Daniel Schafer
Communications
national leader. Though the wine industry in the state has exploded over the last quarter century, it has been a part of Washington’s agricultural identity for much longer, with the state’s first winery opening in 1874 (For more on Washington’s grape and wine history, see this 2015 article from the Seattle Times). With a rich history and vibrant present-day community, Washington-grown grapes have earned a reputation for producing exceptional wines. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at what makes Washington-grown grapes so special.
Eastern Washington is recognized for premier grape cultivation, but they also grow on the west side
Central and eastern Washington are best known for grapes, and for good reason. More than 17,000 acres are dedicated to growing grapes in the Yakima Valley alone. This area is also home to more than 90 wineries that produce more than half of Washington’s wine grapes, according to Yakima Valley Tourism. But western Washington has been pivotal in the state's viticultural growth as well. This region is known for its cool maritime influence and, as Washington State University Viniculture and Enology tells us, is therefore ideal for growing grape varieties like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The temperate climate and well-drained soils have contributed to the success of these grapes, resulting in highly sought-after premium wines.
Washington State boasts a diverse range of wine regions, each with its unique characteristics. According to the Washington State Wine Commission, there are 20 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in Washington, encompassing an array of microclimates and soil types. Some of these AVAs share territory with our neighbors to the south and east. Columbia Valley, Columbia Gorge, and Walla Walla Valley overlap with Oregon, while Lewis-Clark Valley is split between Washington and Idaho. But regardless of which part of the state you’re looking at, from the renowned Columbia Valley to the emerging AVAs like Red Mountain and Horse Heaven Hills, each region offers opportunities to grow grapes and produce high-quality wines with distinct flavors, underscoring the importance of this sector of Washington agriculture.Want to learn more about Washington grapes? Check out this
episode of Washington Grown.
Impressive production numbers
As any winemaker will tell you, the synergy between grapes, soil, and sun is crucial. Washington's unique combination of volcanic, glacial, and sedimentary soils, coupled with abundant sunshine during the growing season, provides an ideal environment for grape cultivation. The Washington State Wine Commission explains that our state’s unique combination of climate and soils offers myriad opportunities for grape growers. What’s more “The state’s northerly latitude offers a growing season that sees up to 17 hours of sunlight a day during the summer, considerably longer than many other wine regions.”
The significance of Washington-grown grapes in the global wine market is underscored by the state's production statistics. According to the most recent Washington Wine Grape Production Report, Washington produced over 240,000 tons of wine grapes in 2022. While grape and wine production decreased slightly in Washington during the pandemic, 2022 saw levels rise to just below pre-pandemic levels. And while Washington may rank second to California in annual grape production by volume, the ongoing expansion of vineyard acreage mirrors the increasing demand for its exceptional grape varieties with a 34% increase in growth last year alone, according to Washington Grown Magazine.
Washington grapes are central to our agricultural identity
With its reputation for excellence in winemaking, Washington State continues to be a destination for wine enthusiasts and a key player in the American wine industry. So, the next time you raise a glass of Washington wine, remember the dedication and passion that goes into crafting these exceptional bottles from our very own backyard.