Yakima Valley is Washington State’s oldest federally recognized AVA and a major subregion of the Columbia Valley, defined by a dry, sunny climate, irrigation from the Yakima River, varied elevations, and large day-to-night temperature shifts that preserve acidity. Its diverse soils and mesoclimates support Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Riesling, while distinctive nested areas such as Red Mountain, Snipes Mountain, and Rattlesnake Hills add further regional character.