain Range.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”, Alluvial, Loess, (Above)Missoula Flood Deposits(Most)
    • Greatest Variety of Soil In Pacific North-West…31 Soil Series
  • CLIMATE- “Continental”,  +WIND~ ~Howlers~
    • Western– Wet, Green   |   Eastern– Dry, Golden
    • +RIVER EFFECT/~Columbia River~,  +Diurnal Shifts(+40°Variation)
  • VITICULTURE- 381 ac. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- Aniche Cellars, Ascendente, Cascade Cliffs(23ac.), Cloud Cap, Cor Cellars(E.), Demi Anni, Le Doubble Troubble, Gorge Crest, Illusion, Jacob Williams, Hawkins(E.), Jacob Williams, Klickitat, Marshalls, Maryhill, Major Creek, North Shore, Pouillon, Salilo, Savage Grace(E.), South Hill(E.), Syncline*(E.), Tetrahedron, Teutonic, Underwood Mountain, White Salmon, Willow Wine, Wind River, Ziegler
    • Vineyards- Alder Ridge, Acadia, Atavus, Bacchus, Celilo, Chukar Ridge, Cloud Cap“Estate”, Coyote Canyon, Crooked Acres, Crystal Pheasan, Dampier, Demi Anni“Estate”, Dionysus, Energeia, Eventyr(7ac.), Flume, Gorge Crest“Estate”, Goose Ridge, Hogback Ridge, Jewett Creek, Lamonti, Oak Ridge, Pear Blossom, Sagemoore, Scorched Earth(9ac.), Step Creek Range, Waving Tree, White Salmon“Estate”
  • CULTURE- 2004- AVA. Officially Established.
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Columbia Gorge Winegrowers Association~
      • Mission~ To Promote the Recognition of the Columbia Gorge Wine Region and Foster Fellowship Among Members, For the Advancement of Gorge Wineries and Vineyards.
    • **Refer to “OREGON/ Columbia Valley North” For Additional Information.

