Walla Walla

Wine Country Region

Sip your way through Washington’s vineyards.

With long, sun-drenched days and more than 300 wineries, Washington’s Wine Country Region offers a stunning natural setting for sipping award-winning wines straight from the source.

Located east of the Cascade Mountains, this region stretches from south-central to southeast Washington and is home to some of the country’s best syrahs, merlots, cabernet sauvignons, and chardonnays.

About Washington Wine Country

East of the Cascades, hilltop wineries overlook pristine lakes, dormant volcanoes stand tall over lush vineyards, and acres of vines rise from mineral-rich soils.

Washington’s Wine Country Region covers multiple AVAs, including the Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley, Yakima Valley, Red Mountain, Rattlesnake Hills, Horse Heaven Hills, and Naches Heights.

While Washington wines have garnered international attention, the Wine County Region remains friendly and unpretentious, dotted with charming small towns and budding metropolitan areas with their own art and dining scenes. Due to its agricultural roots, visitors to Wine Country can also enjoy amazingly fresh produce from local farm stands.

When it comes to beverages, wine isn’t the only star of the show. In the Yakima Valley, visitors will find an emphasis on craft beer made with local hops. It’s easy to responsibly sample some of the area’s brews thanks to a hop-on-hop-off shuttle.

Scenic vistas and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities also abound in Washington Wine Country. The region boasts 300 days of sunshine, making the area a year-round destination. Visitors can take to the Columbia, Snake, and Yakima rivers and find myriad spots to bike, hike, swim, and fish. Due in part to the climate, golf is one of the area’s most popular sports. Wine Valley Golf Club in Walla Walla was designed by architect Dan Hixson in the shadow of the Blue Mountains and tops many golfers’ bucket lists.

Major events and festivals celebrate everything from wine and beer to produce and music.

Major Destinations in Washington Wine Country

Whether you base yourself in the Yakima Valley, Tri-Cities, or Walla Walla, you’ll be perfectly positioned to discover the region’s many attractions. Each area offers plenty of amenities for visitors and easy access to vineyards and tasting rooms.

Tri-Cities

Located in the heart of Washington’s Wine Country Region, the Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland) is nestled at the confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers. These waterways provide outstanding outdoor recreation, majestic natural beauty, and irrigation for world-class wineries. The Tri-Cities is situated in the thick of Washington’s 20 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), with more than 200 wineries within a one-hour drive. AVAs such as Red Mountain, White Bluffs, and Goose Gap are all easily accessible from the Tri-Cities and provide three distinctive profiles for those looking to get to know Washington wine.

Walla Walla

Situated in the southeast, Walla Walla boasts 130+ wineries stemming from a huge range of varietals. Wineries and tasting rooms are spread, with 45+ tasting rooms available in the city’s charming downtown. The city, which is home to Whitman College, is also perfect for foodies. Visitors will find everything from fine dining and casual fare to dessert bars and food trucks, all with a local twist.

Yakima Valley

A lush agricultural region, the Yakima Valley area boasts fresh produce and plenty of wine tasting opportunities, with more than 90 wineries and five AVAs within 70 miles. In addition to wine, the area is known for craft beer made with local hops. In fact, the valley produces about 75% of the country’s hops, making it a perfect base for wine and beer lovers alike.

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