Columbia Valley Appellation - established 1984

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Touring Washington/Oregon

About the Columbia Valley

The Columbia Valley is Washington's largest viticultural region, covering almost 11 million acres (4,451,700 hectares) representing a full third of Washington State's land mass.

The Columbia Valley's northernmost boundary is near the Okanogan wilderness, bordering Canada, and its southern border extends into Oregon and east along the Snake River to the Idaho border. The western border of the appellation follows the Cascade Range to the beginning of the Columbia Gorge.

More than 17,000 vineyard acres (6,880 hectares) of wine grapes are planted and there are approximately 16 wineries. Columbia Valley's vast size allows for a number of meso and micro-climates.

Vineyards planted on predominately south-facing slopes, Merlot is the most widely planted varietal, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Riesling and Syrah are also planted in significant quantities. The growing season consists of 180-200 days with annual rainfall averaging 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm).

The Columbia Valley contains Red Mountain, Horse Heaven Hills, Rattlesnake Hills, and both the Yakima and Walla Walla Valleys within its borders. The Columbia Gorge and Puget Sound AVAs are the only appelltions in Washington that fall outside of its borders.

About the South Columbia Valley

Off the beaten tourist route, the north Columbia Valley has not been a prosperous location for wineries, although grape growing in the Wahluke and Royal Slopes continues successfully. Two wineries are still open in this area,
providing pleasant stops to break up the long drive to Spokane, or for those hunting, fishing or camping trips in the Potholes area near Moses Lake.

Several large vineyards can be found in this area -- vineyards growing wine grapes for some of the Yakima Valley wineries and for wineries in Spokane and the Tri-Cities area as well.

 

Appellation Maps

Columbia Valley