Yakima River Valley Wineries

Horse-drawn plows first started breaking ground in the Yakima Valley more than 150 years ago. Although there are still native sagebrush and grasses on the driest and rockiest slopes in the region, much of the valley and the foothills are now covered with corn and wheat fields, hop yards, orchards, and vineyards.

In 1983 the Yakima Valley was recognized as the first appellation in Washington State. Since then, the region has gained recognition as a premiere wine-growing region, not only in the Pacific Northwest, but worldwide. Today, the Yakima Valley is in the midst of a wine renaissance. New vineyards are constantly being planted, and the area now produces half of the state’s wines and has more than 17,000 acres of wine vineyards.

Support for local wineries took a long time to build when apples were the only game in town, but after a quarter century of serious wine-making, the valley has embraced the wine industry as a tourism attraction and an economic generator. The Yakima Valley produces excellent reds, among them Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, and Syrah. Whites also do well here: Chardonnay, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Viognier, and, in cooler vineyards, Gewürztraminer, Chenin Blanc, and Riesling.

Apples and Grapes

Yakima Valley is at an agricultural crossroads. Apples are still the main crop of the region, but wine vineyards continue to multiply. Among the mistakes of the pioneering grape growers of the 1960s and ’70s was overplanting Riesling and Chenin Blanc, which proved hard to market. They compensated by grafting over their vines to more desirable varieties or by replanting. Today Yakima Valley Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, and Syrah are ranked among the world's best.

Yakima's Best Wineries

Stop at the Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center (Exit 34 off Interstate 82) to pick up a wine-tour brochure and winery map. Most are within a few miles of the freeway, and directional signs will help get you to them. Nearly all of Yakima's wineries are worth a visit, but here are four of our favorites.

Gilbert Cellars—Yakima

With a tasting room located in the heart of the historical district of downtown Yakima, Gilbert Cellars is close to fine dining and within walking distance of the Capitol Theatre and other attractions. Gilbert specializes in harder-to-find varieties such as Malbecand Mourvedre. Its Left Bank and Allobroges red blends are among its top sellers.

Hyatt Vineyards—Zillah

One of central Washington’s older and bigger wineries, Hyatt has always been well respected locally for its Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons. The winery is gaining some national attention for these and other varieties, such as its late-harvest Riesling. Hyatt enjoys a beautiful setting with spectacular views of Mt. Adams and the lower Yakima Valley.

Portteus—Zillah

Established in 1981, Portteus is one of the region’s oldest wineries, specializing in reds, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Petit Sirah, and Zinfandel, as well as red blends.

Kestrel Vintners—Prosser

Known for wines made from grapes that are stressed, to increase the intensity of their flavors, Kestrel Vintners produces several varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Viognier. Kestrel is located in the Prosser Port district near several other good Prosser wineries.