Columbia Valley

**Columbia Valley** ... — a vast wine region in the northwestern United States, covering much of eastern Washington and reaching into Oregon along the Columbia River. It is the backbone of Washington State's wine industry. **Wines & grapes** — a broad, balanced range led by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah among reds, with Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc among whites. **Character** — sheltered from Pacific rain by the Cascade Mountains, this high desert sees hot, sunny days and cold nights, plus long summer daylight at its northern latitude. That combination ripens grapes fully while preserving acidity, giving reds both power and freshness, and irrigation from the river makes viticulture possible in an otherwise arid landscape. **Good to know** — it is an umbrella appellation containing many notable smaller districts.

Wines

• "Konner Ray" Columbia Valley — Smasne Cellars
• 1/2 Ass Red — Smasne Cellars
• Albariño — Category 5
• Albariño Affinity — Alexandria Nicole
• Albariño Proprietor's Reserve — Maryhill
• Board Track Racer Malbec — Mark Ryan Winery
• CS — Substance
• Cabernet Franc — Olympic Cellars Winery
• Cabernet Franc — Pondera
• Cabernet Franc Candy Ridge Vineyard — Kitzke Cellars
• Cabernet Sauvignon — Gordon Estate
• Cabernet Sauvignon — Drumheller
• Cabernet Sauvignon — H3 Wines
• Cabernet Sauvignon — Chateau Ste. Michelle
• Cabernet Sauvignon — Precision Wine Company
• Cabernet Sauvignon — Three Rivers Winery
• Cabernet Sauvignon — Neal Cellars
• Cabernet Sauvignon — Gamache Vintners
• Cabernet Sauvignon — Maryhill
• Cabernet Sauvignon — Pondera