Columbia Valley Wine Region

The Columbia Valley wine region has a unique beauty of continental and mediterranean climate, making it one of the premier wine regions in the world. The stunning scenery there is an integral part of its appeal to wine lovers. Always on the cutting edge, the wine industry of this region continues to take great strides while preserving its original essence. This region is a true gem of winemaking, boasting a spectacular climate and local grape varietals found nowhere else. Winemakers here have put in so much hard work and dedication which should be recognized, valued, and honored.

The Columbia Valley in Washington State has gained fame throughout the US for its top-notch Cabernet Sauvignons. This region is quickly becoming one of the most famous American wine regions due to its characteristic bold and rich flavors.

We are confident that you will be delighted with the exceptional wines from Columbia Valley that have made it a well-known destination for wine enthusiasts all over the globe. Explore our website for more information about what Columbia Valley Wineries have to offer. Start making plans for your holiday getaway and find details about Wine Tasting and Tours and taste the best Columbia Valley wines.

Where is the Columbia Valley Wine Region?

Spanning over a distance of 220 kilometers, Columbia Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) region stretches from the Canadian border to the northern side of Oregon. The Columbia Valley is shaped by the majestic Columbia River and consists of three distinct American Viticultural Areas, namely Horse Heaven Hills, Red Mountain and Walla Walla Valley. Here, vineyards benefit from the favorable climate and soil conditions to produce high-quality wines.

Unique Terroir of Columbia Valley Wine Region

The Columbia Valley appellation is a large area that has various microclimates and distinct characteristics. But, generally, the region's climate is described as having cold winters, dry and long growing seasons, as well as low humidity levels.

The sub-appellations of the Columbia Valley:

• Ancient Lakes AVA
• Red Mountain AVA
• Yakima Valley AVA
• Walla Walla Valley AVA
• Wahluke Slope AVA
• Rattlesnake Hills AVA
• Horse Heaven Hills AVA
• Snipes Mountain AVA
• Naches Heights AVA
• Lake Chelan AVA

The unique climate of the area helps to preserve the acidity and sugar levels in the grapes, resulting in Columbia Valley wines having a pleasant balance of flavors. The days are warm while nights are cool, allowing these essential elements to stay in harmony and provide a great taste. As the growing season comes to a close, the grapes reach their peak ripeness in the last four to six weeks. They usually stay on the vines longer than they do in California, allowing them to fully mature allowing the grapes to ripen, and mature can provide wines with desired tannin levels, aroma, and flavor. This helps bring out the best qualities in subsequent wines.

Early and late season frosts along with hard winter freezes are also one of the main environmental threats. Due to dry temperatures and sandy soils, phylloxera has not as of yet established itself in the area, so most vines are grown on their own rootstock in contrast to many other areas of the world.

The Columbia Valley AVA consists of soils like loess overlying gravel and slack water sediment, all sitting atop basalt bedrock. This special combination of soils is great for growing grapes due to their well-drained nature and diversity of soil types.

Located in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains, Columbia Valley has a continental climate with low precipitation. Irrigation is needed to grow wine grapes as only 150 mm-200 mm of rainwater falls on average each year. The irrigation and warm, dry climate give winemakers control over the grape development, leading to minimal vintage variation and superior quality wines. 

History of Columbia Valley wine region

In the late 1800s, the Columbia Valley was first established as a wine-producing region. This tradition of winemaking carried on through the 1930s when local winemakers explored and experimented with growing grapes in the area. It didn't become one of the leading centers for worldwide wine production until much later, in the 1980s. Columbia Valley wine region was established as AVA (American Viticultural Area) in 1984. 

Columbia Valley wine region has made a name for itself in the U.S. wine scene lately with wines from Walla Walla Valley; Horse Heaven Hills; the Red Mountains having been awarded 100-point Robert Parker ratings and other accolades. This has firmly established the region as one of the premier wine-producing areas in the country.

What is Columbia Valley Wine?

The Columbia Valley produces sparkling wine, dessert wine, and varietal wine. 

Almost all of Washington's wine grapes come from the Columbia Valley AVA. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most commonly planted variety, with Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling and Syrah in second place. However, over 30 other types of vinifera grapes are now being cultivated in this area as well.

The wines produced in the Columbia Valley are renowned for their fruit-forward aromas and flavors. Cabernet Sauvignon is known for having a unique flavor profile consisting of black cherry, cassis, and a hint of delicate herbaceous flavors. Merlots offer a delightful aroma and flavor of succulent red fruits like cherries, currants, and raspberries. Other subtle undertones of chocolate and mint may also be detected while tasting.

Columbia Valley Syrah wines have an array of aromas and flavors, from dark fruits like blackberries to blueberries; cranberries. Some Syrahs are also known for having less fruitiness and more savory undertones.

Chardonnays can have a range of aromas and flavors, depending on their origin. Expect notes of green apple, stone fruit, and tropical fruit to be present in a glass of this light-bodied wine. 

