Yakima Valley

13 appellations — a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Appellation Details

Three geologic folds in the earth's crust (Ahtanum Ridge, Rattlesnake Hills and Horse Heaven Hills) set this appellation apart from the Columbia Valley, the larger appellation that houses the Yakima Valley. The southeastern edge of the valley follows the Yakima River into the Columbia River near the town of Kennewick, which provides an ample water supply to irrigate the semi-arid land. The Yakima Valley averages 5°F to 10°F lower temperatures than the rest of the Columbia Valley, allowing the grapes to maintain a higher acidity, which imbues the wines with greater structure. Yakima Valley is also home to the Red Mountain AVA, which resides in the southeast part of the valley.