Region · Washington, USA
Columbia Valley
kuh-LUM-bee-uh
Desert vines, long light
Washington State's irrigated desert: Cabernet, Syrah, Riesling, and a growing reputation for structured, site-specific reds.
- cassis
- sagebrush
- cherry
- smoke
- citrus
Walla Walla, Red Mountain, Horse Heaven Hills, and Yakima are AVAs with real personalities. The Columbia Valley is the umbrella. Long summer days and cold nights give ripe tannin and surviving acid — a Bordeaux-shaped climate with American fruit.
Riesling from here can be outstanding and cheap. Syrah is the somm favorite.
Steak, lamb, and salmon (yes, both).
At the table
Service
Reds 61–64 °F (16–18 °C); Riesling 45–48 °F (7–9 °C).
