![]() Pinot Noir, Rousanne, Sangiovese, Sémillon, Malbec, Mourvèdre, Müller-Thurgau, Muscats – assorted, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer Additional VarietiesĪligoté, Barbera, Chenin Blanc, Cinsault,ĭolcetto, Grenache, Lemberger, Madeleine Angevine, Both of these wine regions were truly spectacular Vino con Vista Destinations!ĭue to increased demand for cooler-climate wines, sites like Lake Chelan, Snipes Mountain, and especially the Columbia Gorge have seen increased plantings across a wide range of varietals.Īt wineries like Vin du Lac in Lake Chelan, they focus primarily on Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Riesling and Gewurztraminer. I visited the Lake Chelan Wineries on my way to British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley wineries in Canada. Many of the wineries in the Lake Chelan appellation (a sub-appellation of the Columbia Valley AVA) leave their doors open year-round. Lake Chelan is the 11 th AVA (American Viticultural Area) in Washington State.ĭesignated as an official American Viticulture Area (AVA) in 2009, Lake Chelan offers a one-of-a-kind wine tasting experience featuring wineries hugging the shores of a breathtaking lake. Consistently ranked as one of the most pristine waters in the United States, at 1,486 feet, Lake Chelan is the third deepest lake in the nation. Lake Chelan’s 50-mile length acts as a natural conduit between the rugged mountain peaks up-lake and the lush, fertile down-lake valley. This beautiful region is located in north central Washington and now offers more than thirty wineries. The relatively cool climate of the gorgeous Lake Chelan Valley is unique in Washington because most of the wine comes from much warmer wine growing regions. I love this overview of the many Washington’s Wine Regions that I have visited including: the Columbia, Lake Chelan, Walla Walla and Yakima Valleys and some of their sub-appellations. Three of them share territory with Oregon State one is shared with Idaho. Washington’s 14th AVA – the Lewis-Clark Valley– is shared with Idaho. Located on approximately the same latitude (46ºN) as some of the great French wine regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy, Washington State wine country now includes 14 federally recognized American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), commonly known as appellations. Map of Washington highlighting Walla Walla County Washington Malbec wine from the Walla Walla Valley AVA Lower land costs in Washington have given grape growers and winemakers the freedom to experiment with different varietals and wine-making techniques. Napa grapes command very high prices so Napa concentrates on commercially-viable varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay. The cost of land in Napa Valley or the Willamette Valley is quite a bit higher than in Washington. Vineyard canopies can be controlled by irrigation management and grapes can fully ripen here, bringing complex fruit flavors, good acid levels and pleasing aromatics to Washington wines. The resulting dry climate combines with long daylight hours at this northern latitude to create prime wine-growing conditions in the lands of eastern Washington. Very little moisture reaches the east side of these towering mountains and a “rain shadow” effect keeps more than half of Washington State’s territory arid to semi-arid. ![]() ![]() The Puget Sound AVA/appellationis the only officially recognized wine region on the west side of the Cascades. Vineyards on the east side of the Cascades grow about 99% of Washington’s wine grapes, and 13 of the state’s 14 official AVAs/appellations are located here. This is where the bulk of the vineyards are located in Washington. The Cascade Mountains form a massive barrier, keeping the eastern portion of Washington state very dry. The number of Washington wineries has increased 400% in the last decade, creating a multi-million dollar wine-tourism industry. Washington is the second-largest producer of wine in the country (California is #1), across a wide range of styles and quality levels. Leading roles in this natural drama are played by verdant coastal ranges and the rugged Cascade Mountains. The dramatic beauty of the Pacific Northwest is legendary. A collection of L’Ecole 41 wines from Washington wine regions of Columbia Valley and Walla Walla ![]()
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