Wines and Winemaking in the Walla Walla Valley

Wine grape cultivation and wine production have become important factors in the economy and environment of the Walla Walla Valley.Although the area is the most remote of all Washington State wine regions, the grape growing and winemaking industries are rapidly growing.A number of factors are contributing to this growth: ideal soil and climate conditions for grape cultivation, the participation of both experienced and up-and-coming winemakers in the local winemaking industry, and the increasing domestic and international renown of Walla Walla wines.In 1993, there were only five wineries in the Walla Walla Valley; today over twenty-seven are in operation.Similarly, vineyard acreage in the 280 square mile Walla Walla Appellation has risen to 800 acres in 1999, and projections for the next 10 years anticipate up to 20,000 acres will be in production.

This website is designed to provide general information about viticulture and enology as it pertains to the Walla Walla Wine Country.The following topics are covered:

Specific grape varieties of the Walla Walla Valley and the wines produced from them.

The cultivation of grapes.

The general process of winemaking.