Wenatchee Valley Wineries

Located on approximately the same latitude (46° N) as some of the great French wines regions of Bordeaux and Burgandy, Washington State wine regions produce more wine grapes than any other state in the U.S., except California. Wine grapes are now the fourth most important fruit crop in Washington State behind apples, cherries and pears.
A variety of climates and soils combine along with the long summer sunlight hours of northern latitudes to create prime growing regions, predominantly in the valleys and on the hillsides of areas east of the Cascade Mountain range.

Two appellations in the Wenatchee area benefit from the huge "rain shadow" effect created by the Cascade Mountains - the North-Central Washington region (often referred to as the Columbia Cascade region) and the Lake Chelan region.

The resulting arid climate, combined with the long daylight hours of the growing season, make the lands of eastern Washington prime for wine grapes. Canopies can be controlled by irrigation management and grapes can fully ripen, developing complex fruit flavors, good acid levels and pleasing aromatics. Vineyards on the east side of the Cascades grow 99% of Washington wine grapes.

Source: www.winesnw.com
www.columbiariverwine.com
www.visitwashingtonfarms.com

See also Wine Tasting or Winery Tours