Appellations
Established in 1984, Walla Walla Valley contains 120 wineries and more than 1,200 acres of vineyards. Cabernet Sauvignon is the leading varietal, though Merlot, Chardonnay and Syrah are also predominant in the area, along with Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese. Walla Walla Valley is comprised of loess derived soils, full of mineral rich loam, silt and volcanic ash, has a growing season of 190 to 220 days and annual rainfall averaging 12.5 inches (32 cm) per year.
Covering 700 vineyard acres, Red Mountain was established in 2001 as the 5th AVA in Washington State. Primary varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. Red Mountain's soil is gravelly, allowing for increased aeration, with high levels of alkalinity and calcium carbonate. The growing season is 180 day with the average annual rainfall varying between 6 to 8 inches (15 – 20 cm).
The 570,000 acre Horse Heaven Hills contains 6,040 acres of vineyards and is home to at least 20 vineyards. Established in 2005, more than 20 grape varieties are grown with an emphasis on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Riesling, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Horse Heaven Hills can have up to thirty percent more wind than other regions in Columbia Valley and has dry, sandy and well drained silt loam soil. The average rainfall is approximately 9 inches (23 cm) per year.
Washington State's largest AVA is Columbia Valley, with more than 17,000 vineyard acres, 100 vineyards and 15 wineries. Established in 1984, Columbia Valley's primary varietals include Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot, with the latter being the most widely planted. The land's make-up of volcanic and sandy loam, along with wind-blown loess sediment soil offer excellent drainage. Annual rainfall is 6 to 8 inches (15 – 20 cm) and the growing season is 180-200 days.