The Columbia Gorge AVA (American Viticultural Area) starts at the western edge of the Columbia Valley AVA (of which it is a sub-AVA) and follows the Columbia river westward to include land in both Washington and Oregon. The region includes, or is close to, a number of national landmarks, including Multnomah Falls, Mt Hood and Mt Adams. Since 2004, it has been recognized as an AVA capable of producing high-quality wines.
Most AVAs are granted their appellation status because they have significant differences from surrounding regions in terms of temperature, soil and altitude. Columbia Gorge is distinct because it contains a wide range of different terroirs within a relatively small area – shaped, in part, by nearby Mt Hood and Mt Adams. On the Washington side of the Columbia river, elevations are generally higher than those on the Oregon side, with grapes grown at altitudes from just above sea level to almost 2000ft (609m). The Columbia Gorge runs through the Cascade mountain range and acts as a funnel, channeling in cool air from the Pacific Ocean to replace the hot rising air of the eastern deserts. Moist air comes off the river and blends with the dry desert air to create a cool air flow; this moderates the hot summers and protects the vines from hard winters.
The soils in Columbia Gorge are generally silty loams collected over time from floods, volcanic activity and landslides; most are suitable for quality viticulture. On the Oregon side of the AVA – from Underwood Mountain to west of the Hood river – it is noticeably cooler, with more rain. This part of the region mostly produces crisp, refreshing white wines. To the east, around Lyle, annual rainfall drops by two thirds to an average 10 inches (25cm) and vintners are able to produce big reds.
The diversity of the region means that more than 30 different grape varieties are planted, including Syrah, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Gruner Veltliner, Zinfandel, Pinot Gris, Sangiovese and Riesling. As a result, the Columbia Gorge wine region promotes itself as 'a world of wine in 40 miles'.
