Columbia Valley Wine Travel Guide Wine Region Guide

Exploring Columbia Valley: Washington's Wine Country

Nestled in the heart of Washington state, the Columbia Valley AVA is a premier wine-growing region known for its diverse terroir and exceptional vintages. This vast area covers nearly a third of the state, offering visitors a unique blend of scenic beauty and world-class wineries.

Towns and Villages

The Columbia Valley boasts several charming towns that serve as gateways to wine country:

• Walla Walla: A historic town with a vibrant downtown and over 120 wineries
• Tri-Cities (Richland, Pasco, Kennewick): The heart of Washington wine country, offering urban amenities and easy access to vineyards
• Yakima: Known for its fruit orchards and wineries, with a mix of rural charm and city conveniences
• Prosser: A small town with a big wine scene, home to numerous tasting rooms and the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center

Wine Producers

Columbia Valley is home to some of Washington's most renowned wineries:

• Chateau Ste. Michelle: Washington's oldest winery, offering tours and tastings in Woodinville
• L'Ecole No 41: Located in a historic schoolhouse in Walla Walla, known for its Bordeaux-style blends
• Quilceda Creek: Produces highly-rated Cabernet Sauvignons, with a tasting room in Snohomish
• Columbia Crest: Large-scale producer with a wide range of wines and a beautiful tasting room in Paterson

Accommodations

The region offers a variety of lodging options to suit different preferences:

• Marcus Whitman Hotel (Walla Walla): A luxurious historic hotel in the heart of downtown
• Cave B Inn & Spa Resort (Quincy): Offers clifftop views of the Columbia River and on-site winery
• The Lodge at Columbia Point (Richland): Upscale riverfront hotel with wine-themed rooms
• Cherry Wood Bed, Breakfast and Barn (Zillah): Unique glamping experience with teepees and horseback winery tours

Dining

Columbia Valley's culinary scene perfectly complements its wines:

• The Marc Restaurant (Walla Walla): Fine dining with an extensive wine list at the Marcus Whitman Hotel
• Cafe Maryhill (Goldendale): Casual dining with panoramic views at Maryhill Winery
• Wine o'Clock Wine Bar & Bistro (Prosser): Farm-to-table cuisine and local wines in a cozy setting
• Budd's Broiler (Richland): Upscale steakhouse featuring local beef and an impressive wine selection

Wine Shops & Bars

Columbia Valley offers numerous spots to sample and purchase local wines:

• Cellar 55 Tasting Room (Vancouver): Features wines from multiple local producers
• Vintage Me (Walla Walla): Charming wine bar with a rotating selection of regional wines
• Barnard Griffin Wine Bar and Eatery (Richland): Combines wine tasting with small plates
• Wine Valley Tasting Room (Yakima): Showcases wines from smaller, boutique wineries

Other Shops

Complement your wine experience with local shopping:

• Cheese Louise (Richland): Artisanal cheese shop perfect for wine pairings
• Walla Walla Bread Company: Fresh-baked goods to accompany your wine tastings
• Chukar Cherries (Prosser): Local chocolates and cherry products
• The Oil & Vinegar Cellar (Walla Walla): Gourmet olive oils and vinegars

Attractions

Beyond wineries, Columbia Valley offers diverse attractions:

• Columbia Gorge Discovery Center (The Dalles): Learn about local history and geology
• Maryhill Museum of Art (Goldendale): Unique art collection with stunning river views
• Hanford Reach National Monument: Diverse landscape for hiking and wildlife viewing
• Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center (Prosser): Educational exhibits on Washington's wine industry

Events

Time your visit with these wine-focused events:

• Spring Barrel Tasting (April): Sample wines directly from the barrel across Yakima Valley
• Walla Walla Wine Weekend (June): Citywide celebration of local wines
• Catch the Crush (October): Harvest festivities throughout the region
• Winter Barrel Tasting (December): Cozy wine tasting experience in Yakima Valley

Appellations

Columbia Valley encompasses several sub-appellations, each with distinct characteristics:

• Walla Walla Valley AVA: Known for bold reds, especially Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah
• Yakima Valley AVA: Washington's oldest AVA, producing a wide variety of grapes
• Red Mountain AVA: Small but mighty, famous for intense, tannic red wines
• Horse Heaven Hills AVA: Home to some of Washington's largest vineyards, known for Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape Varieties

Columbia Valley's diverse climate supports a wide range of grape varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot dominate red wine production, while Chardonnay and Riesling lead white wine production.

Other popular varieties include:

• Syrah
• Malbec
• Cabernet Franc
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Gewürztraminer

Main Wine Styles

Columbia Valley produces a range of wine styles, reflecting its diverse terroir. Bold, full-bodied reds from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot showcase ripe fruit flavors and firm tannins.

Crisp, aromatic whites like Riesling offer refreshing acidity and stone fruit notes. Chardonnay styles vary from unoaked and fresh to rich and buttery.

Food Specialties

Columbia Valley's culinary scene complements its wines perfectly. Fresh seafood from the Pacific Northwest pairs well with local white wines.

Other regional specialties include:

• Washington apples and cherries
• Artisanal cheeses
• Locally-raised lamb
• Wild mushrooms

Drives & Walks

Explore Columbia Valley's scenic beauty through picturesque drives and walks. The Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway offers stunning views of basalt cliffs and the winding river.

For hiking enthusiasts, try:

• Badger Mountain Trail in Richland
• Horse Heaven Hills in Prosser
• Chamna Natural Preserve in Richland

Itineraries

3-Day Wine Tour

Day 1: Start in Walla Walla, visiting L'Ecole No. 41 and Woodward Canyon. Enjoy dinner at Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen.

Day 2: Head to Red Mountain AVA, tasting at Col Solare and Fidelitas. Lunch at The Kitchen at Barnard Griffin.

Day 3: Explore Yakima Valley, stopping at Owen Roe and Treveri Cellars. End with dinner at Crafted in Yakima.

Getting There & Around

The Columbia Valley is easily accessible by car from major cities like Seattle and Portland. Fly into Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) in Pasco for convenient access to the wine region.

• Rent a car for flexibility in exploring vineyards
• Book a wine tour for a worry-free tasting experience
• Use rideshare services in larger towns like Walla Walla

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) offer ideal weather for wine tasting and outdoor activities. Avoid peak summer heat in July and August.

• Spring Barrel Tasting (April)
• Fall Release Weekend (November)
• Harvest season (late August to October)

Sustainability Efforts

Columbia Valley wineries are increasingly adopting sustainable practices. Look for LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) certified wineries.

• Water conservation techniques
• Use of solar power in wineries
• Organic and biodynamic farming practices

Language Tips

English is widely spoken throughout the region. Familiarize yourself with common wine terms to enhance your tasting experience:

• Terroir: The environmental factors influencing grape growth
• AVA: American Viticultural Area, a designated wine grape-growing region
• Tannins: Compounds in red wines that create a drying sensation

Further Resources

Enhance your Columbia Valley wine experience with these resources:

• Washington State Wine Commission
• Visit Tri-Cities
• Visit Walla Walla
• Download the Washington Wine App for interactive maps and tasting notes