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A Bit About Washington Wines and AVAs

By VT Staff

Did you know that Washington State is the second largest wine-producing region in the nation? This figure has doubled in the past decade, making it the newest and fastest growing wine region in the country. The facts are, today, there are more than 300 grape growers, over 200 wineries, and it is a $2.4 billion industry for the state and employs more than 11,000 people.

Its northerly latitude provides an average of two more hours of sunlight during the prime-growing season, compared to California. Averaging 17.4 hours of daily sunlight, Washington's grapes ripen fully and the cool nights keep the fruits' natural acids high, creating richly flavored, well-balanced wines.

Washington State has seven major American Viticulture Areas (AVA's) as recognized and defined by the U.S. Treasury Department's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (strange bedfellows!). An AVA has unique climate, soil and physical features, which distinguishes it from surrounding areas. They are:

1. Yakima Valley. This was Washington State's first appellation, established in 1983. There are nearly 10,000 vineyard acres and more than 40 wineries. The top varieties produced are Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
2. Columbia Valley. The largest of Washington's appellations, Columbia Valley was established in 1984 and covers more than 16,600 vineyard acres with more than 25 wineries. Red Mountain, Yakima Valley and Walla Walla appellations all lie within its borders. The top varieties produced are Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Riesling.
3. Walla Walla Valley. Also established in 1984, this appellation covers more than 1,000 vineyard acres, more than 40 wineries and produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.
4. Red Mountain. A relatively new, highly acclaimed AVA's, Red Mountain was established in 2001, covers over 710 vineyard acres and more than 12 wineries. The top varieties produced include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.
5. Puget Sound. The only AVA in the Western part of the state, this AVA was established in 1995, includes approximately 80 vineyard acres and more than 35 wineries. The top varieties produced are Siegerrebe, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir.
6. Columbia Gorge. Established in 2004 and the newest of the approved AVAs, Columbia Gorge includes areas in Washington state and Oregon State. It sits obviously in the Southwestern corner of Washington, includes 4,432 acres with approximately 300 vineyard acres. This is an area to watch, and their primary grape varieties include Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Riesling and Pinot Gris.
7. Horse Heaven Hills (pending). This AVA is still awaiting approval but is expected this year. It is located south of Yakima Valley with approximately 6,040 acres of vineyards with 20 growers and five wineries. The primary varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc.

Washington state is producing fine, highly recognized wines for good reason. Although it is not on everyone's radar yet, there have been some significant purchases by both California and international winemakers of the Eastern Washington prime vineyards. Napa, look out!