The
Columbia Valley AVA (referred to locally as the Columbia Basin) is an
American Viticultural Area which lies in the
Columbia River Plateau, through much of central and southern
Washington State, with a small section crossing into the neighboring state of
Oregon. The AVA includes the drainage basin of the
Columbia River and its tributaries through much of Washington. Allen Shoup, president of Washington State's largest winery Chateau Ste. Michelle, understood the importance of obtaining appellation status for Washington State to grow the reputation of the vineyards. He hired Drs. Wade Wolfe and Walter Clore to petition the federal government for appellation status, a request that was granted in 1984. The Columbia Valley AVA is the largest
wine region in the state of Washington, including over , of which over are planted in
vineyards. The Columbia Valley AVA includes 99% of the total vineyard area planted in the state of Washington. Grapes grown here include
Cabernet Sauvignon,
Merlot,
Chardonnay,
Riesling,
Syrah,
Pinot gris, and
Sauvignon blanc.
Concord grapes and other
Vitis labrusca grapes are grown in the region as well. The unique climates of the area allow the Columbia Valley to produce wines that are very fruit-forward, like
California wine, but which also retain some of the balance and structure of
European wine.