Washington & Oregon

Question 1

Columbia Valley AVA

Answer 1

Columbia River Basin, Washington
- Largest appellation in the state
— One quarter of Washington’s landmass!
- Dips into Oregon
- Contains WA’s other significant AVAs
— Yakima Valley, Walla Walla, Horse Heaven Hills

Question 2

Yakima Valley AVA

Answer 2

Eastern Washington
- Washington’s first AVA (1983)
- Follows Yakima River
- Contains five nested AVAs
— Rattlesnake Hills: High elevation, Merlot & Riesling
— Red Mountain: WA’s warmest growing region, Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 3

Walla Walla Valley AVA

Answer 3

Southern Washington, Northern Oregon
- Shared between two states
- The best wine from either state
- Loess!! Formed from the accumulation of wind blown dust
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah

Question 4

Willamette Valley

Answer 4

Oregon
- Between two mountain ranges: Coastal Range (W) and Cascades (E)
- Pinot Noir is King
— David Lett pioneered the area in 1960s

Question 5

David Lett

Answer 5

• Papa Pinot
• American whom pioneered wine growing in the Willamette Valley of Oregon
• Founded Eyrie Vineyards in the Dundee Hills AVA

Question 6

Oregon Wine Law

Answer 6

• Oregon labeling laws are MORE strict than federal laws
• Varietal wines: 90% (Federal: 75%)
• Labeled by AVA: 95% (Federal: 85%)

Question 7

L’Ecole 41

Answer 7

Walla Walla, Columbia Valley, Washington
- Third winery in Walla Walla (1983)
- Old vine varietal and Bordeaux blends

Question 8

Argyle Winery

Answer 8

Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon
- BUBBLES! Best outside of Champagne?!
- Vintage dated, extended aging on the lees (up to 10 years!), disgorged on demand