Appellations
Washington's American Viticultural Areas
The majority (99.5%) of Washington's vinifera grapes are planted east of the Cascade Mountains, which creates a “rain shadow,” holding back the storm systems from crossing over into the Columbia Valley. As a result, the area West of the Cascades received an average of 38 inches of rain per year, whereas the Columbia Valley averages only 7 inches. Dry, desert conditions result in warmer days and cooler nights, allowing for higher acidity and intense fruit flavors and aromas. The grapevines are ungrafted and thrive in the poor, volcanic, pre-phylloxera soils. Since they are not grafted onto American rootstocks as is the case in Europe and California, Washington vines are pure European vinifera, with exceptional varietal expression.
The Columbia Valley is the largest appellation in the state. This area makes up more than 60% of the state's total grape planting area, and includes several smaller AVA’s. Parts of three rivers – the Columbia, Snake and Yakima – are found in the Columbia Valley appellation.
Washington has 11 American Viticultural Areas (AVA) –areas determined to have distinct climates, soils and geographies - noted below with the years they were established.
1983 Yakima Valley
1984 Walla Walla Valley
1984 Columbia Valley
1995 Puget Sound
2001 Red Mountain
2004 Columbia Gorge
2005 Horse Heaven Hills
2006 Wahluke Slope
2006 Rattlesnake Hills
2009 Lake Chelan
2009 Snipes Mountain
To learn more about these regions, visit www.washingtonwine.org.