Walla Walla Valley
Columbia Valley
Straddling the Oregon-Washington border, Walla Walla has become one of America's most acclaimed wine regions. The deep loess soils, warm days, and cool nights produce world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah with richness and finesse.
The wines of Walla Walla Valley are made primarily from Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and other Columbia Valley varieties.
Vineyard Map
Climate
Protected by the Blue Mountains to the east, the valley experiences a rain shadow effect creating warm, dry growing conditions with significant diurnal temperature variation. The continental climate produces hotter days and cooler nights than western Washington appellations, extending the growing season while preserving acidity.
Terroir
The Walla Walla Valley sits atop Columbia River Basalt bedrock formed by ancient lava flows, overlain by deep Palouse loess deposits blown in during ice ages. The well-draining loess soils, combined with alluvial cobblestone deposits from the Walla Walla River, allow excellent drainage while the porous basalt substrate provides water retention at depth, encouraging deep root penetration.
Grapes of Columbia Valley
Frequently Asked Questions
What grapes grow in Walla Walla Valley?▼
What soils are found in Walla Walla Valley?▼
Map data: TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) · Imagery: Sentinel-2 cloudless by EOX IT Services GmbH (CC BY 4.0)