Discover the Yakima Valley, the heart of Washington Wine Country

Washington’s unique soil, climate, and growing conditions produce excellent grapes, which in turn make excellent wine!  This site will help you navigate the almost 400 wineries in existence in Washington State.  Whether you’re trying to choose which region to visit, planning an extensive wine tasting trip, or just interested in learning a little bit more about wine, and how to pick a great bottle, you’ll find everything you need to know on EverythingYakima’s wine guide.

The Yakima Valley is considered the heart of Washington’s wine country.  Yakima’s central location also makes it an excellent “home base” from which you can visit many of the state’s wine destinations in easy day trips.

To plan you trip, view our listings of Wineries in the Yakima Valley and Wineries in the Tri-Cities area . You can also view all the wineries in each appellation by clicking on that area's name in the "A.V.A's" section below.

This guide is divided into four sections: 

• Washington’s geologic history, the timeline of the state’s wine industry development, and current American Viticultural Areas, also known as AVAs or appellations.
• How wine is made – a little knowledge of the grape growing and wine making process, including fortified and sparkling wines, will enhance your appreciation of Washington’s wines. 
• Appreciating wine – want to know what all that swirling, sniffing, and swishing is all about?  You’ll find out here!  Also, check out our tasting etiquette page and pronunciation guide.
• Glossary and trivia – this section will help you understand the terms used to describe wine and the wine making process.

Washington's American Viticultural Areas (A.V.A.s) 

• Yakima Valley - 11,000 acres in production, established 1983
• Columbia Valley - 16,600 acres in production, established 1984
• Walla Walla Valley - 1,000 acres in production, established 1984
• Puget Sound - 80 acres in production, established 1995
• Red Mountain - 700 acres in production, established 2001
• Columbia Gorge - 400 acres in production, established 2004
• Horse Heaven Hills - 6,000 acres in production, established 2005
• Wahluke Slope - 5,000 acres in production, established 2006
• Rattlesnake Hills - 1,227 acres in production, established 2006

Some statistics 

• Wineries in Washington State in 1981: 19
• Wineries in Washington State in 2004: 300+
• Wine grape Acreage in 1981: Less than 5,000
• Wine grape Acreage in 2004: 30,000
• Leading Red Varietals: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Sangiovese
• Leading White Varietals: Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Viognier
• Total Retail Value in 2002: $725.4 Million
• Total Wine Production in 2002: 17 Millions + Gallons
• Average Summer Sunlight: 17.4 Hours Per Day
• Annual Rainfall: 6"-12" in Eastern Washington, 36"-48" in Western Washington