Blessed by nature with a rare combination of near-perfect wine grape growing conditions, the Yakima Valley lies just north of the 46th parallel in the same latitude as the great French wine producing regions.
Wine Country! Visit Yakima Valley's award-winning wineries
It’s no secret that the Yakima Valley Appellation consistently produces some of the finest wines on the West Coast. (Sorry, California!)
Welcome to Washington’s wine country. You’re in for some fine tastings and some spectacular views of the Valley as you explore the appellation, the first established in the state.
Blessed by nature with a rare combination of near-perfect wine grape growing conditions, the Yakima Valley lies just north of the 46th parallel in the same latitude as the great French wine producing regions.
The Valley is home to more than 40 wineries and over one-third of the state’s vineyards.
Long sun-drenched days, cool evenings in this desert climate, and mineral-rich volcanic soil yield bold, hearty, and luscious world-class wines.
It is in this environment that the skills and talents of the Valley’s winemakers have flourished in the crafting of award-winning premium varietal wines.
The foothills of the Cascade Mountains form the western boundary of the appellation with the area extending east to the Kiona Hills near Richland.
Its northern border follows the crest of the Rattlesnake Hills and the southern edge traces the 1,000-foot contour line along the Horse Heaven Hills to the Toppenish Ridge.
Interstate 82 forms a convenient route for visitors to tour the many wineries scattered throughout the Valley’s landscape, which offers a rich diversity of microclimates, rugged hillsides, and wetlands.
The sunny slopes of the Yakima Valley foothills provide the perfect growing conditions for producing intensely flavored, balanced and complex wines such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Syrah.