Yakima Valley
Located in the southern center of the State, just across the spectacular Cascade
Mountains a few short hours from the metropolitan areas of Seattle and Portland. The Yakima Valley
Appellation was established in 1984, it was the first in Washington State. Silt-loam soils predominate.
The valley has a 190 day growing season with annual rainfall of around 8 inches. The Rattlesnake Hills
AVA was established March 26 2006 the location is within the Yakima Valley; thus making separation a
bit difficult.
The City of Yakima is the business and commercial hub of Central Washington, serving a populace of
about a quarter of a million people.
There are more than forty wineries in the valley with over 10,000 vineyard acres. The most widely
planted grapes are Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Although Riesling and especially
Syrah are increasing in popularity among growers
The wineries of Yakima Valley