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Walla Walla Wine Country Facts

Essential statistics and facts about one of America's premier wine destinations. Data sourced from the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance and regional tourism reports.

Last updated: January 2026

120+

Wineries

400K+

Annual Visitors

3,000

Vineyard Acres

$260M

Annual Tourism Impact

🍇Wine Production Statistics

Total Wineries120+
Planted Vineyard Acreage3,000+ acres
Grape Varieties Grown40+
AVA Established1984
First Winery Founded1977 (Leonetti Cellar)
Washington State Ranking2nd largest AVA

🍷Top Grape Varieties

1

Cabernet Sauvignon

Bold, age-worthy reds with dark fruit and firm tannins

2

Syrah

Peppery, complex wines in both bold and elegant styles

3

Merlot

Soft, approachable reds with plum and cherry notes

4

Cabernet Franc

Aromatic reds with herbal notes and silky texture

5

Chardonnay

Premium whites from both oaked and unoaked styles

6

Viognier

Aromatic whites with stone fruit and floral notes

📊Tourism Statistics

Annual Wine Tourists528,000
Annual Visitor Spending$260 million
Peak SeasonMay - October
Harvest SeasonAugust - October
Average Tasting Fee$15 - $30
Visitor ProfileHigher-end, travel-inclined

🌡️Climate & Geography

Elevation800 - 1,800 feet
Summer High Temps85°F - 95°F
Growing Degree Days2,800 - 3,200
Annual Rainfall12 - 15 inches
Daylight (Summer)Up to 17 hours
Primary Soil TypesLoess, Basalt, Alluvial

📜Historical Timeline

1977

Leonetti Cellar founded, the first commercial winery

1981

Woodward Canyon Winery established

1984

Walla Walla Valley AVA officially designated

2001

The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater gains recognition

2015

The Rocks District AVA established

2020

Over 120 wineries operating in the valley

2024

Wine tourism rebounds to record levels

Frequently Asked Questions

Walla Walla Valley has over 120 wineries, making it one of the most concentrated wine regions in the United States. Most are within a 30-mile radius of downtown Walla Walla.
Approximately 400,000 wine tourists visit Walla Walla annually, contributing significantly to the local economy. The region has been named America's Best Wine Region multiple times.
Walla Walla excels with Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot. The region also produces excellent Bordeaux blends, Tempranillo, and white varieties like Chardonnay and Viognier.
The modern Walla Walla wine industry began in 1977 with the founding of Leonetti Cellar. The Walla Walla Valley AVA was established in 1984, making it one of Washington's original appellations.

Experience the Valley

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Data Sources

Statistics compiled from official sources including:

  • •Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance
  • •Washington State Wine Commission
  • •Visit Walla Walla
  • •Regional tourism reports

Last verified: January 2026

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