WALLA WALLA VALLEY* “North” AVA.    @Walla Walla

  • WHITE= Chardonnay 15%, Chenin Blanc, Gewütztraminer, Grenache Blanc, Muscat(Orange), Piquepoul Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Roussane, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon 38%, Merlot 18%, Syrah 17%, Cabernet Franc 6%, Malbec 4%, Aglianico, Barbera, Dolcetto, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- Washington(South-East), REGION-Columbia Valley AVA.(South), @Hw.#12
    • COUNTY-Walla Walla, BORDERS-Oregon(Laps 40%/ South), +Latitude(46.06°‘N’)
    • 60% of Land Acres Are In Washington, But 57% of the Vineyards Acres.
    • Sub-Zones/ Districts- AIRPORT, DOWNTOWN, EASTSIDE, OREGON, SOUTHSIDE, WESTSIDE
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Bowl/ Valley(Walla Walla)”
    • Minimum Elevation 400ft./ Maximum  2,000ft., Grapes +Altitude(500ft. to 1,500ft.)
    • TOPOGRAPHIC FEATURES
      • SLOPES/ Palouse Mountains/ Blue Mountains
      • On~Walla-Walla/ Snake~Rivers~Tributary~Columbia~River~
      • Basin 30-Miles Wide Running East-West Across Valley, Vineyards Are Found Along the River Plain and Stretching Up Into the Foothills.
      • Wallula Gap- Area Where Walla Walla and Columbia Rivers Converge.
      • Palouse Formation- Gentle Rolling Hills Formed Tens of Thousands of Years Ago From Wind Blown Dust and Silt/ Loess.
      • Touchet Formation/ Touchet Beds- Large Distinct Quantities of Layered Loess, Gravel and Sediment That Overlay Volcanic Basalt In South-Central Washington and North-Central Oregon. The Touchet Formation Originally Formed at the Confluence of the Touchet River and Walla Walla Rivers.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”, +INFLUENCED/~Missoula Floods~
    • Valley Floor- Wind-Deposited Silt/Loess, Over Missoula Flood Sediments.
    • Foothills- Thick Wind Deposited Silt/ Loess, Over Basalt Bedrock.
    • Flood Plains of Walla Walla River- Basalt Cobblestone Gravels
    • Slopes In Foothills/Canyons- Thin Wind-Deposited Silt/ Loess Over Basalt Bedrock.
      • Soil Series-  –Alpowa Series–     –Anderly Series–     –Lakesol Series–
        • –Lost Creek Series–     –Walla Walla Series–     –Freewater Series–
  • CLIMATE- “Continental” With “Desert”, Influence, Coolest, Wettest/ Columbia Valley
    • Rain Fall/ Precipitation is Localized and Varies Across Walla Walla Valley.
    • CHALLENGE– ~Frost~ Runs Like Water and Pools In Lower Locations.
    • +Diurnal Shifts(+40°Variation)
  • VITICULTURE- 130.630 ac./ 2,940 ac. Planted, 57% Washington/ 43% Oregon
    • Estate/ Producers- Amavi, Bledsoe(370ac.), Browne, Canoe Ridge, Charles Smith, Cougar Crest, Dusted Valley, Eritage, Gramery Cellars, Horsepower, Kerloo, L’Ecole*, Kontos, Leonetti, McClellan, Mullan Road(Cakebread), Northstar*(E.), Pepper Bridge(E.), Reininger, Reynvaan, Seven Hills, Sleight of Hand, Stones Speak, Tertuilia, Va Pinao(E.), Walla Walla Vintners, Waterbrook, Woodward Canyon(E.), Zerba
    • Vineyards- AMaurice(13ac.), Abeja, Aria, Bergen Springs, Braden Heights, Blue Mountain, Caprio, Cockburn Ranch, Les Collines, Davidson, Deux Soldants, Dwelley, Double Bridge, Elevation, Eritage“Estate”, Ferguson, Fiddleneck(4ac.), Figgins“Estate”, Fjellene, Funk, Goff, GH-!, GH-2, Golden Ridge, High Contrast(3.5ac.), Hors Categorie(2.5ac.), Jex, Kenny Hill, Loess, Maria Glen, McClellan“Estate”, Mill Creek Upland, Minnick Hills, Mission Hills, Moonlight Drive, Morrison Lane, Myles Anderson, Northstar“Estate”, Orchard, Octave, Los Oidos, La Paciencia, Patterson, Pellet, Pepper Bridge“Estate”, Pheasant Run, Powerline, Resurgent, River Rock, RockBar, Los Rocosos, Saviah Cellars, Sconni(7ac.)Seven Hills, SJR, Skysill, Southside, Southwind(67ac.), Spring Valley, Stan Clarke, Stones Speak“Estate”, Stoney Vine, Sur Echalas(2ac.), Taggart, Tamarack, Tokar, The Tribe(3ac.), Va Piano“Estate”, Walla Faces, Waterbrook, Wheatfield, Whistling Hills, Woodward Canyon“Estate”, Yellow Bird, Yellow Jacket
    • Long Shadow Vintners(Collaborations)
      • Sequel/ Syrah (John Duval/ Penfolds)
      • Poet’s Leap/ Riesling (Armin Diel/ Nahe)
      • Chester-Kidder/ GSM. Blend (Gilles Nicault/ Rhone Valley)
      • Pedestal/ Merlot (Michel Rolland/ Bordeaux)
      • Pirouette/ Blend (Philippe Melka/ Bordeaux/ Napa Consultant)
      • Saggi/ Super Tuscan (Giovanni Folonari/ Tuscany)
      • Feather/ Cabernet Sauvignon (Randy Dunn/ Napa)
  • HISTORY
    • 1850’s- @Walla Walla– First Vines Planted.
    • 1977- @Walla Walla– Leonetti Cellars Becomes First Commercial Winery.
    • 1981- @Walla Walla– 1978 Woodward Cabernet Sauvignon Wins Best Wine In America Award.
    • 1984- AVA. Officially Established.
  • CULTURE- ~Etymology~ Walla Walla is the Native American Name For “Place of Many Waters.”
    • PIONEERS~ ~Founding Fathers of Walla Walla~ Modern Post-Prohibition Starts In Late 70’s.
      • ~Rick Small~ @Woodward Canyon   |   ~Casey McClellan~ @Seven Hills
      • ~Gary/ Nancy Figgins~ @Leonetti    |   ~Gordy Venneri~ @Walla Walla Vintners
      • ~Baker/ Jean Ferguson~ @L’Ecole   |   ~Dr. Myles Anderson~
      • ~Alex/ Jeannette Golitzin~ @Quilceda Creek
    • PIONEERS~  ~Italian Immigrants of Walla Walla~ First to Plant Grapes In Valley In 1850’s.
    • AGRICULTURE~ History of Wheat, Sweet Onion and Apple Production.
    • ASSOCIATIONS~  ~Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance~
      • Mission~ To Build an Internationally Acclaimed Walla Walla Valley Wine Brand Among Consumers, Media and Trade by Providing Marketing Programs On Behalf of Member Wineries, Vineyards, and Partners.
    • ACADEMICS~ ~Walla Walla Community College~
      • Specialization~ Enology & Viticulture Degree Program
  • **Refer to OREGON/ Walla Walla “South” For Additional Information.

LEWIS-CLARK VALLEY AVA.     @Clarkson

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling
  • RED= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- Washington(East), In Snake River Valley AVA.
    • Area Surrounding Lewiston & Clarkson, BORDERS- Idaho(Laps/ 72%)
    • Near Washington/ Oregon/ Idaho “Tri-Border”
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling” “Canyon & Bench-Lands”, +Altitude(960ft. to 1,100ft.)
    • On~Clearwater~River~Tributary~Snake~River~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”, Alluvial, Wind-Loess
  • CLIMATE- “Continental” With “Desert” Influence
    • +RIVER EFFECT/~Snake River~,  +Diurnal Shifts(+40°Variation)
  • VITICULTURE- 81 ac. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- Clearwater Canyon Cellars, Colters Creek
    • Vineyards- Arnett, Rock ‘N’ J, Wasem
  • CULTURE- ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Lewis & Clark Valley Wine Alliance~
    • 2016- AVA. Officially Established

**Refer to “BIBLIOGRAPHY/ SOURCES” For Details On Scholarly Works Referenced”

 

**Yakama Images Courtesy of “Delong Maps”, Purchase Wine Maps at Delongwine.com

**Columbia Gorge Images Courtesy of Delong Maps, Purchase Maps at Delongwine.com

**Walla Walla Images Courtesy of “Delong Maps”, Purchase These Maps at Delongwine.com

**Refer to “BIBLIOGRAPHY/ SOURCES” For Details On Scholarly Works Referenced”