Yakima, Wash. — Oct. 20, 2015 — The Yakima Valley is often referred to as the backbone of the Washington State wine industry. It was the first appellation to be established in Washington State and it remains the most significant as outlined in a new study released by the Washington State Wine Commission.
The Yakima Valley Appellation is located in both Yakima and Benton Counties — which includes Red Mountain and Snipes Mountain sub-appellations — and is home to over 30% of the state’s vineyard acreage. The combined wine production of these areas in 2014 was 9.5 million cases, which represent 61% of the state’s total wine production.*
This region’s wine industry (wine production, tourism, and distribution) is responsible for more than 3,600 jobs, $151.7 million in labor income and generates business revenues exceeding $1.01 billion*.
“The Yakima Valley is a crucial player in the state’s wine industry,” says Steve Warner, president of Washington State Wine Commission, the government run agency that represents all wineries and grape growers in Washington State.
The Yakima Valley AVA, according to the study, is important to the industry due to its concentration (17,000 acres) of wine vineyards. The Valley is home to many smaller, high end vineyards planted and managed specifically for acclaimed wineries throughout Washington State. “Being close to the quality vineyards is the reason we added a winery and production facility in the Valley,” says David O’Reilly, owner and winemaker of Owen Roe Winery.
Yakima Valley’s quality grapes are shipped to winemakers throughout the state—and across state lines, especially to Oregon.
*Source: Economic & Fiscal Impact study of wine and wine grapes in Washington State, released August 2015.