Columbia Valley
The Columbia Valley spans across most of the eastern portion of Washington state, and spills across the Columbia river into Oregon. The appellation is defined by mountain ranges to the North, West and South, and by the Columbia, Snake and Yakima rivers. Much of the area is considered a desert, making irrigation almost a necessity. The region is faced with hot days and extremely low temperatures at night.
Cabernet Sauvignon is prominently planted in the area, but the short growing season imbues a grassy flavor that is unappealling to the American palate. Chardonnay and Merlot are more successful, with many a winegeek favoring Washington Merlot over other American Merlot. Cabernet Franc, Limberger, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Viognier are also planted here in lesser quantities.
Columbia Valley contains four AVAs: Columbia Gorge, Red Mountain, Walla Walla Valley and Yakima Valley.
Location
United States → Washington → Columbia Valley
Appellation Type
American AVA
Wineries (21)
Badger Mountain
Barnard Griffin
Cañon de Sol
Canon del Sol
Charles Smith Wines
Chateau St. Michelle
Columbia Crest
Ex Libris
Gamache Vintners
Grand Estates
House of Independent Producers
Magic door
Oakwood Cellars
Pacific Rim
Pedestal
Poet's Leap Winery
Powers Winery
Preston
The House of Independent Producers
Woodward Canyon Winery
Zahlman