From the perspective of Matt Check, Head Winemaker and Co-Founder at Cellar Beast Winehouse, with over a decade of experience making Washington wines from Washington State fruit.
Washington State has a plethora of American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) that all have terroirs and microclimates that support a wide range of grape varietals, with over 55,000 acres of wine grapes currently growing. Cellar Beast Winehouse is dedicated to bringing Washington’s AVAs to life through our high-quality wines. While in the wine industry, I have enjoyed working with the best grapes from these areas and, most importantly, meeting the hard-working growers who make our prestigious wines possible. For all our wine enthusiasts, here’s a breakdown of the significant AVAs, their signature grapes, and the wineries leading the industry. Learn more about Washington State and other major wine regions in Wine Basics.
Columbia Valley AVA
The Columbia Valley AVA comprises nearly two-thirds of Washington’s vineyards and is the state’s largest AVA. Because of its warm, dry climate, high sunlight, and drainage, it is the best place to plant dense, aromatic varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Columbia Valley AVA's Famous Varietals
- Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes here because the prolonged harvest gives the grapes the maximum ripening time with natural acidity.
- Merlot, meanwhile, makes the most of the rich sandy loam soils in the Columbia Valley and develops a plump tanning and explosive fruit flavor.
Columbia Valley AVA's Famous Producers
Alongside Cellar Beast’s 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, which delivers a beautiful and complex display of Columbia Valley fruit, respected producers such as Chateau Ste. Michelle and Hedges Family Estate are known for their outstanding Cabernet Sauvignons from estate vineyards. Hedges also produces superb Merlot to emphasize the AVA’s luxurious textures.
Why Columbia Valley is a Great AVA
Cool nights maintain acidity, while hot days aid in sugar growth. The cool nights of the Columbia Valley keep the flavors ripe while delivering a refreshing and structured wine quality.
Yakima Valley AVA
As Washington’s original AVA, Yakima Valley is as historical as diverse. Three sub-AVAs—Rattlesnake Hills, Snipes Mountain, and Red Mountain—help set the valley apart for its premium wine.
Yakima Valley AVA's Famous Varietals
- More extraordinary sites, often at higher elevations, yield white wines with clean acidity and mineral flavors, such as Chardonnay.
- Lower-elevation warmer regions produce Syrah and spicy red blends such as Carménère, developing dark-fruit flavors and spice and meatiness in these stunning wines.
Yakima Valley AVA's Famous Producers
Cellar Beast’s 2022 Dark Angel Carménère-Petit Verdot shows Yakima Valley at its best with black raspberry, scorched poblano, and fluttering tannins. Others are Owen Roe (of the iconic Syrah) and K Vintners (of the bold, terroir-driven reds).
Why Yakima Valley is a Great AVA
Yakima Valley’s diurnal variations are vital. Warm days ensure concentrated, ripe fruit, while cool nights maintain acidity and freshness. Volcanic soils make perfect wines such as Dark Angel mineral, which helps add depth and texture.
“During last spring's visit to the Yakima Valley’s Pontin del Roza vineyard, I had the privilege of visiting the Miller family, who have lovingly tended their vines for generations. It was bud break, and the vineyard was alive with the energy of new growth—tiny green shoots emerging from their 47-year-old Carmenère vines. As we walked the vineyard rows, the Millers shared stories of how their meticulous care over decades has preserved this rare varietal in Washington. Before I left, they offered me clippings from those cherished Carmenère vines, a gesture of trust and connection that deeply moved me. Back at Cellar Beast Winehouse, those clippings serve as a tangible reminder of the shared passion and respect for the land that unites winemakers across regions. It’s moments like these that shape the way we craft wines, always honoring the story of the vine.”
Walla Walla Valley AVA
Walla Walla Valley, with its layers of soils and microclimates, is one of Washington State’s best AVAs. It extends from Eastern Washington into northeastern Oregon and produces some of the best Syrah and Merlot in the world.
Walla Walla Valley AVA's Famous Varietals
- Syrah usually features smoky, meaty, and olive flavors with intense dark fruit notes.
- Merlot is a favorite grape on the valley’s draining soils. It produces wine with velvety layers, dark fruit, cocoa, and spice notes.
Walla Walla Valley AVA's Famous Producers
On the Washington side of Walla Walla, we’ve got terroir-centric Syrahs from wineries such as Cayuse Vineyards. L’Ecole No. 41 still yields a beautiful Merlot that captures the valley's beauty.
Why Walla Walla Valley is a Great AVA
Rocks District has cobblestone soils that store and release heat, ripening, and concentrating flavors. These valley-wide daily variations in temperature help restore harmony, rebalancing acidity and creating wines with substance, body, and longevity.
