Wine region | |
Type | American Viticultural Area |
---|---|
Year established | 1983[1] 2020 Amended[2] |
Part of | Washington, Columbia Valley AVA |
Sub-regions | Rattlesnake Hills AVA, Red Mountain AVA, Snipes Mountain AVA, Candy Mountain AVA, Goose Gap AVA |
Growing season | 190 days |
Climate region | Continental, Region II, III[1] |
Precipitation (annual average) | 5.88–12.41 in (149.35–315.21 mm)[1][3] |
Soil conditions | Silt-loam over basalt bedrock[1][3] |
Total area | 708,782 acres (1,107 sq mi)[2][3] |
Size of planted vineyards | 53,480 acres (21,643 ha)[3] |
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[4] |
No. of wineries | 60[3] |
Wine produced | Varietal, Dessert wine, Sparkling wine, Meritage |
Yakima Valley is the first American Viticultural Area (AVA) established within Washington state, gaining the recognition on May 4, 1983. Within the vast Columbia Valley AVA, Yakima Valley appellation cultivates more than 53,000 acres (21,448 ha) giving the region 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.[5] Nearly 40% of Washington's annual wine production is made from Yakima Valley grapes.[6] 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.[5] In July 2024, the Yakima Valley was named best wine region in the U.S. by readers of USA Today.[7]