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Few experiences are more rewarding than driving through
Eastern Washington on a sunny day. The rolling hills
covered
in sagebrush, wheat fields and grape vineyards greet you under
an expansive blue sky.
Rocky mounds rise from the ground, hinting at the ancient
glaciers that
helped form the
land. To the west, the
Cascade Mountains stand guard, blocking the cooler, moist
climates of Western Washington and the Puget Sound. To
the north is British Columbia, separated from Washington
only by an arbitrary, political line. To the
south, the Columbia River dissects the land as it carves a
border between Oregon and Washington on its way to
Spring Valley
Vineyards,
the Pacific Ocean. And finally, to the east
rests the panhandle of
Walla Walla Valley
Idaho — the home of lakes, mountains
and forests. More beautiful boundaries do not exist.
It is within these boundaries that Washington State’s most
abundant wine country flourishes.
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Eastern Washington is home to four out of the state’s
five appellations: Yakima Valley,
Columbia Valley,
Walla Walla Valley and
Red Mountain.
From the Yakima Valley all the way to Spokane, grape vineyards
cover the landscape where apple orchards used to thrive. It’s
from these vineyards that some of the finest wines in the
world have emerged.
Eastern Washington
Terroir
Eastern Washington’s sunny, desert-like climate is
ideal for growing grapes. Annually, the region receives only
seven inches of rain, so many vineyards rely on irrigation
systems. In the winter, vines go dormant and store their
nutrients. In the summer, hot, sunny days followed by cold
nights allow the fruit to ripen on the vine while achieving
good acidic balance.
Along with the necessary viticultural climate, Eastern
Washington also possesses good soil for grape growing. The
soils in the region are generally volcanic in nature, forcing
the vines to struggle as they grow. Vines that have to work
harder are known for producing more intensely flavored
grapes.
But ideal conditions are only one part of the equation
in the making of fine wines. Vision, perseverance and
experience are also required. Eastern Washington’s wine
industry owes its success to many people – people who faced
significant challenges with determination, as they explored
the region’s potential.
A Rich, Statewide History...
Continued
on page 2
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In the
Spotlight
Eastern WA Terroir
Yakima
Valley
Looking Back...
Today's scene
Wineries Map
Nearby Lodging
Nearby Dining
Red Mountain
Looking Back...
Today's scene
Wineries Map
Nearby Lodging
Nearby Dining
Columbia
Valley
Looking Back...
Today's scene
Wineries Map
Nearby Lodging
Nearby Dining
Walla Walla Valley
Looking Back...
Today's scene
Wineries Map
Nearby
Lodging
Nearby
Dining
Wenatchee Valley
Looking Back...
Early Statewide Historic Roots
Pioneers of Eastern Washington's Wine Industry
Prohibition's Impact
Bad News... WWII and Fortified Wines
The Trail to Quality
Today's Wines |
