Welcome To The Yakima Valley Wine Country
Wine Yakima Valley – Soul of the Vine from Voortex Productions on Vimeo.
The Yakima Valley is home to four American Viticultural Areas, with more than 120 wineries and over one third of the state’s vineyards. It has a rich diversity of microclimates, rugged hillsides, and wetlands. These factors contribute to the many wine grape varieties and wine styles achieved from Yakima Valley grapes. The most widely planted varieties are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Riesling.
But the region’s impact and influence on the wine industry haven’t gone to its head. The Yakima Valley remains one of the friendliest, most affordable and laid-back destinations in the state. And the Valley’s approachability is outshined only by the diversity of its wine-themed diversions. Choose a walking tour of tasting rooms in historic downtown Yakima, a leisurely drive from vineyard to pretty vineyard in and around Wapato and Zillah, a stroll through urbane tasting rooms in Prosser or rest easy overnight in a romantic wine-country inn.
Every day is a good day to visit Yakima Valley wine country, but the excursion is even more enchanting during one of the region’s wine-themed celebrations. At Spring Barrel Tasting, which takes place the last full weekend in April, you’ll have the opportunity to sample wine straight from the barrel and stake a claim to the finished product before its even bottled. During Thanksgiving in Wine Country, the region’s wineries invite enthusiasts to celebrate the season of plenty, which is especially fitting in this bountiful agricultural valley. At Red Wine & Chocolate over Presidents’ Day weekend (and close to Valentine’s Day), chocolate lovers and wine devotees come together to enjoy pairings of creamy confections and rich red wines.
Download Useful Washington Wine Country Tools
- Download Yakima Valley Wine Country Wine Tour Map
- Winter Winery Hours for the Yakima Valley Wine Country
- Summer Winery Hours for the Yakima Valley Wine Country
- Different Types of Wine by Winery in the Yakima Valley Wine Country
Plan to Visit Yakima Valley Wine Country
Historic Attractions in the Yakima Valley
Yakima Valley Museum and Children’s Underground Museum
This museum offers historical exhibits of the Yakima Valley’s natural history, American Indian culture, pioneer life, early city life, and the roots and development of the Valley’s fruit industry. It is also home to an exhibit of the Washington D.C. office of former Yakima resident and environmentalist, Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas. A unique attribute is an operating 1930’s Art Deco Soda Fountain where you can order up an old fashioned malt and other ice cream treats.
Yakima Electric Railway Museum
The Yakima Electric Railway Museum is housed in the 1910-built YVT car-barn building which has an ancient belt-driven machine shop, a blacksmith’s shop, a 15-ton crane and the entire collection of Yakima trolleys and electric locomotives.
Yakima Valley Trolleys
Vintage wooden railroad trolley cars give rides over the tracks of the 102-year-old Yakima Valley Transportation Company. The shorter run goes up Pine Street and the longer run goes to Selah.
Yakima Valley Rail & Steam Museum
This unique museum has a restored telegraph office and numerous displays about Pacific Northwest railroads and the Yakima Valley. Outside the depot are many pieces of Northern Pacific railroad rolling stock from cabooses to boxcars and a 1902 steam locomotive undergoing restoration.
American Hop Museum
The only museum of its kind in the United States, this museum features the rich history of the hop industry since the 1500’s. The Yakima Valley produces approximately 70% of the United States hops. The story is told through fascinating murals, displays, photos, implements, and a colonial brewery exhibit.
Central Washington Agriculture Museum
Central Washington Agricultural Museum is 15 acres filled with displays of large farm equipment. From Cletrac crawler tractors to Wind Machines, the informative exhibits help tell how machinery was instrumental in developing the Valley’s fertile lands into one of the most productive agricultural regions in the nation.
Fort Simcoe State Park Heritage Site
Established in 1856 as a result of hostilities between the Native Americans and the white men, Fort Simcoe has become one of the most-visited historical spots in the Yakima Valley. It was home to the infantry who watched over the area in the mid 1800’s and was built as the advance post of the 9th Regiment, United State Infantry in 1855. Its purpose was two fold by protecting the Native Americans against the encroachment of the new settlers on their land and protecting
the settlers against Native Americans rebelling against new restrictions.
Where the West Still Lives, “City of Murals”
Toppenish, the “City of Murals”, has over 65 murals with more in the planning stage. The murals show scenes from the Old West, railroading, rodeos, farming, aviation events, and various historical events. Every mural painted is a historically correct depiction of the area’s history. Enjoy the annual Mural in a Day held the first Saturday of June. Watch several artists bring their paintbrushes to life and complete a mural in one day.
Yakama Nation Cultural Center
The Yakama Nation Cultural Center represents and preserves the history of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. It is comprised of the Yakama Nation Museum, Cultural Center Gift Shop, the Heritage Inn Restaurant, the Heritage Theater and the Yakama Nation Library.
Lodging and Hotels in the Yakima Valley
Contacts in the Yakima Valley Wine Country
Yakima Valley Tourism
10 North 8th Street
Yakima, WA 98901
Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-5pm
Phone: (509) 575-3010
Fax: (509) 575-6252
Toll Free: 800-221-0751
Visitor Information Center
101 North Fair Avenue
Yakima, WA 98901
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9am-5pm | Sun. 10am-4pm
(hours expand for event weekends and shorten in winter months)
Phone: (509) 573-3388
Fax: (509) 573-3389
Toll Free: 800-221-0751
