The Wahluke Slope is a dusty, often forgotten corner of Washington wine country. In reality, it is the backbone of the Washington wine industry, thanks to its consistently warm temperatures and ability to ripen grapes.
Established as a federally approved American Viticultural Area in 2005, the region is a 13-mile-wide gravel bar formed by the Ice Age floods some 12,000 years ago. It is bordered on two sides by the Columbia River and has a grape-growing history that dates back to the 1970s.
Because of its warm temperatures, it is well known for growing red wine grapes, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec and Merlot. The region is 81,000 acres in size and is home to nearly 10,000 acres of vineyards. Because of its remote location, there are few wineries there.
Here are 13 delicious wines that feature grapes from the Wahluke Slope. Ask for them at you’re favorite wine shop or contact the winery directly.
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