Washington State Gains Two Wine Appellations

Within the past few months, the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has approved two American Viticultural Areas (AVA)—Lake Chelan and Snipes Mountain.  

Lake Chelan winemakers hope Washington’s newest appellation will continue to expand a reputation for world-class Rieslings and other cool-climate wines that challenge Germany, Austria and Alsace as well as highlight a surprising ability to produce quality reds. The new AVA, located 112 miles east of Seattle on the eastern side of the Cascades, already draws flocks of tourists for its spectacular scenery and outdoor activities. Now the Lake Chelan AVA designation, effective May 29, promises to lure more people to the area’s 15 wineries. The AVA, a subappellation within the Columbia Valley, is Washington’s 11th appellation. The new AVA covers the southernmost 12 miles above the shores of the 55-mile-long glacial lake. Acreages have been planted at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 feet. The main grapes are Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Viognier and Chardonnay, with some Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Pinot Noir. The TTB found that the area differs from the overlapping Columbia Valley AVA because of its volcanic pumice soils and the temperature-moderating effect of the 1,500-foot-deep lake. 

To see more about wineries in the area check out the Columbia Cascade Wines and Wineries site at  -  http://www.columbiacascadewines.com/  -Scott Christie, Realtor, Prudential Mike West Real Estate