Wine History & Science

Discover what makes the Tri-Cities one of the nation's top wine-growing regions!

Did you know that the Tri-Cities shares the same latitude as the world-famous Burgundy and Bordeaux regions of France?

Here, the grapes benefit from:

  • More sunlight hours, maximizing sun exposure for ripening. During the longest days of summer, the Tri-Cities gets 2 more daylight hours each day than Napa Valley!
  • Hot days that ripen the grapes and cool nights that keep up acidity, producing beautifully balanced wines
  • Wind that encourages thicker grape skins, where flavor and tannins develop.
  • Lack of rainfall (the Cascade Mountains cast a rain shadow over Eastern WA) allows for careful control of water to the vines, so the grapes don’t get too plump and watered down.
  • Fertile soil: the multiple Missoula Floods deposited all sorts of nutrients that are ideal for grapevines.

These factors combine to create grapes with concentrated flavors, balanced acidity, and intense color.

Leading the Way with Wine Research

The Tri-Cities is the source of much groundbreaking innovation thanks to wine research, and is home to the largest and most advanced wine science center in the world: the Wine Science Center at Washington State University Tri-Cities.

The state-of-the-art Wine Science Center is a collaborative effort with the wine industry and is a hub for teaching, research, and extension, setting new standards in wine education and research worldwide.

While public tours are not available at the Wine Science Center, you can read about their work on their website: https://tricities.wsu.edu/wine-science/

Listen & Learn

Planning your adventure? Go beyond the trail with this episode of the Washington State Hiking Podcast. Hosted by outdoor writer and hiking expert Jennie, each episode features local experts who share the stories, history, geology, wildlife, and hidden details that make these destinations unique. Listen before you go—or on the drive to the trailhead—for a deeper appreciation of the landscapes you'll experience.


How Ice Age Floods Shaped Washington Wine Country

The rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and world-class vineyards of Washington wine country all share the same origin story.

In this episode, Jennie and Craig are joined by Cameron Parry, director of winemaking at J. Bookwalter Winery and an avid hiker, to explore how the Ice Age Floods transformed the Columbia Basin into the landscape we see today.

Along the way, Cameron shares insights into the region's unique geology, how it influences Washington wine, and even offers a few hiking and wine pairing recommendations.

Whether you're exploring local trails, visiting wineries, or both, this conversation provides a fascinating look at the forces that shaped the Heart of Washington Wine Country.

Washington State Hiking Podcast

Uncork Adventure

From renowned names to hidden gems, there’s a winery to tantalize every palate. With stunning views, delectable bites alongside tastings, and award-winning varietals, the Tri-Cities promises an unforgettable wine adventure.