Yakima Valley AVA
The Yakima Valley AVA was the first American Viticultural Area established within Washington state, gaining the recognition in 1983. Part of the larger Columbia Valley AVA, Yakima Valley AVA is home to more than 18,000 acres (73 km2) of vineyards, giving the area the largest concentration of wineries and vineyards in the state. The most widely planted varietals in the area are Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot gris, and Syrah. Nearly 40% of Washington state yearly wine production is made from Yakima Valley grapes. In addition to grapes, the Yakima Valley is also home to several fruit orchards growing apples, cherries, nectarines, peaches, pears and plums. Around the town of Zillah, there is the Zillah Fruit Loop driving tour through the area's orchards and vineyards. The area is also home to nearly 80% of the US hop production.
| Wine region | |
| Type | American Viticultural Area |
|---|---|
| Year established | 1983 |
| Part of | Columbia Valley AVA, Washington |
| Sub-regions | Rattlesnake Hills AVA, Red Mountain AVA, Snipes Mountain AVA |
| Growing season | 190 days |
| Climate region | Continental |
| Precipitation (annual average) | 8 inches (20 cm)} |
| Soil conditions | Silt-loam |
| Total area | 708,710 acres (2,900 km2) |
| Size of planted vineyards | 18,580 acres (7,519 ha) |
| Grapes produced | Aligote, Barbera, Black Muscat, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chenin blanc, Gamay Beaujolais, Gewurztraminer, Grenache, Lemberger, Malbec, Marsanne, Merlot, Mourvedre, Muscat Canelli, Orange Muscat, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot gris, Pinot noir, Riesling, Roussanne, Sangiovese, Sauvignon blanc, Semillon, Syrah, Viognier, Zinfandel |
| No. of wineries | 60 |
| Wine produced | Varietal, Dessert wine, Sparkling wine, Meritage |