Columbia Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) is the largest wine growing region in the state of Washington, covering more than a quarter of the state and even stretching to northern Oregon. It is named after the Columbia River, the 4th largest river in North America, which runs through it providing much needed irrigation. It’s location to the east of the Cascade Mountain Range creates a “rain shadow” where the cold air flowing inland from the Pacific Ocean forms rain clouds that dissipate once they reach the mountain peak, maintaining arid desert-like conditions on the vine growing areas. The continental climate with warm summer days and very cool nights result in wines that show ripe fruit aromas, supple tannins and balanced acidity. These conditions also allow for a great variety of wine styles, from sparkling, to whites, reds, rosés and sweet wines. Columbia Valley is home to more than 80 different grape varieties, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Riesling and Chardonnay being the most prominent.
Author: Maytte Rivera
