During the 1980s the Yakima Valley experienced a boom in the planting of new vineyards and the opening of new wineries.

These included Hogue Cellars and Covey Run, both established in 1982, and Chinook Wines in 1983.

Image: Yakima Valley AVA founder Kay Simon, Chinook Wines ... See more

More remarkable vineyards came into being during the following decade. Mike Sauer planted his first three acres of Cabernet Sauvignon at @RedWillowvineyard in 1973.

Forty years later, grapes from Red Willow’s 140 acres supply many of America’s finest winemakers. At almost the same time, in 1975, John Williams and Jim Holmes started with a dozen acres at Kiona on Red Mountain. Today, both @Kionawine and neighboring Ciel du Cheval supply fruit to Washington State’s top wine labels.

Image Red Willow Vineyard ... See more

Today’s Yakima Valley wine landscape likely emerged in 1962, when Associated Vintners purchased a 5.5-acre site near the town of Sunnyside.

It was recommended by the pioneering Bridgeman for its elevation – above frosts along the #Yakimavalleyava floor – and the south-southwest-facing slopes that take advantage of Eastern Washington State’s sunshine. This became the Harrison Hill Vineyard, which is now farmed by the @NewhouseFamily for @DeLilleCellars. ... See more

Following the hiatus of Prohibition, Bridgman opened Upland Winery and initiated some of the earliest varietal labeling for American wines.

Scientific support for viticulture, or the craft of grape growing, began in the Yakima Valley as early as 1917. That same year a 200-acre plot of near the city of Prosser was designated as an agriculture research site.

This facility hired Dr. Walter Clore, who initiated grape plantings that proved vital to the ascent Washington State wine industry.

Image of George Carter, Paul Portteus and Walter Clore. ... See more