We Are Talking Money Live dives into Washing Wine Industry.
The “father” of Washington’s wine industry. Dr. Walter Clore. In the past decade, the number of wineries has increased by 400%. It’s on the same latitude as French wine regions of Bordeaux and Burgandy. A common misconception is that Washington is all rainclouds. Columbia Valley receives 300 days of sunshine per year.
And even more shocking is that Columbia Valley averages only 6-8 inches of rainfall annually. They do have the Columbia River and plenty of snowmelt from the Cascade Mountains so supply water for agriculture. This means that in contrast to most wine regions, the vineyards are fed via irrigation.
Another climate feature of this region is going to be the extreme winds. The plant vines so that the wine can pass through and it actually reduces the presence of pests and fungus.
The largest amount of acres planted are filled with Cab and Merlot for reds and Riesling and Chardonnay for white. The soil is composed of silt/sandy so you’ll get a fruit-forward wine. For whites, you’ll have…. Lemon-lime APPLES – Washington is known for its apples so it’s no surprise on that tasting note.
Columbia Valley – this AVA was established in 1984 it’s found in eastern Washington State and some of Oregon. This represents 99% of Washington wine country.