Columbia Valley
The Columbia Valley spans most of eastern Washington and a slice of Oregon, producing roughly 99% of Washington wine. Hot, dry, sun-drenched summers paired with very cold winters yield deeply colored, structured reds — Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah lead — alongside ripe Rieslings and Chardonnays. Red Mountain in particular has built a reputation for tannic, age-worthy Cabernet at Napa-rivaling quality.
Signature grapes
Defining styles
Famous appellations
- Walla Walla Valley
- Red Mountain
- Yakima Valley
History
The first modern plantings were in the 1960s and 70s by growers including Walter Clore. Chateau Ste. Michelle, founded 1934 and reborn postwar, anchored commercial production. Walla Walla Valley emerged in the 1980s and 90s as a quality leader; Leonetti, Woodward Canyon, and Cayuse helped define it. The state passed 1,000 wineries around 2018, almost all in the Columbia Valley.