Columbia Valley Wines

Columbia Valley straddles state lines, with some in Oregon but the vast majority in Washington State. It is a huge region covering a third of Washington and houses nearly 100% of all vineyards there. The Cascade Range acts as a blocker from Pacific weather, creating a desert-like climate with hot summers that is coupled with long hours of sunshine in the growing season. Climate change has become a real concern in parts of the Valley, and winegrowers are seeking cooler and cooler sites at altitude or with windier exposures.

Being such a large region, it has several sub-AVAs to mark out areas of quality and different features, of which Yakima Valley, Red Mountain, Horse Heaven Hills, Wahluke Slope, Rattlesnake Hills and Walla Walla Valley are the best known.