The Yakima Valley wine region is thriving with more to see and do

By Braiden Rex-Johnson

EVERYBODY LOVES a milestone birthday, and last spring the Yakima Valley wine region celebrated 25 years since receiving its designation as Washington state's very first American Viticultural Area (AVA).

Much has changed over the past quarter century, according to longtime Yakima Valley winemaker Kay Simon, co-owner of Chinook Wines with her viticulturist husband, Clay Mackey.

Back then, the wine industry was just a few passionate individuals who were exchanging ideas, advice and equipment, Simon says. "The pioneering spirit that drew many of us to the Yakima Valley over 25 years ago is now being re-energized by the number of new winemakers (and business owners) drawn to the area by the valley's growing reputation."

Today, 50 percent of Washington's wine is grown or produced in the Yakima Valley, and the region boasts more than one-third of the state's 30,000 vineyard acres. Its 60-plus wineries range from heartfelt, mom-and-pop operations such as Chinook, to corporate giants such as The Hogue Cellars and Coventry Vale, a custom crushing and winemaking facility.

Visiting the valley is easier than ever, thanks to more and better places to eat and sleep, easy access by car and several daily flights from Seattle to the Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco. Wine tourists can cram a lot into a single day or plan on a more leisurely two- or three-day visit....read the rest of the story