Yakima Valley follows the Yakima River through a diverse part of south-central Washington.
Yakima Valley contains both relatively cool sites toward the Cascades and warmer sites nearer the Columbia Basin. The Yakima River and aquifers provide irrigation water. Silt-loam soils over gravel or basalt reflect the region’s geological history. Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are documented plantings. Smaller AVAs, including Red Mountain, provide a more detailed geographical reference inside Yakima Valley and the larger Columbia Valley.
Regional facts reviewed 12 September 2026. The planting examples below are documented varieties, not an acreage ranking or a complete vineyard census.
Grapes planted here.
Classifications.
- American Viticultural Area (AVA)
Inside the region.
Sources and local evidence.
- Established American Viticultural Areas (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau). Official AVA names, states, county membership and containment only; geographical boundaries do not establish grape varieties.
- Yakima Valley AVA (Washington State Wine Commission). AVA-specific geography, climate, soils and documented grape varieties; current promotional rankings and acreage percentages omitted.
More from here: every wine region in USA, or the wider Columbia Valley guide.
