Columbia Valley

Columbia Valley is Washington’s largest wine-growing region, encompassing over a third of the state and spanning into Oregon. With diverse soils and microclimates, this AVA (American Viticultural Area) is ideal for growing a wide range of grape varietals, from bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon to aromatic whites like Riesling. Its proximity to the Columbia River moderates temperatures, helping to create balanced and expressive wines.

Thanks to its vast expanse, Columbia Valley includes several smaller, distinct AVAs, such as Yakima Valley, Walla Walla Valley, and Red Mountain. These subregions add depth and nuance to the broader region’s wine portfolio. Known for its exceptional quality and value, Columbia Valley has become a cornerstone of Washington State’s growing reputation as a world-class wine destination.

The Columbia Valley is named after the Columbia River that flows through it. The Columbia River is named for the Columbia Rediviva, a Boston-based ship captained by Robert Gray, who explored this river in 1792. The ship is where we finally get around to it being named after Christopher Columbus, of course. (“Columbus” itself is derived from the Latin word columba, meaning dove.)

Here are the wines I’ve tried from the Columbia Valley: