YAKIMA -- Several wineries and vineyards are trying to garner federal recognition for a wine-grape growing region northwest of Yakima.
Harlequin Cellars, NHV Winery and Wilridge Winery all own vineyard land in the Naches Heights area. They say the areas unique climate and soil deserve special recognition as an American Viticultural Area.
The proposed area consists of 13,254 acres, and stretches from the confluence of the Naches River and Cowiche Creek to the confluence of the Naches and Tieton Rivers.
Washington already has nine such federally-recognized appellations.
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U.S. approves Naches Heights, Washington's 12th wine region
U.S. approves Naches Heights, Washington's 12th wine region
As Washington's wine industry grows in size and stature, grape growers and winemakers continue to define the best places to plant vines. The newest federally recognized viticultural area is near Yakima.
On Wednesday, the U.S. government announced it has approved the Naches Heights American Viticultural Area, a region near the city of Yakima that encompasses 13,254 acres.
Just 37.3 acres of wine grapes are planted in the new AVA, making it the smallest planted wine region in Washington.
Top 10 Northwest wine stories of 2011
Top 10 Northwest wine stories of 2011
It was a busy and exciting year for Northwest wineries as they battled Mother Nature as well as political and economic winds.
The industry lost some giants to death, and the heads of Washington's and Oregon's industries left their positions. Here are the top wine stories of 2011.
1. Washington voters pass Initiative 1183. In November, voters did away with Washington's state liquor stores by passing the Costco-backed Initiative 1183. Many wineries, wine shops and groceries are still trying to sort out the full effect of the new law, but the bottom line is that Washington's largest wine retailer -- liquor stores -- are going away.
Top 10 Northwest wine stories of 2011
Top 10 Northwest wine stories of 2011
It was a busy and exciting year for Northwest wineries as they battled Mother Nature as well as political and economic winds.
The industry lost some giants to death, and the heads of Washington's and Oregon's industries left their positions. Here are the top wine stories of 2011.
1. Washington voters pass Initiative 1183. In November, voters did away with Washington's state liquor stores by passing the Costco-backed Initiative 1183. Many wineries, wine shops and groceries are still trying to sort out the full effect of the new law, but the bottom line is that Washington's largest wine retailer -- liquor stores -- are going away.
Yakima's Vintners Global Resource finds niche selling wine bottles
Yakima's Vintners Global Resource finds niche selling wine bottles
YAKIMA -- The walls of the downtown Yakima offices of Vintners Global Resource are decorated with wine bottles.
Bottles for syrah. Bottles for chardonnay. Bottles for ice wine and champagne.
For founder and president Andy Brassington, these bottles are the foundation of a business that generated $3.3 million in revenue last year.
Wineries plan events for holiday Nov. 25-27
Wineries plan events for holiday Nov. 25-27
Yakima Valley and Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail wineries' Thanksgiving in the Wine Country events are a good time to try a new winery or vintage. The events are free, but some wineries charge a tasting fee and you will need to bring a wine glass.
In Yakima Valley, several wineries will hold a holiday open house with special tastings of wines, music, art displays and discounts on purchases Nov. 25-26.
To find a list of participating wineries, go to http://wineyakimavalley.org or call 509-965-5201.
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