Washington

Question 1

Where are most vineyards in Washington State are located?

Answer 1

The majority Washington State’s vineyards are located within the boundaries of the Columbia Valley AVA in the eastern part of the state.

Question 2

What is the name of the dominant wine company in Washington State?

Answer 2

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates

Question 3

Washington grows a wide range of grape varieties without one being particularly dominant. What are the top five most planted varieties?

Answer 3

Riesling
Merlot
Chardonnay
Cabernet Sauvignon
Syrah

Question 4

With reference to climate, weather, soils and topography, explain why Columbia Valley AVA might be suitable for the expansion of organic grape growing.

Answer 4

The climate is hot continental with low annual rainfall of approximately 150-250 mm of rainfall per annum. The region is arid, and desert like with free draining soils. The AVA is protected by the Cascade Range and there are many sloped sites which aid drainage. A combination of the climatic and topography factors mean high humidity is generally not an issue. Some of the biggest disease threats in viticulture come from fungal diseases which are greatly influenced by weather and high humidity levels such as downy and powdery mildew and botrytis. These diseases are not a huge risk in this AVA meaning that organic viticulture practices could be suitable without compromising the quality of the crop.

Question 5

What is Washington’s oldest appellation and the largest sub-appellation in the Columbia Valley AVA?

Answer 5

Yakima Valley AVA

Question 6

Which AVA is directly to the north of the Columbia River and the Washington-Oregon State border?

Answer 6

Horse Heaven Hills AVA

Question 7

Which AVA has some of the warmest and driest conditions in the state. All the vineyards sit on a gentle south-facing slope.

Answer 7

Wahluke Slope AVA

Question 8

Which AVA abuts the Blue Mountain foothills.

Answer 8

Walla Walla Valley AVA

Question 9

Which is the only AVA west of the Cascade Mountain range.

Answer 9

Puget Sound AVA

Question 10

Although most of Washington’s wines are sold within state, and export markets are limited, there are some mature export markets. Which are the top three mature export markets.

Answer 10

• Japan
• Canada
• UK