Yakima Valley AVA

Yakima Valley is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located on a east-west axis in the nearly 75-mile long (121 km) by 22-mile wide (35 km) Yakima Valley landform centered around the Yakima River in south central Washington. The wineappellation was established as the nation's 28th and the state's initial AVA on April 4, 1983 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by the Yakima Valley Appellation Committee proposing a viticultural area named "Yakima Valley."

The approximately 699,520-acre (1,093 sq mi) Yakima Valley appellation cultivates more than 18,924 acres (7,658 ha) as the largest concentration of wineries and vineyards in the state. Nearly 40% of Washington's annual wine production is made from Yakima Valley grapes. The most widely planted varietals in the area are Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot gris, and Syrah. In addition to grapes, the Yakima Valley is also home to several fruit orchards growing apples, cherries, nectarines, peaches, pears and plums. The Zillah Fruit Loop driving tour around the town of Zillah explores the area's orchards and vineyards. The area is also home to nearly 80% of the US hop production. The Yakima Valley was ranked fourth in USA Today's 2025 10Best Wine Regions by its readers.
In 1984, Yakima Valley became a sub-appellation within the vast 11.5-million-acre (18,000 sq mi) Columbia Valley AVA.