One of the most exciting up-and-coming wine regions in the USA is the Columbia Valley AVA in Washington State. While it has been recognized for some time, the region’s wines are gaining increasing acclaim and attention, particularly in recent years. Columbia Valley encompasses a diverse range of terroirs and is home to more than 99,000 acres of vineyards, producing a broad variety of wines, from bold reds to crisp whites. The Columbia Valley AVA contains several smaller AVAs, including Walla Walla Valley, Horse Heaven Hills, and my favourite, Red Mountain.
Columbia Valley wines have been racking up awards at major wine competitions such as the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the Wine Spectator Top 100, and the Decanter World Wine Awards. Wineries like K Vintners, Chateau Ste. Michelle and L’Ecole No. 41 have received recognition for their exceptional wines, further elevating the region’s profile. Whether you’re a fan of rich reds or complex whites, Columbia Valley wines offer a reputation for quality that makes it an exciting area to watch in the coming years.
The Columbia Valley in Washington State has firmly established itself as one of the most promising and award-winning wine regions in the United States. Stretching across the southeastern part of the state, this region benefits from a unique combination of geography, climate, and soil that makes it an ideal location for viticulture. The valley is defined by its semi-arid climate, with warm, sunny days and cool nights, a pattern that helps preserve acidity while allowing grapes to reach optimal ripeness. This climate, paired with diverse soil types, creates a wide range of growing conditions that enable the production of top-tier wines, from bold reds to refreshing whites.
Considering red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are standout varietals in the Columbia Valley. The region’s warm days allow for the slow ripening of these grapes, resulting in wines that are rich in dark fruit flavours, with layers of spice, tobacco, and well-integrated tannins. K Vintners, one of the top wineries in the area, has earned acclaim for its Syrah, with its deep, complex profile that showcases the true potential of the Columbia Valley. Additionally, Merlot and Malbec thrive here, producing wines with rich, smooth textures and flavours that reflect the sun-soaked vineyards and varied microclimates. These red wines have been recognized at prestigious competitions and have become favourites among collectors and connoisseurs.
Here are a few reviews that I have done of K Vintners wines in the recent past:
K Vintners The Creator 2020 – 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Syrah. This wine has a medium-plus intensity translucent garnet colour. Light meaty, red berries and a touch of capsicum aromas. Light body, dry with a silky smooth mouthfeel. Red berry flavours along with a touch of nutmeg. Light pepperiness. Medium length with a touch of black tea leaves and nutmeg on the finish. Light tannins. A quality wine with a light touch. 
K Vintners Royal City Syrah 2020 – Medium intensity translucent garnet colour in the glass. Light berry fruit aroma with a hint of bbq sauce. This wine is dry, light body with a lean, mineral mouthfeel. Red fruits and a touch of bbq sauce on the palate. Medium acidity and light tannins. Tasty.
K Vintners Golden West Pinot Noir 2020 – Clear, medium-plus intensity garnet colour. Deeper aromas of leather, licorice, and red cherry aromas. Medium-plus body, lean with dark fruit, red fruit, some sweet spices and candied cherries plus pepperiness on the finish. Intense flavours with a lean mouthfeel. Also picked up some herbaceous notes. Medium intensity firm tannins. A muscular wine. Atypical for Pinot Noir.
White wines from Columbia Valley are equally noteworthy, with Chardonnay and Riesling leading the way. The region’s cooler nights and the influence of the Columbia River allow for a longer growing season, which results in wines with bright acidity and refined elegance. Columbia Valley Chardonnays are known for their balance, offering a mix of ripe fruit flavours, such as apple, pear, and citrus, alongside a subtle oak influence. Chateau Ste. Michelle is one of the region’s largest and most established producers that consistently delivers outstanding examples of both Chardonnay and Riesling, with the latter often displaying a beautiful balance of sweetness and minerality. As more wineries experiment with emerging varietals and unique terroirs, the region’s white wines will continue to gain acclaim for their finesse and complexity.
Here are a few Columbia Valley white wines I reviewed in the recent past:
Janiuk Cold Creek Chardonnay 2020 – Medium lemon colour. Light citrusy and vanilla aromas. Medium body, smooth and round with lower acidity. Vanilla, sweet spices, melon, citrus rind and toasty flavours. 
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Valdemar Estates Chardonnay 2021 – Medium-plus intensity bright lemon colour. Lighter aromas of tropical fruit and butterscotch. This wine has a medium-plus body, smooth and buttery with a light mouthfeel, not quite mouth-filling. Tropical fruit and butterscotch on the palate plus medium-intensity oak. Medium acidity. Some pepperiness on the finish. Stylish.
Vin du Lac Winery Chardonnay 2021 – A light lemon colour. Light ripe stone fruit aromas. Dry, medium-plus body with a soft mouthfeel. Medium acidity and light toastiness. Pears and vanilla flavours.
With each vintage, the Columbia Valley’s wines are consistently earning top honours and attracting attention from wine enthusiasts and critics around the world. The region’s growing reputation reflects not only its quality but also its commitment to sustainable farming practices and innovative winemaking techniques. As new wineries emerge and established producers refine their craft, Columbia Valley is poised to become an even more prominent player on the global wine stage. Whether you’re a fan of bold reds or crisp whites, this dynamic region offers wines that are well worth discovering and enjoying for years to come.
If you are in the Vancouver lower mainland, you may want to attend the Vancouver International Wine Festival as the theme country is the USA, featuring these Washington state wineries:
Aquilini Wines
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
Tirriddis Sparkling Wines (makes fabulous sparkling wines)