Riesling grown in colder climates tend to produce aromas and flavors of lime, lemon, and green apple while those in warmer settings usually feature stone fruits—particularly peach.

Other grape varieties of California Valley AVA:

Barbera, Black Muscat, Cabernet Franc, Carmenere, Chenin blanc, Counoise, Gamay Beaujolais, Gamay noir, Gewurztraminer, Grenache, Lemberger, Malbec, Marsanne, Morio Muskat, Mourvedre, Muscadelle, Muscat Canelli,Nebbiolo, Orange Muscat, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot blanc, Pinot gris, Pinot Meunier, Pinot noir, Roussanne, Royalty, Sangiovese, Sauvignon blanc, Semillon, Siegerrebe, Viognier, Zinfandel.

What Food to Pair with Columbia Valley Wine

1. Oregon Blue Cheese

Oregon Blue is a raw cow's milk blue cheese from the United States. The cheese is aged in Rogue Creamery's caves for at least 90 days. The texture is solid and buttery, with earthy and clean fragrances. Mellow, sweet, and buttery tastes with undertones of cream. 

There are veins of earthy blue molds on the interior. Oregon Blue has been manufactured since 1957 and has received multiple honors. It's best paired with a glass of Riesling or Pinot Noir from Columbia Valley.

2. Italian Salad with tomatoes and potatoes 

A traditional Italian salad with a great taste, Insalata di tonno e fagioli contains red onions, olive oil, salt, and pepper along with cannellini beans and tuna. It's a simple yet delicious combination of ingredients! It is delicious and easy to make; perfect as a side dish or lunch. For an enhanced taste, onions are thinly sliced and immersed in a bowl of iced water with salt. Leaving them to rest for an hour makes them more palatable and digestible.

The beans are seasoned with salt; pepper and sprinkled with olive oil, while the tuna is flaked over them for added flavor. After lightly frying the onion pieces, scatter them over the tuna. To finish off this simple salad, give it a drizzle of oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Roast Beef Dinner 

Roast beef supper is a classic British dish that is served as part of the Sunday roast. The most typical Sunday roast meat is beef, although the meal can also be cooked with duck, lamb, hog, turkey, and goose. The meat is usually seasoned with salt and pepper and covered in oil. 

It's occasionally seasoned with herbs like rosemary. After roasting, the beef is often sliced into thin slices and served with roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables, a thick sauce, and Yorkshire puddings. A roast beef supper is commonly accompanied by condiments such as English mustard and sauces based on horseradish.

Columbia Valley wines offer a classic blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre that provide robust tannin and ripe fruit notes. This makes them perfect accompaniments to rich beef dishes like roasted beef.

Places to visit in Columbia Valley AVA

1. Leavenworth, Where Mountain Adventure Meets Bavarian Charm

Leavenworth is a small Bavarian-themed town in the North-Central part of Washington state. It is known for its unique Bavarian charm and stunning views of the Cascade Mountains. This small, charming village is full of delightful shops and restaurants, interesting attractions, and plenty of outdoor activities to keep visitors and residents alike entertained. Check the Nutcracker Museum that has amassed a vast collection of objects dating back centuries. Waterfront Park is situated on the Wenatchee River and offers a natural habitat to ospreys and eagles.

From hiking and biking trails to river rafting, there is something for everyone in Leavenworth due to its proximity to ski areas and wineries, making it an ideal starting point for adventures.

2. Explore the Beauty and Culture of Astoria, Oregon: A Look into the Historic Port City

Astoria is a picturesque port city close to the Columbia River's entry point into the Pacific Ocean. It stands as the oldest settlement in Oregon and also holds the title of being the earliest American city located on the West side of the Rocky Mountains. The Fort has been rejuvenated to a historic park that stands out beautifully. Completely transforming the landscape, the Astoria-Megler Bridge between Astoria and Oregon is also renowned for its beauty. If you're looking for a stunning view of the whole city, Astoria Column should be your first stop. It's located atop a hill and has beautiful murals that capture the history & culture of this place. The panorama from up here is absolutely breathtaking. The Columbia River Maritime Museum is located in a beautiful waterfront building and delves into the city's past through captivating exhibits that portray its shipping, fishing and military history. A visit to the museum can be an incredibly enlightening experience. 

3. Discovering Hood River: Uncovering the Hidden Gems of Oregon's Most Beautiful Valley

Hood River, Oregon is a stunningly beautiful valley located in the Columbia River Gorge on the border of Washington and Oregon. This picturesque area is known for its sweeping views of Mount Hood, lush forests, and spectacular waterfalls. The valley has long been a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities like skiing, hiking, and fishing drawing visitors from around the world.

But Hood River has much more to offer than just outdoor recreation. The area is home to a vibrant community with plenty of unique museums, shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions for those looking for a unique experience. From local wineries to cultural centers, visitors can enjoy a bustling weekend.

Frequently Asked Questions