Wine Yakima Valley

04/10/2023

03/02/2023

During the 1980s the Yakima Valley experienced a boom in the planting of new vineyards and the opening of new wineries.

These included Hogue Cellars and Covey Run, both established in 1982, and Chinook Wines in 1983.

Image: Yakima Valley AVA founder Kay Simon, Chinook Wines

01/02/2023

More remarkable vineyards came into being during the following decade. Mike Sauer planted his first three acres of Cabernet Sauvignon at in 1973.

Forty years later, grapes from Red Willow’s 140 acres supply many of America’s finest winemakers. At almost the same time, in 1975, John Williams and Jim Holmes started with a dozen acres at Kiona on Red Mountain. Today, both and neighboring Ciel du Cheval supply fruit to Washington State’s top wine labels.

Image Red Willow Vineyard

30/01/2023

Today’s Yakima Valley wine landscape likely emerged in 1962, when Associated Vintners purchased a 5.5-acre site near the town of Sunnyside.

It was recommended by the pioneering Bridgeman for its elevation – above frosts along the floor – and the south-southwest-facing slopes that take advantage of Eastern Washington State’s sunshine. This became the Harrison Hill Vineyard, which is now farmed by the for .

27/01/2023

Following the hiatus of Prohibition, Bridgman opened Upland Winery and initiated some of the earliest varietal labeling for American wines.

Scientific support for viticulture, or the craft of grape growing, began in the Yakima Valley as early as 1917. That same year a 200-acre plot of near the city of Prosser was designated as an agriculture research site.

This facility hired Dr. Walter Clore, who initiated grape plantings that proved vital to the ascent Washington State wine industry.

Image of George Carter, Paul Portteus and Walter Clore.

25/01/2023

Celebrating 40 years as the PNW's first AVA.

The first grape vines in the are credited to a French winemaker named Charles Schanno, who in 1869 planted cuttings taken from the famous Hudson’s Bay Company trading outpost at nearby Fort Vancouver. But it was not until the very early 20th century that Seattle attorney William B. Bridgman pioneered the modern wine industry in the Valley. Many of the vineyards established across the region during this time were planted from Bridgman’s own vine cuttings.

https://www.historylink.org/file/5275

24/01/2023

On March 23, 1983, the Yakima Valley appellation was officially designated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, To***co, and Fi****ms. It was the first American Viticultural Area (AVA) in Washington State, and the only recognized AVA north of California at that time.

Just four wineries operated in the new appellation: Vineyard and Winery, Hinzerling Winery, Yakima River Winery, and Tucker Cellars. But some of our region’s finest vineyards were coming on stream in those years, including the now-famous Boushey in 1980, Klipsun in 1984, and many more.

Image: Kiona Vineyard

23/01/2023

Join us in celebrating 40 years as the first AVA in the Pacific Northwest.

In early 1983, the federal government designated the Valleyava as the first winegrowing appellation north of California.

Across the following four decades, the Yakima Valley wine industry has consistently justified its status as the “first growth” of Washington State.

From the earliest vintages until today, the Yakima Valley has grown more wine grapes for Washington wineries than any other appellation. Simultaneously, it has cultivated most of the best wine in the region, since award-winning wineries from Woodinville to Walla Walla to the Willamette Valley have grown to greatness through their use of Yakima Valley grapes.

You can read more by clicking on the link in our bio.

13/01/2023

Meet the Winemakers! Yes, it’s easy to meet the folks behind the wine in wine country (+ the vineyard managers, + the assistant winemaker, + the winery dogs, + the owners—you get the idea).
Before you leave the tasting room, take a good long look around the bar. You might just be rubbing elbows with the winemaker in no time! The winemaking couple behind can be found hanging around their own tasting room

📸 Richard Duval Images

12/01/2023

09/01/2023

Forget what you've experienced elsewhere: indifferent tasting room attendants, high tasting fees, + too-crowded bars. Here in unstuffy Yakima Valley, expect an awesome glass of wine + some casual conversation (I promise, you'll make a few new friends by the end of the whites).

Richard Duval Images