Touring and Tasting in Wine Country

Winery hopping in the Yakima Valley is an unforgettable journey of delightful discovery. Acrossthis sun-soaked region, magnificent vineyards, trellises laden with rich grape varietals, lie in the same latitude as the great wine producing regions of France.

Local vintners invite you to savor their prized harvests and collect their hand-crafted, award-winning wines.

Anchoring the 30 plus labels are Chateau Ste. Michelle, whose Grandview, Washington winery is the oldest operating facility in the state and dates back to the 1930's; Hogue Cellars, whose first vinifera grapes were planted in 1974; and Washington Hills, an historic landmark where special events take place year around.

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.

Mineral-rich soil and entrepreneurial spirit have created a wine- growing culture serious about its product but festive in its presentation. Whether a major producer or limited production, the character each vineyard portrays is as varied as the regions' varietals. Each is tremendously fun to experience.

The best tour strategy is to meander down Interstate 82 with your Yakima Valley Wine Tour Mapin hand. Pick half a dozen places or more to explore.

You'll encounter family members in the tasting room delighted to recommend best varieties for regional cuisine. You'll learn about the winemaking process and traditional wisdom of barrel or bottle-aging wines. Local winemakers are happy to discuss the fine distinctions between each grape, each harvest and each bottling. They will offer advice on how long to store a particular wine in your home cellar or what to use in cooking.

The Yakima Valley WineGrowers Association recommends visiting the Valley during their annual special events. For the truly delectable indulgence, attend the Red Wine and Chocolate festival every President's Day Weekend for sumptuous chocolate confections coupled with a wonderful red wine. Spring barrel tasting is the last full weekend of April. (Who said it had to be poured from the bottle?) A truly fine way to celebrate Thanksgiving is sampling newly released wines in the grand tradition hosted by every winery in the region during this holiday weekend. A stomping success every year is the crush season festivities in September.

For a list of wineries visit Yakima Valley Wineries