Columbia Valley

The Columbia Valley AVA is the largest wine region in the state, home to more than 40 wineries and producing more than 90 percent of Washington's wine grapes. This location, at approximately the same latitude as France's famous Bordeaux and Burgundy regions, partially accounts for Columbia Valley being so well-suited for producing premium wines.

The Grapes - The most widely known varietal in the Columbia Valley is Merlot, a grape considered by some as the source of the tastiest, best-balanced wine in America. The "king of red wine grapes," Cabernet Sauvignon, plus the white Chardonnay follow in production volume. Riesling, one of the original varieties planted in the state, and Syrah, one to the state's newest varieties, are also widely planted, amongst others.

Jancis Robinson writes, "From my first visit there in 1981, I've always been impressed by Washington State merlot. It just sort of jumped out of the glass at me. The wines are clean and sappy. A word that I often use to describe these wines is "confident." You just feel this is right: this is not an attempt at something, this is something."