Location:
The Walla Walla Valley AVA, a sub-appellation of the larger Columbia Valley AVA, sits at the base of the Blue Mountains and stretches from the southeast corner of Washington, across the Columbia River and into the northeast corner of Oregon. Although a vast majority of this AVA's wineries currently reside in Washington, almost half of the winegrowing acreage lies on the Oregon side.
The Numbers:
In total, there are 70 wineries, 52 vineyards, 1,200 vineyard acres. Within Oregon: one winery, 572 vineyard acres and 31 vineyards.
Wine History:
Grape growing in this area dates back to the 1850s when Italian immigrants began planting vines and making wine. In 1950, the Pesciallo Family established Blue Mountain Vineyards, the first post-prohibition winery. They grew Italian varietals including Black Prince but ultimately closed their doors. It was in the 1970s that the region's pioneer winemakers of today began producing wine commercially, with a more concerted effort on the Oregon side within the last 20 years. The appellation became official in 1984.
Climate:
Washington and Northern Oregon's northern latitude position means long sunshine-filled days balanced by cool evening temperatures of the higher elevation. This temperature variation allows the grapes to develop their flavor and complexity while retaining their natural acidity. The appellation lies east of the Cascade Mountain Range, which limits the amount of rainfall to an annual 12.5 inches, allowing vintners to perfectly manage the plants through irrigation.
Soils:
Walla Walla Valley soils come in varying combinations of well-drained loam, silt, loess and cobbles brought by a series of massive floods (dubbed the Missoula floods) some 15,000 years ago.
Topography:
East of the Cascade Mountain Range, this area sits at the foot of the Blue Mountains, with vineyard elevations typically ranging from 650 feet to 1,500 feet.
Predominant Varieties:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Viognier, Dolcetto, Grenache, Malbec, Nebbiolo
While you're here:
Downtown Walla Walla offers a plethora of quaint places to lay your head, as well as top-notch, market-fresh restaurants, historic architecture, and a rich arts community. On the Oregon side, Walla Walla stretches into the town of Milton-Freewater near the edge of the Wallowa Mountains in Eastern Oregon. This beautiful mountain range, which is often referred to as the Alps of Oregon, offers plenty in the way of year-round activity, from snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to fishing at Wallowa Lake. In the nearby town of Joseph, Ore., are a number of bronze foundries and art galleries, in addition to restaurants, cafés and bed and breakfasts.

Resources for Visiting Walla Walla Valley
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