26 Nov An Unpretentious Wine Experience in the Yakima Valley

Where would you go if you wanted to go wine tasting in Washington State? Do you head to Woodinville, a tasting hub 30 minutes outside of Seattle but nowhere near vineyards? Or do you drive four hours to Walla Walla, known for its high-end boutique production of Bordeaux and Rhone varieties? Why not head two hours south of Seattle to Yakima Valley, Washington’s oldest AVA. Located in the south-central part of Washington state, Yakima Valley offers the Winetraveler an unpretentious wine experience. Check out the story I wrote for WineTraveler.com –Explore Yakima Valley: Top Wineries, Best Hotels, and Local Eats for a Perfect Wine Trip and start planning your trip!

Yakima Valley is a pioneer of winemaking in Washington State. It was established in 1983 as Washington’s first AVA. Many of Washington’s top wineries started here and many source grapes from here because of their versatility. Yakima Valley is home to more than 120 wineries, ranging from boutique family-owned operations to larger estates. A large AVA, Yakima Valley is home to several sub-AVAs, including Red Mountain, Rattlesnake Hills, and Snipes Mountain.

The climate in Yakima Valley is semi-arid with a long growing season of warm days and cool nights. The diurnal temperature swings result in wines that balance ripe fruit with refreshing acidity. The Cascade Mountains to the west create a rain shadow effect, resulting in low annual rainfall. The soils are diverse, consisting mostly of well-drained sandy loam and volcanic ash, with ancient flood deposits from the Missoula floods.

Due to its varied microclimates and soil types, Yakima Valley boasts a wide range of grape varieties. In addition to Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Riesling, there is also Chardonnay, Grenache, Viognier, and more. Yakima Valley is part of Washington’s agricultural heartland so in addition to all the vineyards you will see, you will also see lots of fruit orchards.

Unlike more commercialized wine regions, Yakima Valley offers a more personal and relaxed tasting experience. Driving through the Yakima Valley, surrounded by stunning views of Mount Adams and Mount Rainier in the distance, you will drive by apple orchards interspersed with vineyards. Many of the wineries are family-owned and operated and you will be greeted by the winemaker when you visit.

Some of the wineries you will visit and people you will meet:

Gilbert Cellars

Treveri Cellars

Fortuity Cellars

Hyatt Vineyards

Dineen Vineyards

Dichotomy Vineyards

Wautoma Springs

Martinez & Martinez

Tirriddis Spakling Wines

Purple Star Wines

For tips on wineries, dining, and accommodations, check out the full story I wrote for WineTraveler.com –Explore Yakima Valley: Top Wineries, Best Hotels, and Local Eats for a Perfect Wine Trip.