Red Mountain AVA
Washington State’s smallest AVA is known for its gravelly soils, southwest-facing sun-bleached slopes, and vineyards above 1,100 feet (including Quintessence Vineyard). These characteristics lend themselves well to Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends.
Red Mountain AVA's Famous Varietals
- Cabernet Sauvignon delivers black fruit flavors, tight tannins, and a mineral-forward body.
- Bordeaux-inspired blends deliver energy, balance, audacity, and the glamor of France’s left bank.
Red Mountain AVA's Famous Wine Producers
Cellar Beast’s 2022 Midnight Archer, a Bordeaux-inspired blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carménère, and Petit Verdot, highlights Red Mountain’s bold wines: Col Solare, a collaboration between Chateau Ste Michelle, one of the region's largest producers, and Marchesi Antinori make sumptuous Bordeaux blends that display the AVA’s power and elegance.
Why Red Mountain is a Great AVA
The gravelly, rocky soils are incredibly draining and concentrate flavors and tannins in the grapes. Coupled with daytime temperature changes and ample sunlight, the result is wines of edgy fruit, vivid acidity, and good structure.
Candy Mountain AVA
Candy Mountain, an AVA since 2020, is one of Washington State’s smallest and youngest wine regions. This AVA covers about 815 acres, with gravelly soils, southwest-facing slopes, and dry, warm weather ideal for big-hearted reds.
Candy Mountain AVA's Famous Varietals
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Known for its dark fruit flavors, supple tannins, and rich, concentrated structure, this grape is ideal for Candy Mountain’s warmer temperatures.
- Merlot: The dry soils and ample sunlight create soft, supple wines with bold fruit and refined texture.
- Malbec: While less plentiful in Washington, Malbec excels here, producing deeply garnered wines of blackberry, plum, and spice.
Candy Mountain AVA's Famous Producers
In 2023, Cellar Beast Winehouse pressed their first grapes from Candy Mountain, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec, which will be released in 2025 and 2026. Other noteworthy producers include Kitzke Cellars, which makes estate-level wines that emphasize the AVA’s Bordeaux-like blend potential, and L’Ecole No. 41, which has used Candy Mountain fruit in its popular wines. These producers are helping Candy Mountain become the destination for high-end reds.
Why Candy Mountain is a Great AVA
The AVA’s southwesterly slopes receive as much sunlight as possible for fruit ripening. Gravelly soils provide excellent drainage, focusing on flavors and tannins. Warm days and cool nights guarantee fruity balance and acidity, yielding powerful, elegant wines.
Though small, Candy Mountain has quickly developed a reputation for great wines. As Cellar Beast Winehouse releases its next vintage and others join the fold from local producers, this AVA will be one of the most significant additions to Washington State’s wine landscape.
Horse Heaven Hills AVA
The Horse Heaven Hills is a vibrant AVA ripe for Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Petite Sirah, with wind stability, draining soil, and a warm climate along the Columbia River.
Horse Heaven Hills AVA's Famous Varietals
- Cabernet Sauvignon has big dark fruit, is hard-bodied, and is herbally complex.
- Petite Sirah makes deep red wines with concentrated fruit and a smooth texture.
Horse Heaven Hills AVA's Famous Producers
Cellar Beast Winehouse sourced Cabernet Sauvignon from Andrew’s Vineyard in 2022, and this is a wine of the AVA’s bravado. A Petite Sirah from Agape Vineyard will follow later. Quality producers such as Columbia Crest and McKinley Springs are the benchmark in this AVA.
Why Horse Heaven Hills is a Great AVA
Columbia River winds ease the disease burden and thicken grape skin, adding tannin and concentrated flavors. Good drainage and lots of sunlight mean Horse Heaven Hills offers wine production of strength, depth, and persistence.
Conclusion
The AVAs of Washington State represent growers' commitment, skill, and vision. Because of their devotion to quality, they are some of the most dynamic wine-growing regions in the world. At our boutique winery, we’re honored to collaborate with these talented farmers who give us winemakers inspiration by supplying us with the best fruit possible. We are so grateful for your daily work and passion. To more prolific and prolific growing seasons, thank you for everything! Cheers to Washington wine!
About the Author
Matt Check is the Co-Founder and Head Winemaker at Cellar Beast Winehouse, where he combines his extensive winemaking expertise with a passion for crafting unique, terroir-driven wines. With years of hands-on experience in the wine industry, Matt leads the Cellar Beast team on an annual trip to Washington wine country to meet with local growers and walk the vineyards, personally inspecting the vines that produce some of the nation's most celebrated wines. His dedication to understanding the nuances of each region and fostering relationships with growers ensures that Cellar Beast Winehouse remains at the forefront of quality and innovation. Matt’s deep connection to Washington’s vineyards brings a unique perspective to his exploration of the region’s exceptional wines.
