Yakima Valley Wine

In the same latitude as the great wine-producing regions of France, Yakima Valley wine country has become a prime destination for winemakers from throughout the world who come to craft widely acclaimed wines, earning consistently high scores from the major wine media.

With more than 650 wineries in the state, 100 of them are located in the valley’s four distinct appellations: Yakima Valley, Red Mountain, Rattlesnake Hills and Snipes Mountain.

In keeping with Washington wine country’s entrepreneurial spirit and down-to-earth character, you’re as likely winemakers or winery owners themselves serving, educating and entertaining visitors in local tasting rooms.

Yakima valley residents share their excitement for wine country with three annual celebrations and special wine country events throughout the year.

Yakima Wines and Wine Country

As Yakima Valley’s viticulture has matured over the last two decades and its winemaking prospered, many newer wineries have cropped up to quick acclaim. As the industry continues to grow, it is a must to come back and see which new wineries have joined this charming wine country. Today, the Yakima Valley boasts of more than 40 wineries and hundreds of vineyards within a 50-mile radius.

The best strategy to wine tasting is to meander down Interstate 82 with your Yakima Valley Visitors Guide in hand, or sign up for an unforgettable wine country tour. Pick half a dozen places or more to explore. You’ll often encounter winery family members in the tasting room delighted to recommend the best wine to enjoy with regional cuisine, talk about the winemaking process, or the traditional wisdom of barrel- or bottle-aging.