Wines : Yakima Valley (AVA)

-Washington State's first federally-recognized appellation; includes more than 40 wineries.
-Contains 11,000 vineyard acres (4,452 hectares), over one third of Washington's vineyards.
-Most widely planted grape is Chardonnay, followed by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
-Riesling and Syrah represent significant acreage, with Syrah in particular on the rise.
-Silt-loam soils predominate.
-190 day growing season with annual precipitation of approximately 8 inches (20 cm).

(www.washingtonwine.org)