The Valley’s reputation for producing wines of superb
quality took root in 1977 when the first present-day
winery was established. In 1984, the region was federally
recognized as a unique American Viticultural Area
(AVA). It was the second Washington State AVA and
at the time, home to just four wineries and 60 acres
of vineyards.
As the number of wineries and vineyards continued
to grow, so did the camaraderie. Winemakers and growers
alike were all bound by a passion for the process,
a commitment to quality, and a mutual respect for
each other's unique visions. Today, more than 100
wineries are operating in the valley and more than
1,500 acres of vineyards have become part of the agricultural
landscape. Whether new or established, the members
of this community of artisan winemakers and growers
openly support each other in developing their own
styles. The result is a region with as much individuality
as goodwill.
The climate, soil, and conditions of the Walla Walla
Valley offer a special location in which to grow grapes
of superb quality. The northerly latitude of Washington
State provides an extended growing season with long
sunshine-filled days balanced by the cool evening
temperatures of our higher elevation. This temperature
variation allows the grapes to develop their flavor
and complexity slowly while retaining their natural
acidity. Soils of varying combinations of loan, silt,
loess, and cobbles delivered by a series of tremendous
floods thousands of years ago, offer perfect drainage.
Our position east of the Cascade mountain range limits
the amount of rainfall allowing growers to control
precisely the amount of water a plant receives through
irrigation. This combination of conditions makes this
appellation ideal for growing grapes. The community
and the setting make it ideal for creating and enjoying
the wines.
For further information, contact The
Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance. The Alliance
is a winery and grower organization committed to
furthering the awareness of the quality wineries,
wines, and vineyards of the Walla Walla Valley Appellation.
