Washington's wine making history began in 1825 in Fort Vancouver, by the early 1900s there were grapes being grown all over the state. Immigrants from France, Italy, and Germany pioneered the very first vineyards. The interest in the region grew despite Prohibition, and by 1938 there were 42 wineries located throughout the state. Recently the growth and fame of Washington State has been expanding rapidly. There are now over 650 wineries in the state, and the wine business in Washington generates more than $3 billion to the state economy. Washington State wine is now available in all the US states and is exported to almost 50 countries worldwide.
There are currently 11 AVAs in Washington: Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley, Yakima Valley, Puget Sound, Red Mountain, Horse Heaven Hills, Wahluke Slope, Columbia Gorge, Rattlesnake Hills, Snipes Mountain, and Lake Chelan. Three of these have boundaries which overlap into Oregon.
The regions planted have the ideal landscape and weather conditions for growing quality wine grapes. Phylloxera has not managed a foot hold in the state, and therefore most of the vines are planted on their own rootstocks; this leads to healthier plants and more consistent quality. The grapes themselves are also an ever expanding paint-box of flavors, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Merlot make up the standard assortment of popular varieties; but Washington is home to innovative growers who successfully produce Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Barbera, and Nebbiolo among others.
