Yakima Valley AVA

Yakima Valley is the first American Viticultural Area (AVA) established in Washington state on April 3, 1983 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by the Yakima Valley Appellation Committee to propose a viticultural area named "Yakima Valley." The area petitioned is a valley centered around the Yakima River in south central Washington. The Yakima Yalley geographically is nearly 75 miles (121 km) long and 22 miles (35 km) wide at its widest point and encompassed approximately 665,600 acres (1,040 sq mi). Currently within the vast Columbia Valley AVA, the Yakima Valley appellation cultivates more than 53,000 acres (21,448 ha) giving the region the largest concentration of wineries and vineyards in the state. The most widely planted varietals in the area are Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot gris, and Syrah. Nearly 40% of Washington's annual wine production is made from Yakima Valley grapes. In addition to grapes, the Yakima Valley is also home to several fruit orchards growing apples, cherries, nectarines, peaches, pears and plums. Around the town of Zillah, there is the Zillah Fruit Loop driving tour through the area's orchards and vineyards. The area is also home to nearly 80% of the US hop production. In July 2024, the Yakima Valley was named best wine region in the U.S. by readers of USA Today.