Yakima Valley is Washington State’s oldest appellation and the country’s third federally approved wine-growing region right after Napa Valley. This 70-mile long valley contains over 17,000 producing vineyard acres, which accounts for over 25% of Washington’s vineyards. The region proudly produces over half of Washington’s wine grapes and supports a large number of winemakers in the Pacific Northwest. Yakima Valley is actually a sub-appellation of Columbia Valley that also has nested appellations including Red Mountain, Snipes Mountain, and Rattlesnake Hills.

This region is known to have a variety of cooler sites as well as hot sites. The sunny hills of the valley make for the perfect growing conditions for producing intensely flavored and balanced, yet complex wines. Silt-loam soils predominate allowing proper drainage necessary to keep vine’s growth under control. A 190-day growing season is seen with annual precipitation of just 8 inches, allowing grapes to mature fully every year. Of the most planted varieties are Chardonnay, Riesling, and Merlot, respectively. Also in the top five are Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

Washington wines are known for their plush, vibrant fruit flavors that are balanced by natural acidity. Yakima Valley red wines typically have a soft tannin profile with an orange aroma and flavors.

Latah Creek’s connection with Yakima Valley began back in the 1980’s, but was sporadic each year. In 2010 when we first started producing the Pinot Gris, is we consistently harvested grapes from this AVA every year. The desire for another dry white wine other than Chardonnay elicited a wonderful varietal that has become one of our most popular wines.

Cheers,
Natalie